Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups

Name: Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 8 ounces of store-bought pound cake, cubed; Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Highlighted under: Sweet Creations

I absolutely adore making Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups! Their delightful layers of flavors and textures never fail to impress. The combination of fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and buttery shortcake is simply irresistible. I love how easy they are to assemble, allowing for quick servings that are perfect for gatherings. Each cup delivers a beautiful presentation, inviting guests to indulge in this sweet treat. Trust me, these trifle cups are bound to become your new favorite dessert for any occasion!

Created by

Piper Andrews

Last updated on 2026-02-10T20:05:36.601Z

When I first tried making Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups, I was amazed at how much flavor you can pack into such a simple dessert. The key is using really ripe strawberries—their natural sweetness shines through and balances perfectly with the fluffy whipped cream. I also experimented with different layers, ensuring each bite is a delicious medley of textures. This makes it a fun recipe to customize according to your taste!

One of my favorite tips is to let the shortcake cubes soak in a little strawberry juice for a few minutes before assembling. This addition keeps the shortcake moist, enhancing the overall depth of flavor. Plus, it lends a lovely pink hue to the dessert that's just begging to be devoured!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Layers of fresh strawberries and creamy goodness
Simple to assemble for any gathering
Can be customized with your favorite berries

Choosing the Right Strawberries

When making Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups, selecting the right strawberries is crucial for the best flavor. Opt for fresh, ripe strawberries that are bright red and firm. Avoid those with white or mushy spots, as they often lack sweetness. When possible, visit a local farmers market for freshly picked options; these will have more flavor and juiciness than store-bought varieties. For a fun twist, consider using a mix of strawberries and other berries for extra color and flavor.

To enhance the strawberries’ natural sweetness, the sugar in the recipe plays a vital role. Allowing the berries to sit with the sugar for about 10 minutes helps to draw out their juices, creating a delicious syrup. This process not only enhances the overall sweetness but also adds a lovely texture to the dessert, which contrasts beautifully with the cream and cake.

Mastering Whipped Cream

The key to perfectly whipped cream is to start with chilled equipment. Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream to whip up faster and hold its shape. When whipping the cream, start at a low speed to avoid splattering, and gradually increase to medium until soft peaks form. Avoid over-whipping, as this can result in a grainy texture or even butter, which isn’t what you want for this creamy dessert.

For a slightly different flavor profile, feel free to infuse your whipped cream with additional ingredients. A tablespoon of lemon zest can add a refreshing twist, while a hint of almond extract can bring a unique richness. Just remember to keep the flavors balanced so they complement the strawberries and cake without overpowering them.

Serving and Storage Tips

These Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups are best served immediately after assembly to maintain the integrity of the layers. If you're making them ahead of time, consider preparing the components separately and assembling them just before serving. The whipped cream and strawberries can be made a few hours in advance, but avoid layering them until you're ready to serve to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the layers may start to meld together, but the flavors will still be delightful. For longer storage, consider freezing the individual layers separately, although the whipped cream may lose some of its texture upon thawing. Enjoy your trifle cups within a day or two for the best quality!

Ingredients

For the Trifle

2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces of store-bought pound cake, cubed
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries and granulated sugar. Toss to coat the strawberries evenly and let them sit for about 10 minutes to release their juices.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract together using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.

Assemble the Cups

In serving cups, layer the cubed pound cake, followed by a layer of the sweetened strawberries and then a dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cups are full.

Garnish and Serve

Top each trifle cup with a mint leaf for garnish if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For best results, use seasonal strawberries for maximum flavor and freshness. You can also substitute the pound cake with a sponge cake for a lighter option.

Variations on the Classic Trifle

While this recipe focuses on strawberries, the trifle is versatile enough to incorporate other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, and even peaches can create a delightful combination of flavors. If you want to mix things up further, try adding a layer of lemon curd or chocolate mousse for a decadent twist. These additions will give your trifle an exciting new dimension with minimal effort.

For a gluten-free option, substitute the store-bought pound cake with gluten-free cake or even sponge cake, which tends to hold up well in trifle presentations. Similarly, if you're looking to reduce sugar, you can replace the granulated sugar with granulated erythritol or another sugar substitute of your choice.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your whipped cream isn't holding its shape, it could be due to under-whipping or using cream that is too warm. Always make sure your cream is cold and whip until you see firm peaks. If you accidentally over-whipped it, you can gently fold in a little more unwhipped cream to restore some smoothness without losing all the air.

Another common issue is soggy layers, which can occur if you assemble the cups too far in advance. To mitigate this, always layer the cake and strawberries just before serving. If you need to prepare in advance, keep the strawberries drained and the whipped cream separate until it's time to serve.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable, whether you want to make a single serving or a large batch for a crowd. Simply multiply the ingredient quantities according to the number of cups you need. Keep in mind that the assembly process will take a bit longer with more servings, so consider enlisting a friend for help if you're making a large amount.

For larger gatherings, consider presenting the layers in a large trifle dish instead of individual cups to create a stunning centerpiece. Just remember to increase the layer quantities proportionally and adjust the assembly technique slightly to ensure even distribution of cake, strawberries, and cream throughout.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the trifle cups ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the strawberries and whip the cream a few hours in advance. However, it's best to assemble the cups just before serving to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

→ What variations can I try?

Feel free to swap strawberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You can also add layers of chocolate mousse or yogurt for a twist!

→ How long will they last in the fridge?

The assembled trifle cups are best enjoyed within a day. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to 2 days, but the texture might change.

→ Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely! For convenience, store-bought whipped topping works perfectly, just make sure to let it thaw before using.