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- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced - 1 pound angel food cake, cubed - 2 cups heavy cream To make a great trifle, start with fresh strawberries. Look for ripe, red berries. The taste of fresh strawberries makes the dessert shine. You can use homemade or store-bought angel food cake. This cake is light and fluffy. Heavy cream is essential for the whipped topping. It creates a rich and creamy layer. - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract We add granulated sugar to the strawberries. This helps them release their juices and become sweet. Powdered sugar is used in the whipped cream. It adds a smooth sweetness. Vanilla extract gives the cream a warm flavor. These sweeteners create a lovely balance in your trifle. - Fresh mint leaves - Additional berries Garnishing is important for a nice look. Fresh mint leaves add a pop of green. They also bring a fresh taste. You can add more berries on top for color. This makes your trifle not just tasty but also pretty. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, I combine 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced, with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice in a medium bowl. I toss them gently to coat the strawberries well. This is the key step for flavor. I let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes. This resting time allows the strawberries to soften and release their juices. The result is a sweet, syrupy mix that will add moisture and flavor to the trifle. Next, I whip the cream. I pour 2 cups of heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, I whip the cream until soft peaks form. This means I stop when the cream starts to hold its shape but is still soft. Now, I gradually add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. I continue whipping until I achieve firm peaks. This means the cream holds its shape well and is perfect for layering. Now comes the fun part: assembling the trifle! I start by adding a generous layer of cubed angel food cake at the bottom of a trifle dish or individual glasses. This is about 1 pound of cake, either store-bought or homemade. Next, I spoon a layer of the macerated strawberries over the cake. I make sure to include some of the sweet juice. This ensures the cake absorbs flavor without getting too soggy. After the strawberries, I add a luscious layer of whipped cream. I smooth it out gently with a spatula for an even finish. I repeat this layering process, alternating between angel food cake, strawberries, and whipped cream. I keep going until all my ingredients are used. Finally, I top it off with a layer of whipped cream. To make it look stunning, I garnish the top with a few fresh strawberries and mint leaves. This brightens up the trifle and adds a nice touch. To make great whipped cream, start with cold heavy cream. Use a clean bowl and beaters. This helps the cream whip up quickly. Avoid overwhipping. It can turn grainy and lose its smoothness. Aim for soft peaks first. Then, add the powdered sugar and vanilla slowly. Keep whipping until you see firm peaks. This means the cream will hold its shape well. When you layer your trifle, think about how it will look. Begin with cake at the bottom. Then, add strawberries and whipped cream. Make sure each layer is even. This helps with the final look. To prevent soggy layers, let the strawberries sit with sugar for just 15 minutes. This draws out some juice but keeps them firm. Chill your trifle before serving. Cold layers taste best and look great. Use clear glasses or a trifle dish. It shows off the beautiful layers of cake, fruit, and cream. Garnish with extra strawberries and mint. This adds color and freshness. Serve with a spoon, and let everyone dig in! Pro Tips Use Fresh Strawberries: Always opt for fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Look for bright red berries with a shiny exterior. Chill Your Cream: For the best whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. Cold utensils help the cream whip up faster and hold its shape better. Layering Technique: When layering, ensure each layer is even and reaches the edges of the dish for a beautiful presentation. This also helps with even flavor distribution. Make Ahead: You can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the whipped cream and macerated strawberries separately in the fridge and assemble just before serving for optimal freshness. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your trifle by using different fruits. Blueberries and peaches work great! They add a new taste and color. You can also swap the angel food cake for pound cake. This will give you a denser base that pairs well with the creamy layers. Each fruit or cake choice brings a new twist to this classic dessert. If you want a dairy-free or vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It whips up nicely and adds a tropical taste. For the cake, try a vegan sponge cake. There are many great recipes online. