Description
Sweet layers of strawberry shortcake trifles combine creamy mascarpone, fresh strawberries, and buttery pound cake crumbles in a delightful dessert. Elegant presentation and perfect balance of textures make this dessert a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll want to share with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups strawberries (fresh, diced)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 box vanilla or yellow cake mix
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whole strawberries
- Crushed shortbread cookies or graham crackers
- Eggs (as listed on box)
- Oil (as listed on box)
- Water (as listed on box)
Instructions
- Cake Preparation: Bake vanilla or yellow cake using preferred method. Once completely cooled, transform into bite-sized cubes or rustic crumbles.
- Strawberry Maceration: Dice strawberries and toss with sugar and lemon juice. Allow mixture to rest, enabling berries to release natural sweetness and create a vibrant syrup.
- Whipped Cream Creation: Chill mixing bowl, then whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until achieving firm, glossy peaks that maintain elegant structure.
- Trifle Assembly: Layer cake pieces as foundation in serving glasses. Generously drizzle macerated strawberries and their syrupy essence over cake. Lavishly top with whipped cream. Repeat layering process until glasses are filled, creating a visually stunning dessert profile.
- Finishing Touches: Garnish each trifle with a whole strawberry and sprinkle of crushed graham crackers, introducing a delightful textural dimension and visual appeal.
- Serving Recommendation: Enjoy immediately for optimal freshness, or refrigerate up to 4 hours to allow flavors to harmonize and intensify, developing a more complex and decadent dessert experience.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Layers: Let cake cool completely before cubing to maintain structure and prevent moisture absorption.
- Maximize Strawberry Flavor: Macerate strawberries for at least 15-20 minutes to release natural sweetness and create a vibrant syrup.
- Achieve Perfect Whipped Cream: Chill mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help cream whip faster and hold peaks more effectively.
- Balance Texture Contrast: Add graham cracker or cookie crumbs just before serving to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg