Strawberry Trifle: The Perfect Summer Dessert for Any Occasion

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Strawberry Trifle: The Perfect Summer Dessert for Any Occasion

There’s something magical about bringing a stunning Strawberry Trifle to the table after dinner. Those beautiful, vibrant layers catching everyone’s eye before they’ve even had their first bite. I still remember the first time I made a Strawberry Trifle for a summer gathering – my friends couldn’t believe I’d made it myself! This easy Strawberry Trifle recipe combines tender pound cake, luscious homemade custard, sweet macerated strawberries, and freshly whipped cream to create a dessert that’s as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this Strawberry Trifle delivers on both elegance and flavor with surprisingly little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Trifle

  • ✅ This easy Strawberry Trifle dessert comes together in stages, making it perfect for busy schedules
  • ✅ The layers of Strawberry Trifle with custard create a beautiful presentation with minimal effort
  • ✅ This no-bake Strawberry Trifle for summer parties can be made ahead and refrigerated
  • ✅ Easily adaptable to gluten-free Strawberry Trifle variations by swapping the pound cake
  • ✅ Create a healthier Strawberry Trifle using yogurt in place of some of the custard
  • ✅ Classic Strawberry Trifle with pound cake and whipped cream never goes out of style
  • ✅ Makes an elegant Strawberry Trifle for special occasions with its stunning visual appeal

Ingredients for Strawberry Trifle

For The Pound Cake

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Tips:

  • For a vegan Strawberry Trifle with coconut cream, substitute plant-based alternatives for dairy products
  • Create individual serving Strawberry Trifles for events using the same ingredients in smaller glasses
  • For seasonal Strawberry Trifle with fresh fruit, add blueberries or raspberries when in season

How to Make Strawberry Trifle – Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: 

Mix in almond extract, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 4:

 Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.

Step 5:

 In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with orange juice, mixing just until combined.

Step 6: 

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 7: 

Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting

Step 2: 

Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until thick and pale.

Step 3: 

Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.

Step 4: 

Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: 

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cool.

Strawberry Trifle: The Perfect Summer Dessert for Any Occasion
Strawberry Trifle: The Perfect Summer Dessert for Any Occasion

Pro Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Trifle

  • For the best Strawberry Trifle with pound cake, slightly stale cake works better as it absorbs the flavors without becoming too soggy
  • Save time by using store-bought pound cake or angel food cake when making an easy Strawberry Trifle dessert
  • Let your Strawberry Trifle chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight for the flavors to fully develop
  • When creating layers of Strawberry Trifle with custard, make sure to push some components against the glass for a beautiful visual effect
  • For the most vibrant no-bake Strawberry Trifle for summer parties, choose strawberries that are fully ripe but still firm
  • Create a stunning presentation by reserving some sliced strawberries for decorating the top of your elegant Strawberry Trifle for special occasions

Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Trifle

The best way to serve Strawberry Trifle is chilled, straight from the refrigerator. The contrast between the cool custard, soft cake, and fresh berries is what makes this dessert so refreshing. For individual serving Strawberry Trifles for events, prepare in clear glasses or mason jars for a charming presentation.

This Strawberry Trifle pairs beautifully with:

  • A cup of hot tea or coffee
  • A glass of sparkling wine or champagne for special occasions
  • A dollop of extra whipped cream on the side

For a complete dessert spread, consider serving alongside our homemade shortbread cookies or lemon bars.

Nutritional Information for recipe

Per serving (based on 10 servings):

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg
  • Sodium: 130mg
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 25g

This dessert can be made into a healthier recipe using yogurt by substituting Greek yogurt for half the custard, reducing calories and increasing protein.

Storage & Leftovers

recipe will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from your refrigerator. While the recipe will still taste delicious on day 2 or 3, the whipped cream may lose some of its volume and the berries might release more juice.

This dessert doesn’t freeze well due to the custard and whipped cream components, so it’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days of preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions About recipe

What are the main ingredients in a recipe?

Traditional recipe consists of layers of cake (usually pound cake or sponge cake), custard, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Some recipes include a splash of sherry or another liqueur drizzled over the cake layer, though this is optional, especially for family-friendly versions.

How do you make a recipe?

To make recipe, you layer cubed cake, macerated strawberries, custard, and whipped cream in alternating layers in a clear trifle dish or glass bowl. After assembling, the trifle needs to chill for at least 4 hours so the flavors can meld together and the cake can soften slightly from the fruit juices and custard.

Can I prepare Strawberry Trifle ahead of time?

Yes! recipe is actually better when made ahead. Preparing it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop and the cake to absorb the fruit juices, creating a more cohesive dessert. Just add any delicate garnishes right before serving.

What can I substitute for custard in a recipe?

If you don’t want to use custard in your recipe, there are several alternatives. You can use vanilla pudding, Greek yogurt, mascarpone cheese mixed with a bit of cream, or even a combination of cream cheese and whipped cream. For a lighter version, try a healthy recipe using yogurt sweetened with a touch of honey.

Conclusion

This recipe recipe combines the perfect balance of textures and flavors – from the tender pound cake to the rich homemade custard, sweet juicy strawberries, and cloud-like whipped cream. What makes this dessert so special is not just how gorgeous it looks, but how it brings together simple ingredients to create something truly spectacular.

Whether you’re making this recipewith pound cake and whipped cream for a fancy dinner party, preparing individual serving recipe for events, or simply treating your family to a special weekend dessert, this recipe is sure to impress. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility – make it as written or explore the variations suggested to create your own perfect version.

Have you tried making this recipe? Let us know in the comments how it turned out or if you put your own unique spin on it! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who appreciate a beautiful, delicious dessert that’s easier to make than it looks.

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Strawberry Trifle: The Perfect Summer Dessert for Any Occasion

Strawberry Trifle: The Perfect Summer Dessert for Any Occasion


  • Author: Isabella Baute
  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 mins
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Strawberry Trifle is a stunning no-bake dessert perfect for summer gatherings. It layers tender pound cake, homemade custard, sweet macerated strawberries, and freshly whipped cream for a delightful treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  3. Mix in almond extract, then add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  4. Stir in sour cream until fully incorporated.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with orange juice, mixing just until combined.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool completely before cutting into 1-inch cubes.
  8. In a medium saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
  9. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until thick and pale.
  10. Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
  11. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  12. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and transfer to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap directly touching the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until completely cool.
  13. Hull and dice the strawberries into small pieces.
  14. In a bowl, toss the strawberries with sugar and let them macerate for at least 30 minutes to draw out their juices.
  15. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  16. In a trifle dish or clear glass bowl, place a layer of pound cake cubes at the bottom.
  17. Spoon a third of the macerated strawberries and their juices over the cake layer.
  18. Pour a third of the custard over the strawberries, spreading evenly.
  19. Add a layer of whipped cream.
  20. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a decorative layer of whipped cream on top.
  21. Garnish with a few sliced strawberries and mint leaves for a beautiful presentation.
  22. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to soften.

Notes

  • For an even richer taste and texture, slightly stale pound cake works well as it absorbs flavors better.
  • This dessert can be made innovatively by replacing the custard with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: undefined
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 25
  • Sodium: 130
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: 35
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 115

Keywords: strawberry trifle, summer dessert, no bake trifle, layered dessert

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