The Ultimate Strawberry Trifle

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious, The Ultimate Strawberry Trifle is the perfect choice. Layers of fresh strawberries, soft cake, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping come together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent.

This trifle is the perfect centerpiece for summer parties, holiday gatherings, or just a sweet treat for the family. The combination of fresh fruit and creamy layers makes every bite a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Trifle dish or large glass bowl
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula

Ingredients Overview

• Strawberries: Sweet, ripe strawberries are the star of this dessert, bringing natural flavor and color.
• Pound cake: Acts as the base, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the strawberries and pudding.
• Vanilla pudding: Adds a creamy, rich texture to complement the fruit and cake.
• Whipped topping: Light and airy, it balances the sweetness of the other layers.

Ingredients

Trifle Layers

• 2 pounds fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (to macerate strawberries)
• 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• 1 store-bought or homemade pound cake, cubed

Garnish

• Fresh strawberries
• Mint leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the strawberries
   In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar. Let them sit for 15 minutes to release their juices (macerate).
2. Prepare the pudding
   In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, or until smooth and thickened. Let it set for 5 minutes.
3. Layer the trifle
   In the bottom of a trifle dish or large glass bowl, add a layer of cubed pound cake. Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries (with their juices) over the cake. Add a layer of vanilla pudding, followed by a layer of whipped topping.
4. Repeat the layers
   Repeat the layers (cake, strawberries, pudding, whipped topping) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped topping on top.
5. Garnish
   Decorate the top with whole or sliced strawberries and a few mint leaves for a fresh, elegant touch.
6. Chill and serve
   Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Prep Time

20 minutes

Chill Time

2 hours

Total Time

2 hours 20 minutes

Nutrition (per serving, ~10 servings)

• Calories: ~250
• Fat: ~8g
• Carbohydrates: ~38g
• Protein: ~3g

Expert Tips

• Use ripe strawberries: For the best flavor, choose strawberries that are bright red and fragrant.
• Don’t skip macerating: Allowing the strawberries to release their juices adds extra flavor and ensures a moist trifle.
• Customize your layers: Add a layer of strawberry jam or a drizzle of strawberry sauce for even more strawberry flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! This trifle is best when made a few hours ahead or even the night before to let the flavors meld. Add garnish just before serving.

Can I substitute the pound cake?
Absolutely! Angel food cake or vanilla sponge cake works wonderfully as a lighter alternative.

How long will leftovers last?
Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cake may soften further as it absorbs the pudding and strawberry juices.

Storing & Freezing

• Storing: Keep the trifle refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: This trifle does not freeze well due to the whipped topping and fresh strawberries.

Substitutions & Variations

• Berry mix: Add layers of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry version.
• Chocolate twist: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate between the layers for added richness.
• Lemon addition: Add a layer of lemon curd for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

The Ultimate Strawberry Trifle

If you're looking for a dessert that’s both stunning and delicious, The Ultimate Strawberry Trifle is the perfect choice. Layers of fresh strawberries, soft cake, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping come together to create a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is indulgent.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Equipment

• - Trifle dish or large glass bowl
• Mixing bowls
• - Whisk or electric mixer
• Spatula

Ingredients

  

• #### Trifle Layers
• - 2 pounds fresh strawberries sliced
• - 1/4 cup granulated sugar to macerate strawberries
• - 1 box 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
• - 2 cups cold milk
• - 1 container 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
• - 1 store-bought or homemade pound cake cubed
• #### Garnish
• - Fresh strawberries
• - Mint leaves optional

Instructions

 

• **Prepare the strawberries**
• In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with the granulated sugar. Let them sit for 15 minutes to release their juices (macerate).
• **Prepare the pudding**
• In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, or until smooth and thickened. Let it set for 5 minutes.
• **Layer the trifle**
• In the bottom of a trifle dish or large glass bowl, add a layer of cubed pound cake. Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries (with their juices) over the cake. Add a layer of vanilla pudding, followed by a layer of whipped topping.
• **Repeat the layers**
• Repeat the layers (cake, strawberries, pudding, whipped topping) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of whipped topping on top.
• **Garnish**
• Decorate the top with whole or sliced strawberries and a few mint leaves for a fresh, elegant touch.
• **Chill and serve**
• Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.