Strawberry shortcake trifle is one of my favorite desserts from my childhood. Layers of angel food cake, sweet strawberries, and homemade whipped cream make this trifle fruity and lighter than air. It’s the perfect dessert to serve on hot summer days!
I remember as a child, one of my aunts always made a strawberry shortcake trifle for our annual family reunion. All the kids and I would eat as fast as we could so we could get a piece before it was all gone. Now, I love making it for my own children who love it as much as I do! It’s also like a forkful of summertime with every bite.
What’s in This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe?
- Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add delicious strawberry flavor to this dish. Unfortunately, you can’t use frozen strawberries for this recipe because the strawberries will become very mushy and will make the angel food cake soggy.
- Lemon Juice: Helps preserve the fresh flavor of the strawberries.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the strawberries and draws out their juices, while powdered sugar sweetens the whipped cream.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whips up to create a luscious whipped cream.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the natural flavor of the cream.
- Strawberry Jam: Enhances the strawberry flavor of this dessert.
- Angel Food Cake: I used a store-bought one to keep this recipe easy, but homemade works well when I have extra time.
Email This Recipe
Enter your email and we’ll send the recipe directly to you!
How to Store
Store leftover strawberry shortcake trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Tips for Success
- Macerating is similar to marinating. Fruit can be macerated by soaking it in a mixture of sugar and liqueur or fruit juice. The mixture is then set aside to soften and release its natural juices.
- You can use substitute almond extract for vanilla in your whipped cream.
- Serve this trifle in one big dish or in individual trifle cups.
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from ½ lemon)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup strawberry jam
- 2 tablespoons water
- 20 ounces angel food cake cubed (1 cake)
Equipment
- Kitchen Scale (optional)
- Hand Mixer
Instructions
- Combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Set them aside to macerate for at least 15 minutes (but no longer than 1 hour).3 cups sliced strawberries, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream and vanilla until well combined and fluffy.2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Add in the powdered sugar gradually and continue mixing until soft peaks form. Place in the fridge to chill until ready to use.1 cup powdered sugar
- While the whipped cream chills, combine the strawberry jam and water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave until warm, about 45 seconds. Whisk to combine. Set aside until ready to use.¼ cup strawberry jam, 2 tablespoons water
- In a trifle bowl or other clear container, place down a layer of angel food cake cubes, top with a layer of whipped cream, drizzle on the sauce, and finish off with a layer of strawberries. Continue layering until all the components are used or the dish is filled completely.20 ounces angel food cake
Leave a Review