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The Best Ever Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Close-up of a square slice of strawberry shortcake trifle showing layers of sponge cake, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream topping.
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Assemble this impressive, layered dessert combining fresh strawberries, creamy filling, and soft cake. This easy trifle recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion needing a crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen sliced strawberries, thawed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 (10 ounce) package frozen angel food cake or pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the thawed strawberries, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir gently and let the strawberries macerate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other components.
  2. Prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to package directions, using the cold milk. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This creates your fluffy cream layer.
  4. Begin assembling the trifle in a large glass trifle bowl or individual serving dishes. Start with a layer of cake cubes on the bottom.
  5. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries (and their juice) over the cake layer.
  6. Spread half of the prepared vanilla pudding evenly over the strawberries.
  7. Top the pudding layer with half of the whipped cream mixture.
  8. Repeat the layers: cake cubes, the remaining strawberries and juice, the remaining pudding, and finally, the remaining whipped cream.
  9. Cover the trifle and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the cake to absorb moisture and the flavors to blend.
  10. Garnish the top with fresh mint leaves, if desired, just before serving your elegant layered dessert.

Notes

  • You can substitute the angel food cake with pound cake for a denser texture.
  • For a make-ahead dessert, assemble all layers except the top layer of whipped cream. Keep chilled and add the final whipped cream layer just before serving.
  • If you prefer a cheesecake flavor, use cheesecake-flavored pudding mix instead of vanilla.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delicerecipe.com/strawberry-shortcake-trifle-recipe/