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free cake mixes. These simple swaps make the trifle friendly for many diets. The toppings make your trifle unique. You can add sauces or jams for extra flavor. A berry sauce drizzled on top is a nice touch. Experimenting with flavored whipped cream can also be fun! Try adding cocoa powder for chocolate cream or a splash of orange zest for a citrus kick. This way, each trifle can be a new experience. You can store your Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in the fridge for up to three days. To keep it fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This prevents air from drying it out. Also, try to keep the trifle in the coldest part of the fridge. This will help maintain the cream's texture and flavor. Can you freeze Strawberry Shortcake Trifle? Yes, but it's best to freeze only the components. The cake and strawberries freeze well, but the whipped cream does not. For freezing, place the cake and strawberries in airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw them overnight in the fridge. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Before serving, check the trifle for freshness. If it seems a bit soggy, you can add a new layer of whipped cream. This will brighten it up and add a nice texture. If the strawberries look too soft, you can replace them with fresh ones. Adjusting these small details can make your trifle look and taste great again. To make the cream stiffer, you can use a few simple tricks. First, chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping. Cold tools help the cream whip better. Second, add cornstarch or gelatin to the cream. These ingredients can help hold the shape of the whipped cream longer. Use one tablespoon of cornstarch or one teaspoon of gelatin for two cups of cream. Just mix them in before whipping. Lastly, whip the cream to firm peaks. This means the cream should stand tall and not fall over. Yes, you can prepare the trifle in advance! Make it a day ahead for the best flavor. Just keep it in the fridge. Layer the ingredients as normal, but do not add the whipped cream until just before serving. This keeps the cream light and fluffy. You can also prepare the strawberries and cake ahead of time. Store them in separate containers. When it’s time to serve, layer the whipped cream on top and enjoy! You have many options for fruits in your trifle. Here are some fun ideas: - Blueberries add a pop of color and flavor. - Peaches bring a sweet and juicy touch. - Raspberries offer a tart contrast to the sweet cream. - Bananas add a creamy texture and good taste. - Tropical fruits like mango or pineapple can give a refreshing twist. Feel free to mix and match fruits based on what’s in season. This keeps your trifle exciting and new! To prevent the cake from getting soggy, layer with care. First, use a thicker layer of cake at the bottom. This helps absorb less juice from the strawberries. You can also lightly toast the cake before using. This gives it a slight crispness that helps. Next, don’t let the strawberries sit too long before layering. Use them right after mixing with sugar. Lastly, assemble your trifle just before serving when possible. This keeps all the layers fresh and tasty! The blog post explored how to make a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. We discussed key ingredients like strawberries, heavy cream, and angel food cake. I shared steps to prep strawberries, whip cream, and assemble the trifle. Tips on creating layers and serving suggestions enhance your trifle experience. Remember, variations in fruits and dietary needs can make this dessert fit everyone. For the best flavor and texture, follow the storage guidelines. Enjoy crafting your trifle and impressing your guests!

Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Delight

A delightful layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, angel food cake, and whipped cream.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 pound angel food cake, cubed
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 half cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure the strawberries are evenly coated. Let the mixture rest for about 15 minutes, allowing the strawberries to soften and release their delicious juices.
  • In a separate large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until the cream reaches firm peaks that hold their shape.
  • In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, begin creating your layers. First, add a generous layer of the cubed angel food cake at the bottom.
  • Spoon a layer of the macerated strawberries, along with some of their sweet juice, over the cake cubes, ensuring the strawberries are evenly spread.
  • Following the strawberries, add a luscious layer of whipped cream, smoothing it out gently with a spatula for an even finish.
  • Repeat the layering process: alternate angel food cake, strawberries, and whipped cream until all components are used up, making sure to top off with a final layer of whipped cream.
  • For a stunning presentation, garnish the top layer with a scattering of fresh strawberries and a few sprigs of mint leaves, adding a vibrant touch of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve well chilled for best flavor and presentation.
Keyword dessert, layered, strawberry, trifle, whipped cream