– **Title**: Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 recipe of homemade or store-bought pound cake or sponge cake, cut into cubes (approximately 4 cups)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for the whipped cream)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Mix well and let sit for about 30 minutes to allow the strawberries to release their juices.
2. While the strawberries are macerating, prepare the whipped cream. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the whipped cream, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
4. In a trifle dish or individual serving cups, layer half of the cubed cake at the bottom.
5. Spoon half of the macerated strawberries (with their juices) on top of the cake layer.
6. Add half of the whipped cream on top of the strawberries, spreading it evenly.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake cubes, strawberries, and whipped cream.
8. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld. Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Trifle!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Strawberries: The star of this dessert! Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with raspberries or blueberries for a beautiful twist.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps to macerate the strawberries, drawing out their natural juices. If you prefer a healthier option, try using honey or agave syrup to sweeten the strawberries.
Cake Mix: A boxed vanilla cake mix makes this dessert easy. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade vanilla cake is a delicious option. For gluten-free needs, look for a gluten-free cake mix instead.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This gives your trifle its rich, creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use coconut cream or a whipped topping alternative. Watch the consistency if using alternatives, as they may whip differently.
What’s the Best Way to Whip Cream?
Whipping the cream to perfection is key for a fluffy trifle. Start with cold heavy cream for better volume. Follow these tips for success:
- Use a chilled mixing bowl and beaters; this helps maintain cold temperatures.
- Begin whisking on medium speed until soft peaks form.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla gradually, then increase speed until you reach stiff peaks. Don’t over-whip, as it can turn buttery!
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Trifle?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Trifle:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 box of vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients required for baking)
- 1 cup vanilla pudding (prepared)
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Additional strawberries, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Strawberry Shortcake Trifle takes about 30 minutes of prep time and an additional 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. You’ll spend time preparing the strawberries, baking the cake, and whipping up the cream—then just let it chill to become a delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Strawberries:
Start by slicing the strawberries and placing them in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the strawberries and give them a gentle stir. Let this sit for about 30 minutes. This process, called maceration, will help the strawberries become juicy and sweet!
2. Bake the Cake:
While the strawberries are macerating, prepare the vanilla cake mix according to the package instructions. Bake it according to the directions, then allow it to cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into small cubes—this will be the base of your trifle.
3. Whip the Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, mixing until stiff peaks form. This fluffy cream is what makes the trifle extra special!
4. Layer the Trifle:
Grab a trifle dish or a large bowl and start layering your ingredients. Begin with a layer of cake cubes at the bottom, followed by a generous layer of the macerated strawberries along with some of their delicious juices. Next, add a layer of the prepared vanilla pudding, and then finish with a layer of the whipped cream.
5. Repeat Layers:
Continue creating layers until you’ve used up all your ingredients. End with a lovely layer of whipped cream on top. If you’d like, get a little creative and pipe some extra whipped cream or use a spatula to make decorative swirls.
6. Garnish and Chill:
To make it even prettier, top the last layer of whipped cream with fresh strawberry slices for garnish. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Chill it for at least 2 hours—this helps all the flavors blend together beautifully!
7. Serve:
When you’re ready to enjoy, simply spoon the trifle into individual bowls or serve straight from the trifle dish. Dig in and savor the delightful layers of strawberry goodness in your Strawberry Shortcake Trifle!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them first! Once thawed, drain any excess liquid to avoid making the trifle soggy. You may want to adjust the sugar slightly based on the sweetness of the strawberries.
Can I Make This Trifle Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the trifle a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just keep in mind that the cake may absorb some of the juices from the strawberries, making it even more flavorful. Simply add the garnished strawberries just before serving to keep them fresh.
What Can I Substitute for the Vanilla Cake Mix?
If you’d like to make a homemade cake, you can substitute the box cake mix with your favorite vanilla cake recipe! Alternatively, you could use angel food cake for a lighter option or even a pound cake for a denser texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the layers may soften over time, but the flavor will still be delicious!
