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Get ready to dig into this amazing strawberry trifle! Layers of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy pound cake come together to create the ultimate summer dessert!

Trifles are a classic English dessert, and if you’ve never made one before, here’s your sign to! Try this chocolate trifle or lemon berry trifle next!

Hero image of strawberry trifle. All of the layers can be seen through the glass dish.

Strawberry Trifle Recipe

Let me introduce you to the mouthwatering dessert that is strawberry trifle. It’s a fruity dessert dream come true! Imagine layers of sweet strawberries, soft pound cake, and a creamy mix of cheesecake pudding and whipped cream. The strawberries get all juicy and sugary, soaking the cake with flavor. The creamy part is light and fluffy, making each spoonful heavenly. Oh, and don’t forget the zesty orange twist—it adds a little zing to the whole thing!

So, why should you give this strawberry trifle a try? Well, it’s a total crowd-pleaser! Perfect for family gatherings, BBQs, or just treating yourself to a delicious dessert. You can even get creative and add your favorite fruits or toppings. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. So, go ahead and indulge in this delightful strawberry trifle—you won’t regret it! Your taste buds will thank you, big time! Psst- for more great strawberry desserts, find my full list of recipes here.

6 Ingredients to Make It

The nice thing about strawberry trifle is it’s simple, simple, simple! You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make it.

  • Fresh Strawberries: We’re talking juicy, sweet, and totally scrumptious! They soak in sugar, becoming even more amazing and adding that fruity kick we all love.
  • Pound Cake: It’s soft, spongy, and so dang good. Cut it into cubes, and it soaks up all the tasty flavors, giving the trifle that perfect texture.
  • Instant Cheesecake Pudding: For some creamy goodness! This stuff brings the rich and indulgent taste we crave. Mix it up with the whipped cream, and it’s a match made in dessert heaven.
  • Whole Milk: The creamy base for the pudding, making everything smooth and velvety.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection! Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy layer that’s pure bliss.
  • Orange Zest: A little zest, a lot of flavor! It adds a little tangy yum to the mix.

How to Make Strawberry Trifle

Make sure you leave yourself enough time for the strawberries to soften properly and the trifle to chill in the fridge. Trust me, a good trifle is one that has had time to sit and let all the flavors and creamy layers meld! It’s so much better this way.

  1. Macerate Strawberries: Add the sliced strawberries and sugar to a bowl and set aside for 30 minutes so the strawberries can macerate. After 30 minutes have passed, strain out the syrupy liquid and save for soaking the cake.
  2. Prepare Creamy Filling: While the strawberries macerate, whisk together the pudding powder and milk in a large bowl and then set aside while it thickens. In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the cream and orange zest until stiff peaks form. Then fold the pudding into the whipped cream.
  3. Cake Layer: Layer 1/2 of the pound cake on the bottom of the trifle dish. Brush with about 1/2 of the syrup and then top with 1/2 of the strawberries. You can stand sliced strawberries against the glass to form a decorative edge, but it isn’t necessary.
  4. Cream Layer: Add 1/2 of the cream mixture on top of the strawberries and then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: pound cake, syrup, strawberries, and cream. Set in the fridge for 1-2 hours so all the flavors can meld.
  5. Add Toppings and Serve: When ready to serve, decorate the top with more strawberries and enjoy!
6-photo collage of the strawberries and cream cheese layer being prepared.

Tips and Variations

Here’s how to make a delicious strawberry trifle, no matter what you have on hand!

  • Use Lemon Zest: The orange zest in the cream can be replaced with lemon or omitted completely.
  • Use Homemade Pound Cake: If you prefer homemade pound cake, use this classic recipe or a sour cream pound cake for a little bit of tang.
  • Use Cool Whip: The whipped cream can be replaced with 16 ounces of thawed whipped topping. Fold in the orange zest before spooning over the berries.
  • Reduce Sugar: The amount of sugar on the berries can be reduced according to your preferences, but this will also reduce the amount of syrup you have after the strawberries macerate.
Strawberry trifle in 2 dessert serving dishes.

How Long Does Strawberry Trifle Last?

Trifles have a pretty short shelf life, lasting only about 1 day. This trifle is best made the same day it is to be served, preferably 1-2 hours before serving.

If you do have leftovers, they may be kept chilled in the fridge for 1 day.

Top-down view of strawberry trifle.

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Strawberry Trifle

By: Alyssa Rivers
Get ready to dig into this amazing strawberry trifle! Layers of juicy strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and fluffy pound cake come together to create the ultimate summer dessert!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 People

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Add the sliced strawberries and sugar to a bowl and set aside for 30 minutes so the strawberries can macerate. After 30 minutes have passed, strain out the syrupy liquid and save for soaking the cake.
  • While the strawberries macerate, whisk together the pudding powder and milk in a large bowl and set aside while it thickens. In another large bowl, use a hand mixer to whip the cream and orange zest until stiff peaks form. Fold the pudding into the whipped cream.
  • Layer 1/2 of the pound cake on the bottom of the trifle dish. Brush with about 1/2 of the syrup and then top with 1/2 of the strawberries. You can stand sliced strawberries against the glass to form a decorative edge, but it isn't necessary.
  • Add 1/2 of the cream mixture on top of the strawberries and then repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: pound cake, syrup, strawberries, and cream. Set in the fridge for 1-2 hours so all the flavors can meld.
  • When ready to serve, decorate the top with more strawberries and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 91mgSodium: 421mgPotassium: 199mgFiber: 1gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 720IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 112mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: English
Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

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