In this version, layers of angel food cake, fresh berries, and a creamy no-bake cheesecake filling make a dessert just as pretty as it is delicious! We love that it’s made ahead of time so it’s perfect for any party or potluck!
Ingredients in Strawberry Trifle
Trifle is a traditional British treat, sponge cake soaked in liquor, layered with fruit, chocolate, jello, custard pudding, or whatever your heart desires. This recipe is a cousin to its boozier relative from across the pond. But if no children are partaking, feel free to douse the cake with something stronger than strawberry syrup!
Cake: Angel food cake is light and airy but you can use pound cake if you’d like. Creamy Cheesecake Layer: We prefer to skip the vanilla pudding mix and make a fresh cheescake-inspired layer. Cream Cheese, whipping cream and orange zest whipped together with orange juice add a little zippy twist to this “cheesecake”. Whipped Cream: We prefer freshly whipped cream but whipped topping (or a tub of cool whip) works if you’re short on time. Fruit: Strawberries, of course! Try making a cranberry trifle by changing up the fruit layer.
You can use sugar as in this recipe but also a splash of your favorite liquor as well (like Grand Marnier) or even citrus juices.
How to Make Strawberry Trifle
How to Layer Trifle
Use a transparent dish to show off the layers, or use individual dessert dishes or even wine glasses to create individual portions. Chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
Make Ahead
Trifle needs to sit 4 hours or overnight but will last in the fridge for several days. If you’re making this ahead for an event or special dinner, have some extra whipped cream and fresh berries to dress it up a bit before serving. I find that after the initial 24 hours, the trifle can sink down a little bit so being able to top it up a bit will make it look as good as new.
Tips
Freeze the angel food cake before cubing to keep it intact as you cut it and layer it. Add other types of berries or fruit along with strawberries. Try blackberries, blueberries, peaches, bananas, or raspberries. While a trifle bowl looks lovely, you can use any clear glass bowl (or even a 9×13 pan) to layer the ingredients. Swap out the angel food cake for a pound cake to make this into a strawberry shortcake trifle.
Can Trifle be Frozen?
Generally trifle won’t freeze very well once it has been assembled because of the heavy cream. If you’d like to freeze this strawberry trifle, replace the heavy cream and sugar in this recipe with whipped topping (such as Cool Whip). Alternatively, the cake freezes beautifully and berries can be frozen after macerating (or you can use frozen strawberries)!
More Fresh Fruit Dessert
Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler – magical combination of sweet & tart! Homemade Blueberry Pie – delicious classic dessert Creamy Peach Pie – melt in your mouth goodness! Apple Cobbler – simple & delicious Easy Fruit Pizza – colorful, sweet, and flavorful
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