Desserts

Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

This Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is a pretty, no-fuss dessert that layers tender cake, juicy strawberries, creamy vanilla pudding, and light whipped cream. It looks elegant in a trifle dish but comes together fast — perfect for a Galentine’s party, brunch, or a sweet treat any time. If you like bite-sized strawberry desserts, you might also enjoy this take on strawberry shortcake truffles for a portable option.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

Calories per serving: 350 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Fat: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 24 g
Sodium: 180 mg

Why Make This Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

This trifle is simple to assemble and visually stunning. Bright red strawberries add fresh, sweet-tart flavor and a juicy texture that contrasts with soft cake and silky pudding. The whipped cream lightens every spoonful and gives a cloudlike finish. It’s festive for a Galentine’s gathering but mild enough for kids and casual enough for weeknights.

How to Make Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

You’ll layer components for pretty stripes of color and texture. The steps are quick: whip the cream, prep cake and berries, build layers, chill briefly, then serve. The trifle tastes best after a short chill so the pudding softens the cake slightly and flavors meld.

Ingredients:

2 cups strawberries, sliced
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package ladyfinger cookies or pound cake, cubed
1 cup vanilla pudding or custard

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them. Cube the pound cake or have the ladyfingers ready. Chill a mixing bowl and beaters if you can—cold tools help the cream whip up faster.

Step 2: Mixing

In the chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Taste and add a touch more powdered sugar if you prefer it sweeter.

Step 3: Cooking

(Assembly rather than cooking) In a trifle dish or large clear glass, layer half of the cubed ladyfingers or pound cake across the bottom. Add a layer of sliced strawberries, then spread half of the vanilla pudding or custard over the fruit. Top that with half of the whipped cream.

Step 4: Finishing

Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, strawberries, pudding, and whipped cream. Finish with a few whole or halved strawberries on top for decoration. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the layers set.

How to Serve Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Spoon the trifle into clear glasses or bowls so guests see the layers. Serve chilled. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for color, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few chocolate shavings for an extra touch. Pair with coffee, sparkling wine, or a light rosé.

How to Store Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Refrigerate covered with plastic wrap or a lid for up to 2 days for best texture.
After 48 hours the cake may become soggy and the whipped cream can lose volume.
Do not freeze — whipped cream and fresh strawberries don’t freeze and thaw well.

Expert Tips for Perfect Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor and aroma.
If your pudding is thick, loosen it slightly with a tablespoon or two of milk to make spreadable layers.
For a sturdier whipped cream, fold in 1 tablespoon of mascarpone or cream cheese.
Prevent soggy cake: use ladyfingers for a firmer layer, or lightly toast pound cake cubes in the oven for 6–8 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until slightly crisp.
Assemble just before chilling to keep the top layer of whipped cream fluffy.
Taste as you go — adjust powdered sugar in the whipped cream and choose sweeter or tarter berries according to preference.

Delicious Variations

Lemon-Blueberry: Swap strawberries for blueberries and add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the pudding.
Chocolate Strawberry: Drizzle melted dark chocolate between layers or add chocolate shavings on top.
Boozy Adult Trifle: Brush cake pieces lightly with a tablespoon or two of amaretto or Grand Marnier.
Berry Medley: Use a mix of raspberries, strawberries, and sliced peaches for a summer version.
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half or a stabilized whipped topping and sugar-free pudding to reduce calories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain frozen strawberries well, then pat dry. Frozen berries release more juice, so layer carefully to avoid soggy cake. Consider reducing pudding slightly or add berries just before serving.

Q: How far in advance can I make this trifle?
A: Assemble up to the day before and refrigerate, but best eaten within 24 hours. Any longer and textures (especially the whipped cream) will decline.

Q: What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
A: Use a large glass bowl, a clear pitcher, or individual serving glasses. Clear containers show off the layers nicely.

Q: Can I substitute Cool Whip or stabilized whipped cream?
A: Yes. Stabilized whipped cream or a whipped topping lasts longer and holds shape, useful if you need the trifle to stand for several hours.

Q: Is it okay to use instant pudding mix?
A: Instant pudding works well. If using a cook-and-serve custard, cool it fully before layering. Instant pudding often sets firmer and is quicker.

Q: My whipped cream didn’t thicken. What happened?
A: If the bowl or cream was warm it may not whip. Chill tools and use very cold heavy cream. You can also add a teaspoon of confectioners’ sugar to help stabilize.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pound cake or GF ladyfingers. Ensure pudding mix and other packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is an easy, beautiful dessert that combines sweet strawberries, creamy pudding, and cloudlike whipped cream for a crowd-pleasing finish. It’s quick to assemble, flexible to modify, and perfect for sharing with friends. For another detailed inspiration on a similar dessert, see this Strawberry Shortcake Trifles recipe at Cooking Classy for more layering ideas and presentation tips. Enjoy making it — your friends will love the color, flavor, and thoughtful presentation.