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- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup heavy whipping cream - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or additional vanilla extract) - 8-10 store-bought shortcake cookies, crumbled into pieces - Fresh mint leaves for garnish To make a Strawberry Shortcake Trifle, you need fresh ingredients. Start with two cups of strawberries. Make sure they are hulled and sliced. The sugar helps bring out the strawberry’s sweet flavor. Add a quarter cup of granulated sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This combination enhances the berries' natural taste. Next, for the whipped cream, you will need one cup of heavy whipping cream. It gives the trifle its light and creamy texture. Mix in half a cup of powdered sugar. This adds sweetness without being too heavy. A teaspoon of vanilla bean paste gives a rich flavor. You can use extra vanilla extract if you don’t have the paste. For the shortcake base, grab eight to ten store-bought shortcake cookies. Crumble them into small pieces. This will create a lovely texture in your trifle. Finally, fresh mint leaves add a touch of color and freshness as a garnish. This simple list of ingredients makes a delightful treat. You can find the full recipe in the next section. Enjoy gathering your ingredients! To make the strawberries pop, start with 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Hull and slice them into thin pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Toss the mixture gently to coat the strawberries. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This process is called macerating. The sugar will draw out the juices, making the strawberries sweet and syrupy. Next, you need to whip the cream. Take 1 cup of heavy whipping cream and put it in a large bowl. Add in 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste. Use a hand mixer or whisk to whip the cream until you see soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip. You want the cream to be fluffy and smooth. Now comes the fun part: assembling the trifle. Start with a layer of crumbled shortcake cookies at the bottom of a large glass trifle dish or individual serving glasses. Use about 8-10 store-bought shortcake cookies, crumbled into pieces. Next, add a layer of the sweet macerated strawberries. Follow this with a generous layer of whipped cream. Spread it evenly using a spatula. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of the dish. Finish with a layer of whipped cream for a beautiful look. Chill the trifle in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors blend together. If you want to impress, garnish with a few whole strawberries and fresh mint leaves on top. Enjoy your delicious creation! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To get the best whipped cream, start with cold cream. Chill your bowl and beaters too. This keeps the cream light and fluffy. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip; this can turn it into butter. If it looks grainy, you’ve gone too far. If this happens, add a splash of fresh cream and mix gently until smooth again. Layering is key to a great trifle. Start with a layer of crumbled shortcake cookies. Make sure to break them into small pieces. This helps them soak up the strawberry juices. Then, add a layer of macerated strawberries. Spread them evenly for the best look. Follow this with whipped cream. Use a spatula to smooth it out. Repeat these layers until you reach the top. Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream. This gives a nice top and helps hold everything in place. Garnishing makes your trifle pop. Use fresh strawberries on top. Place them whole or slice them for a fun look. Add mint leaves for a splash of color and freshness. They also add a nice scent. You can also sprinkle chocolate shavings or crushed nuts for extra flavor. If you like a little crunch, consider adding granola. This will give a unique twist to your dessert. Explore these ideas to make your trifle shine! For the full recipe, check [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can change the base of your trifle for fun. Instead of shortcake cookies, use pound cake or sponge cake. Both options add a soft and moist texture. They also soak up the fruity juices well. If you need gluten-free options, try almond flour cake or gluten-free sponge cake. These alternatives keep the dessert light and tasty. Want to give your trifle a twist? Add flavored whipped creams! You can mix in chocolate or lemon for a new taste. Using mascarpone cheese makes the filling richer and creamier. This adds depth and a touch of sweetness. Mix other fruits into your trifle for variety. Blueberries or peaches work great with strawberries. When adding different fruits, adjust the sweetness. Some fruits are sweeter, so you might use less sugar. This keeps your trifle balanced and delicious. For the full recipe, check our detailed guide on making this delightful dessert. To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Trifle fresh, store it in the fridge. Use a tight lid to cover the trifle dish. This helps keep the layers intact and prevents drying. I recommend enjoying it within three days for the best taste. The strawberries stay juicy, and the whipped cream remains fluffy. Can you freeze Strawberry Shortcake Trifle? Yes, but the texture may change. To freeze, cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap. This prevents ice crystals from forming. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. The taste will still be good, but the layers might not look as nice. If you have leftover trifle layers, don't toss them! You can use them in other desserts. Mix the layers into a parfait with yogurt for a quick snack. Or, turn it into a sundae. Just add a scoop of ice cream on top of the trifle layers. Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a sweet treat! Chill the trifle for at least 1 hour. This time helps the flavors blend well. It also makes the dessert cool and refreshing. For best results, chill it longer if you can. Some people prefer it chilled for 2-3 hours. Yes, you can make this trifle ahead of time. Just prepare the layers a day before serving. Store it in the fridge to keep it fresh. However, avoid adding the whipped cream until right before serving. This keeps it light and fluffy. You can use several options for a lighter dessert. Try coconut cream or almond cream for a dairy-free choice. You can also use whipped topping as a quick substitute. Greek yogurt works too for a thicker texture with less fat. Look for soft peaks when whipping cream. This means it will hold its shape but still be smooth. Be careful not to over-whip it. Over-whipped cream can become grainy and buttery. Stop whipping as soon as you see those soft peaks. This blog post shared a fun and easy way to make a Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. We covered fresh ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and storage tips. You learned how to prepare juicy strawberries, whip creamy delight, and layer everything for a stunning dessert. Remember, you can switch up flavors or fruits to make it your own. Enjoy crafting this tasty treat for friends and family. It will impress everyone without much fuss!

- Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Indulge in a delicious Strawberry Shortcake Trifle that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy recipe combines fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and crumbled shortcake cookies for a delightful dessert that’s both beautiful and tasty. In just an hour, you’ll have a stunning treat ready to impress your guests. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for making this sweet masterpiece at home!

Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or additional vanilla extract)

8-10 store-bought shortcake cookies, crumbled into pieces

Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Toss gently and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes to macerate. The strawberries will release their juices.

    In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla bean paste until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip; you want it fluffy and smooth.

      To assemble the trifle, start with a layer of crumbled shortcake cookies at the bottom of a large glass trifle dish or individual serving glasses.

        Add a layer of the macerated strawberries, followed by a generous layer of whipped cream. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.

          Repeat the layering process until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of whipped cream for a beautiful presentation.

            Chill the trifle for at least 1 hour in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.

              Before serving, garnish with a few whole strawberries and fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour + chilling | Servings: 6-8