Strawberry Shortcake Trifle (Printable)

Tender shortcake layered with juicy strawberries and billowy whipped cream for a perfect spring and summer treat.

# What You Need:

→ Shortcake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Strawberries

08 - 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
09 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Whipped Cream

11 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
12 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# How To Cook:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Do not overmix.
05 - Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely, then break into bite-sized pieces.
06 - Combine strawberries, 1/3 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently and let macerate for at least 20 minutes until juicy.
07 - Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
08 - In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half the shortcake pieces, half the strawberries (with juices), and half the whipped cream. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
09 - Garnish with a few whole strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar if desired. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Its make ahead magic, tasting even better after chilling so you can actually enjoy your own party
  • The layers create that stunning glass bowl moment that makes everyone reach for their phones before dessert even starts
02 -
  • The shortcake needs to be completely cool before breaking into pieces or it will turn soggy in the trifle
  • Letting those strawberries macerate for at least 20 minutes is what creates those incredible juicy layers throughout
03 -
  • Add a splash of Grand Marnier or orange liqueur to the strawberries for grown up flavor
  • For a quick shortcut, use store bought pound cake or angel food cake instead of homemade shortcake