A vibrant and delicious strawberry trifle displayed in a glass trifle dish, showcasing layers of sponge cake, custard, strawberries, and whipped cream

Easy summer desserts

easy strawberry trifle

By:

WordofMany

Published:

09 Jul 2025

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Strawberry trifle—just the name conjures images of summer picnics, family gatherings, and pure, unadulterated happiness. Growing up, my grandma used to make a Strawberry Trifle every year for my birthday, and honestly, those are some of my fondest memories. There's something about the combination of layers—soft cake, luscious custard, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream—that just screams 'celebration.' This easy strawberry trifle recipe is a simplified version of her classic, perfect for those of us who don’t have all day to spend in the kitchen, but still want to create something spectacular. One time, I accidentally used salt instead of sugar, disaster struck. I salvaged it by making a savoury dish!
Overhead shot of a beautifully layered strawberry trifle in a glass dish
The beauty of a trifle lies not just in its taste, but also in its presentation. Served in a clear glass bowl or trifle dish, the vibrant layers are a feast for the eyes. Plus, it's ridiculously easy to customize. You can swap out the ladyfingers for sponge cake, use different berries, or even add a splash of liqueur for an adult twist. So, whether you're looking to impress your friends at a dinner party or simply treat yourself to a delicious dessert, this strawberry trifle is sure to hit the spot. Trust me, its a guaranteed winner.
Close-up of the layers in a strawberry trifle, showing the sponge cake, custard, strawberries, and whipped cream
What does this mean for you? It means you have a dessert that will taste great and look amazing. Imagine seeing the faces of your loved ones, after they have taken a bite, and how happy they look. Not to mention the recipe is so easy to follow, that it will save you a lot of time when prepping the ingredients! This strawberry trifle will definitely be a recipe that you will be making for years to come. I once brought a strawberry trifle to a potluck and it was the first dish to completely disappear!
People serving and enjoying a slice of strawberry trifle during a gathering

Required Equipments

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Electric Mixer
  • 9x13 inch Trifle Dish (or similar)
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Spatula

Easy Strawberry Trifle: Frequently Asked Questions

Easy Strawberry Trifle

This Easy Strawberry Trifle recipe is a delightful and simple dessert, featuring layers of ladyfingers, creamy custard, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Perfect for any occasion, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a feast for the eyes!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 8 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries: Gently wash and hull 1.5 pounds of fresh strawberries. Slice about two-thirds of the strawberries and leave the rest for decoration. In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with 2 tablespoons of sugar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes to macerate and release their juices. This will create a lovely strawberry syrup.
  2. Make the Custard: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of cornstarch until well combined. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 2 large egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming. If you're impatient like me, put it in the fridge but keep stirring every 10 mins!
  3. Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 cups of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip it, or you'll end up with butter! I've totally done that before – not fun!
  4. Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, arrange a layer of about half of the ladyfingers. If you want, brush them lightly with some of the strawberry syrup from the macerated strawberries. Spread about half of the cooled custard over the ladyfingers, followed by half of the macerated strawberries. Next, add about half of the whipped cream on top. Repeat the layers: ladyfingers, strawberry syrup, custard, strawberries, and whipped cream. Get creative with your layers!
  5. Decorate and Chill: Decorate the top of the trifle with the remaining whole or sliced strawberries. You can also sprinkle some extra powdered sugar or drizzle with a little more strawberry syrup for presentation. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial! The longer it chills, the better it tastes.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, remove the trifle from the refrigerator. Grab a large spoon and serve generous portions of the strawberry trifle. Watch your friends' and family's faces light up as they taste the delightful combination of flavors and textures! It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

📝 Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of 2%.
  • Feel free to add a splash of liqueur, like Grand Marnier, to the strawberries or the custard for an adult twist.
  • If you don't have ladyfingers, you can use slices of pound cake or angel food cake.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 5g

Fat: 18g

Carbohydrates: 45g

Fiber: 2g

Calcium: 150mg

Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. - Ernestine Ulmer

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