Easy Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe Perfect for Summer Dessert
A simple, comforting layered dessert featuring fluffy cake, sweetened whipped cream with cream cheese, and juicy fresh strawberries. Perfect for summer gatherings and quick to prepare.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound cake or angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- Optional: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Macerate the strawberries: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and optional lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- Prepare the creamy layer: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
- Assemble the trifle: Layer cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle bowl or cups. Add a layer of creamy mixture, then a layer of macerated strawberries with juices. Repeat layers, finishing with creamy layer and garnish with whole or halved strawberries.
- Chill the assembled trifle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best texture. Macerate strawberries to release juices and avoid sogginess. Fold whipped cream gently to keep it airy. Chill trifle at least 1 hour for best flavor and texture. Can substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese for dairy-free version. Gluten-free cake options can be used for gluten-free diet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup per serv
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 19
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 33
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, summer dessert, easy dessert, layered dessert, creamy dessert, fresh strawberries