Description
Layered strawberry shortcake trifles bring summer’s sweetest memories to life with delicate cake, creamy mascarpone, and fresh berries. Elegant dessert glasses showcase luscious flavors that dance across palates, inviting you to savor each delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
- 3 cups fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- Whole strawberries
- Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
Sweeteners and Flavoring:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon (tbsp) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (tsp) vanilla extract
Cake Mix Additional Ingredients:
- Eggs (as listed on box)
- Oil (as listed on box)
- Water (as listed on box)
Instructions
- Craft a delectable vanilla or yellow cake using your preferred method, whether from a package or a treasured homemade recipe. Allow the cake to cool completely, then gently transform it into delicate cubes or rustic crumbles.
- Prepare the strawberry medley by dicing fresh strawberries and delicately coating them with sugar and a splash of lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes, allowing the berries to release their vibrant, sweet nectar.
- Create a luxurious whipped cream by chilling a mixing bowl and whisking heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms elegant, sturdy peaks that hold their shape beautifully.
- Construct your trifle masterpiece by layering cake pieces as the foundation. Generously spoon macerated strawberries and their glistening juices over the cake, then crown with a billowing cloud of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until your serving vessel is filled to the brim.
- Elevate the presentation by adorning each trifle with a pristine whole strawberry and a delicate sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or cookies, adding a delightful textural contrast.
- Serve immediately to capture the dessert’s peak freshness, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more decadent treat.
Notes
- Customize cake texture by using pound cake or angel food cake for a lighter, airier dessert.
- Experiment with gluten-free cake mix or almond flour to create a celiac-friendly version of this classic treat.
- Enhance strawberry flavor by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or orange liqueur during maceration for depth and complexity.
- Make ahead by preparing components separately and assembling just before serving to prevent soggy cake layers and maintain crisp textures.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg