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Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Layered Graduation Trifle Recipe for 20 Easy Party Dessert

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A festive and easy-to-make layered strawberry shortcake trifle perfect for large gatherings and celebrations, combining fresh strawberries, fluffy cake, and whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large sponge cake or angel food cake (about 12-ounce / 340g), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons of strawberry liqueur or fruit syrup for soaking
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Fresh mint leaves or whole strawberries for topping
  • Optional: toasted almond slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Macerate the strawberries: In a large bowl, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to release juices.
  2. Prepare the cake cubes: Cut sponge or angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Drizzle strawberry liqueur or syrup over cake pieces if using. Set aside.
  3. Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
  4. Layer the trifle: In a trifle bowl, add a layer of cake cubes to cover the bottom. Spoon a generous layer of macerated strawberries with juice over the cake. Follow with a thick layer of whipped cream, smoothing gently.
  5. Repeat layering cake, strawberries, and whipped cream until the bowl is filled, finishing with a whipped cream layer.
  6. Garnish and chill: Decorate the top with whole strawberries, mint leaves, and toasted almond slices if desired. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

Keep heavy cream chilled until whipping for best results. Do not overwhip cream to avoid turning it into butter. Use a clear bowl to showcase layers. Avoid soaking cake too much to prevent sogginess. Assemble the night before for convenience and add fresh garnish before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, party dessert, layered dessert, easy dessert, graduation dessert, crowd-pleaser

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