Strawberry Shortcake Trifle: 7 Layers of Pure Delight

Posted on January 20, 2026

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Difficulty

Prep time

Cooking time

Total time

Servings

Oh, let me tell you about the incredible joy that is *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle*! Imagine layers upon layers of fluffy vanilla cake, luscious strawberry sauce, and billowy whipped cream – each bite is a little piece of heaven. This dessert is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of summer, family, and sunshine! I’ll never forget the first time I made it for a family picnic. Everyone gathered around, and as I pulled out that trifle dish, the gasps of delight were almost as sweet as the dessert itself! It’s become a staple for our gatherings, turning any ordinary day into a special occasion. The vibrant colors and layers make it not only delicious but also a stunning centerpiece. You really can’t go wrong with this recipe, and I promise it’ll steal the show at your next event. Trust me, you’re going to want to dive right into this delightful Strawberry Shortcake Trifle!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making your *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle* a showstopper! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Vanilla Cake
    • 3 cups (390g) all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 tsp baking soda
    • 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 1/2 cups (336g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
    • 2 cups (414g) sugar
    • 4 egg whites
    • 3 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk
  • Strawberry Sauce
    • 1 lb strawberries, pureed
    • 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
    • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped Cream
    • 2 3/4 cups (660ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
    • 1 1/2 cup (173g) powdered sugar
    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
    • 2 lbs strawberries, chopped (about 5 cups)

Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing and that the strawberries are fresh for that unbeatable flavor. Ready to whip up something amazing? Let’s get started!

How to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Now, let’s get into the fun part – preparing your *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle*! The steps are simple, and I promise, the result is absolutely worth it. Just follow along, and soon you’ll have a stunning dessert that will wow everyone!

Baking the Vanilla Cake

First things first, we need to bake that fluffy vanilla cake! Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9×13 inch cake pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy – it should look like a cloud! Next, add in the egg whites and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Gradually add in your flour mixture and milk, alternating between them, mixing just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool completely before moving on!

Making the Strawberry Sauce

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to whip up that luscious strawberry sauce! In a medium saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries, sugar, and 3/4 tsp of vanilla extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a boil. Once it’s bubbling, let it boil for about one minute, then remove from heat. Let that beautiful sauce cool down to room temperature while you prepare the whipped cream.

Whipping the Cream

For the whipped cream, you’ll want everything nice and cold! In a large mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and 1 tbsp of vanilla extract. Whip on high speed until you reach stiff peaks – this is key for a light and airy texture. You want it to hold its shape beautifully when layered in the trifle. Be careful not to over-whip, or you might end up with butter instead of cream!

Assembling the Trifle

Now comes the best part – assembling your trifle! Grab a beautiful trifle dish and start with a layer of the vanilla cake at the bottom. On top of that, add about half of the chopped strawberries, followed by half of the strawberry sauce, and then a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat this layering process with another layer of cake, strawberries, and sauce, finishing with the remaining whipped cream piped on top in swirls. Garnish with a few extra strawberries for that pop of color. Ta-da! You’ve created a masterpiece that’s just waiting to be devoured!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore this *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle*! Here are just a few:

  • Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and basic ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dessert comes together.
  • Delicious Layers: The combination of fluffy vanilla cake, sweet strawberry sauce, and rich whipped cream creates a taste explosion in every bite.
  • Stunning Presentation: This trifle is a feast for the eyes! Its beautiful layers make it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize it with different fruits or cake flavors to suit your taste or seasonal ingredients.

Trust me, once you make this trifle, you’ll want to share it with everyone!

Tips for Success

To ensure your *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle* turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh strawberries are key to vibrant flavor. Don’t skimp on quality!
  • Cool the Cake Completely: Let your vanilla cake cool fully before layering. This prevents the whipped cream from melting and keeps everything intact.
  • Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
  • Layer Wisely: Be generous with your layers but ensure they’re even. This keeps the trifle balanced and visually appealing.
  • Chill Your Tools: For the best whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand. It makes a noticeable difference!

These simple tricks will help you create a trifle that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle - detail 2

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying your *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle*, it’s always good to know what you’re indulging in! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general breakdown per serving:

  • Calories: 840
  • Fat: 45.2 g
  • Protein: 10.4 g
  • Carbohydrates: 101.5 g
  • Sugar: 72.7 g
  • Sodium: 274 mg
  • Cholesterol: 127.3 mg

Enjoy every delicious bite, and remember, this delightful treat is perfect for special occasions!

FAQ Section

Got questions about your *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle*? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers:

  • Can I make the cake ahead of time? Absolutely! The vanilla cake can be baked a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to assemble.
  • What if I don’t have fresh strawberries? No worries! You can use frozen strawberries for the sauce, just make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess water.
  • How long will the trifle last in the fridge? Your trifle will stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap to keep it safe.
  • Can I substitute other fruits? Yes! Feel free to mix it up with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a delicious twist!

Hopefully, these answers help you create the perfect trifle!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your *Strawberry Shortcake Trifle* is super easy! If you have any leftovers, simply cover the trifle dish loosely with plastic wrap or foil. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 2-3 days. Just be sure to keep it chilled to maintain that delightful whipped cream texture!

Now, I wouldn’t recommend reheating the trifle since the whipped cream won’t hold up well. Instead, serve it cold straight from the fridge for that refreshing taste. If you’ve made individual servings, just pop them in the fridge, and they’ll be ready to enjoy when you are!

For more recipes follow me in page Pinterest.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle: 7 Layers of Pure Delight


  • Author: Belinda
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delicious Strawberry Shortcake Trifle layered with vanilla cake, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Vanilla Cake
  • 3 cups (390g) all purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 2 3/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 cups (336g) unsalted butter, room temp
  • 2 cups (414g) sugar
  • 4 egg whites
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (360ml) milk
  • Strawberry Sauce
  • 1 lb strawberries, pureed
  • 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • Whipped Cream
  • 2 3/4 cups (660ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 1/2 cup (173g) powdered sugar
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 lbs strawberries, chopped (about 5 cups)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Grease a 9×13 cake pan.
  2. Combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt in a medium sized bowl. Set aside.
  3. Beat the butter and sugar in a large bowl on medium speed about 2 minutes, until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  4. Add the egg whites and vanilla and beat on medium speed until well combined and smooth.
  5. Add about a third of the flour mixture to the batter and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
  6. Add about half of the milk and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
  7. Add another third of the flour mixture and beat until incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  8. Add the remaining milk and beat on medium speed until incorporated.
  9. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  10. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake will be browned on top.
  11. When the cake is done, set aside to cool.
  12. To make the strawberry sauce, add the strawberry puree, sugar and vanilla extract to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it begins to boil, stirring occasionally.
  13. Allow sauce to boil for one minute, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  14. When everything has cooled, make the whipped cream. Add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar and vanilla extract to a large mixer bowl and whip on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  15. To layer everything in the trifle dish, add a layer of cake on the bottom, then about half of the chopped strawberries, about half of the strawberry sauce, then about half of the whipped cream.
  16. Add a second layer of cake, strawberries and strawberry sauce, then pipe the remaining whipped cream on top in swirls. Add a few additional strawberries on top as decoration.

Notes

  • You may not need to use all of the cake for the trifle.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Slice
  • Calories: 840
  • Sugar: 72.7 g
  • Sodium: 274 mg
  • Fat: 45.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 101.5 g
  • Protein: 10.4 g
  • Cholesterol: 127.3 mg

Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Trifle, Trifle, Dessert, Cake

You might also like these recipes

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating