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Classic Strawberry Shortcake Trifles

Close-up of a layered Classic Strawberry Shortcake Trifles dessert in a glass with cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries.
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A recipe for layered desserts combining shortcake biscuits, macerated strawberries, and fresh whipped cream presented in individual trifle cups.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus 1/2 cup for strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (optional, for strawberries)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 store-bought or homemade vanilla sponge cake or shortcake biscuits, cut into 1-inch cubes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shortcakes or cake: If using biscuits, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the cream until just combined. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden. Cool completely and cut into cubes. If using sponge cake, cut into cubes.
  2. Macerate the strawberries: In a bowl, gently toss the sliced strawberries with 1/2 cup granulated sugar and lemon juice, if using. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to release juices.
  3. Make the whipped cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat.
  4. Assemble the trifles: Select individual clear glasses or small trifle bowls. Create the first layer with a spoonful of cake or biscuit cubes.
  5. Spoon a layer of macerated strawberries and a small amount of their juice over the cake layer.
  6. Top the strawberries with a generous layer of whipped cream.
  7. Repeat the layers: cake, strawberries, and cream, ending with a final dollop of whipped cream on top.
  8. Chill the assembled trifles for at least 1 hour before serving for the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can use a sweet, slightly dense vanilla sponge cake instead of traditional shortcake biscuits.
  • Prepare the strawberries and whipped cream up to 4 hours ahead of time, but assemble the trifles no more than 2 hours before serving for the best texture.
  • Garnish the top layer with a whole strawberry or a mint sprig for presentation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://spoonswirl.com/classic-strawberry-shortcake-trifles/