Fluffy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups
A quick and easy layered dessert featuring fluffy angel food or sponge cake, macerated strawberries, and whipped cream, served in individual cups for a fresh and light indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced (fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 4 cups angel food cake or sponge cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¼ cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
- Optional: sliced almonds for crunch
Instructions
- Macerate the strawberries by tossing them with granulated sugar in a medium bowl. Let sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften and create syrup.
- Prepare the whipped cream by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters if possible. Beat the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
- Cut the angel food or sponge cake into 1-inch cubes if not already done.
- Layer the trifle cups starting with a spoonful of cake cubes at the bottom, followed by a layer of macerated strawberries, then a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish with strawberry slices and a mint leaf or almond slices if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let flavors meld and cream firm up slightly.
Notes
Use cold cream and chilled tools for best whipped cream results. Avoid overbeating cream to prevent it from turning to butter. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream. To prevent soggy cake, drain excess liquid from thawed frozen berries and layer just before serving if making ahead.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 trifle cup
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle cups, layered dessert, easy dessert, quick dessert, angel food cake, whipped cream, fresh strawberries