Introduction

This Strawberry Trifle with Cream Cheese is a delightful layered dessert perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Combining moist strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a showstopper that’s as delicious as it looks.

A clear glass bowl holds a four-layer strawberry trifle set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is made of small chunks of pink and white sponge cake mixed with cut strawberries. Above that is a thick, creamy white layer of whipped topping. The third layer repeats the sponge cake and strawberries pattern, followed by another thick layer of whipped cream. The top is decorated with swirls of whipped cream topped with halved strawberries arranged evenly around the bowl. Scattered whole strawberries surround the bowl, and a floral-patterned spoon lies nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 strawberry cake (prepared from a cake mix and baked in a 9×13 baking dish, cooled completely)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3.4 ounces cheesecake pudding mix (unprepared)
1½ cups heavy whipping cream
½ cup powdered sugar
2 pounds fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced (reserve about 1 cup for topping)
2 cups heavy whipping cream (for topping)
¼ cup powdered sugar (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the cooled strawberry cake from the baking dish and slice it into ¾ to 1-inch cubes. Set aside for layering.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Beat in the cheesecake pudding mix until fully incorporated. The mixture will become thick and slightly lumpy.
Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 1½ cups of heavy whipping cream, beating on low speed to combine each small drizzle before adding the next. This ensures a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 5: Add ½ cup powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is fully combined and fluffy.
Step 6: Carefully fold in the fresh sliced strawberries, reserving about 1 cup for garnish.
Step 7: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer one-third of the cake cubes, then half of the strawberry-cream mixture, followed by another layer of cake cubes, the remaining strawberry-cream mixture, and finish with the last cake layer.
Step 8: Beat the remaining 2 cups of heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. Add the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Step 9: Pipe or mound dollops of the whipped cream around the top of the trifle. Arrange the reserved strawberry slices in the center and add one more dollop of whipped cream topped with a halved strawberry for presentation.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture in your trifle layers.
For a different twist, substitute the strawberry cake with vanilla or lemon cake.
Chill the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
Try adding a splash of strawberry liqueur or Grand Marnier to the cream cheese mixture for an adult version.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully, but the cake may soften over time. Re-whip the topping cream if it loses firmness before serving.

How to Serve

A clear glass bowl shows a layered strawberry dessert set on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is white cream, topped with small pieces of red strawberry and pale pink sponge cake soaked with strawberry juice. Above that is another thick layer of white cream mixed with strawberry chunks and pink cake pieces. The top layer is decorated with dollops of white whipped cream and several red strawberry slices standing upright. The sides of the bowl reveal the mix of red, white, and pink textures inside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade cake instead of a cake mix?

Absolutely! A homemade strawberry or vanilla cake works wonderfully in this trifle and adds a personal touch.

How far in advance can I make this trifle?

You can assemble the trifle up to a day in advance. Refrigerate it uncovered for about an hour, then cover and store. This helps keep the whipped cream topping fresh.