Description
As I scooped a spoonful of the luscious layers of my family’s go-to dessert, the strawberry trifle recipe, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. I can still hear my grandmother’s laughter mingling with the clinking of glass bowls as we created this delightful treat together. The vibrant strawberries, pillowy cream, and cake all come together in a dazzling display that not only pleases the eyes but warms the heart. This strawberry trifle recipe is not just a feast for the senses; it’s a quick weeknight dinner highlight or a show-stopping dessert for any occasion. Its versatility shines, making it perfect for gatherings or a simple family-friendly meal after a long day—plus, it lends itself beautifully to meal prep. Imagine assembling this joy in mere minutes, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: creating memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh, juicy strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant vanilla pudding
- 4 cups cold milk (for preparing the pudding)
- 2 packages (about 24–30 total) ladyfingers
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
- 1 cup whole strawberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Berries: Start by hulling and slicing the fresh strawberries. Then, combine them with blueberries and a bit of sugar in a bowl. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate while the sugar brings out their natural juices.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to whip until the cream is fluffy and holds its shape.
- Prepare the Cake: Slice the angel food cake into bite-sized pieces. Zest a lemon and gently fold it into the cake, enhancing its flavor. This will be the foundation of your trifle, soaking up the delicious berry juices.
- Layer the Trifle: In a clear glass bowl or trifle dish, start by layering the cake pieces at the bottom. Next, add a layer of macerated berries, followed by a generous dollop of the whipped cream mixture. Repeat these layers until you reach the top.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a more harmonious dessert.
Notes
- Choose Ripe Strawberries: Select strawberries that are deep red and slightly firm to ensure maximum sweetness and flavor in your trifle.
- Whip the Cream Properly: Avoid overwhipping the cream; stop when soft peaks form to keep it airy and prevent a grainy texture in your strawberry trifle recipe.
- Layering Technique: Start with a layer of cake, then berries, followed by cream. Repeat until you hit the top for beautiful visual appeal.
- Macerate the Berries: Let sliced strawberries and blueberries sit with sugar for about 30 minutes. This creates a delicious syrup that enhances the flavors.
- Add Some Zest: Incorporate lemon zest into the cream or cake layers to brighten flavors and balance the sweetness of the berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: strawberry trifle recipe