Easy Creamy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
A quick and fuss-free summer dessert featuring layers of moist vanilla cake, macerated fresh strawberries, and a luscious mascarpone whipped cream. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any sweet treat moment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 prepared vanilla cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Optional garnish: fresh mint leaves or extra sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream Mixture (5-7 minutes): In a large chilled mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add mascarpone cheese and vanilla extract, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form and mixture is smooth. Avoid overwhipping.
- Cut the Cake: Cube the vanilla cake into roughly 1-inch pieces. Use fresh and fluffy cake for best texture.
- Assemble the Trifle (10 minutes): In a trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer cake cubes, macerated strawberries with juice, and mascarpone whipped cream. Repeat layers until filled, finishing with cream and garnish.
- Chill Before Serving (At least 1 hour): Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld and cake soak up juices.
Notes
Do not overwhip the cream to avoid grainy texture. Macerate strawberries to create natural syrup and soften berries. Chill trifle at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture. If strawberries are very juicy, drain some juice before layering to prevent sogginess. For dairy-free or gluten-free adaptations, substitute mascarpone and cake accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 5
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, summer dessert, easy dessert, creamy dessert, mascarpone, whipped cream, vanilla cake