Fresh Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Creamy Vanilla Bean Layers
A quick and easy layered dessert featuring fresh strawberries, tender shortcake, and luscious vanilla bean whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion, this trifle combines bright, fresh flavors with creamy indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 8 ounces shortcake or pound cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
- 1 vanilla bean pod, split and seeds scraped
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: splash of Grand Marnier or strawberry liqueur
Instructions
- Toss sliced strawberries with 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a bowl. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to macerate and release juices.
- In a chilled bowl, combine 2 cups heavy cream, vanilla bean seeds, 1/3 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Whip with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Optionally fold in a splash of Grand Marnier.
- Cut shortcake or pound cake into 1-inch cubes, handling gently to keep pieces intact.
- In a trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer cake cubes evenly. Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries and juices over the cake, then add a thick layer of vanilla bean whipped cream. Repeat layers until dish is filled, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and cake soften slightly before serving.
Notes
Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for best results. Assemble up to 6 hours ahead and keep refrigerated. For dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cake. For gluten-free, use almond flour shortcakes or gluten-free pound cake. Avoid over-sugaring strawberries as cake and cream add sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the trifle
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, vanilla bean, whipped cream, easy dessert, layered dessert, summer dessert