Strawberry Shortcake Trifle (Printable)

Vanilla cake cubes, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream layered in glass for an elegant crowd-pleaser.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Vanilla Cake

01 - 1 1/2 cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
06 - 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
07 - 1/4 tsp salt
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

→ For the Strawberries

09 - 1 1/2 lbs (700 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
10 - 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
11 - 1 tbsp lemon juice

→ For the Whipped Cream

12 - 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
13 - 1/4 cup (30 g) powdered sugar
14 - 1 tsp vanilla extract

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x9-inch (23x23 cm) baking pan.
02 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
04 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
05 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely, then cut cake into 1-inch cubes.
06 - While the cake bakes, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss to coat and let macerate for at least 20 minutes until juicy.
07 - For the whipped cream, beat the chilled cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
08 - In individual glasses or a large trifle dish, layer cubed cake, strawberries (with juices), and whipped cream. Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream and a few strawberry slices on top.
09 - Serve immediately, or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This trifle is secretly easier than it looks, making you feel like a host who knows all the tricks.
  • Every bite delivers a satisfying contrast of flavors and textures—it’s impossible to resist going back for seconds.
02 -
  • Don’t rush the cake cooling step—I once assembled too soon, and the whipped cream wilted into a puddle.
  • If you forget to macerate the strawberries ahead of time, gently mash a few to help release the juices faster.
03 -
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream—it sets up in half the time.
  • The secret to perfect strawberries is letting them macerate until glossy but not mushy—taste as you go.
Go Back