Strawberry Shortcake Trifle (Printer-friendly)

Layers of fresh strawberries, tender shortcake, and whipped cream create a light, sweet summer delight.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shortcake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Strawberries

08 - 1 1/2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
09 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Whipped Cream

11 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
12 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
03 - Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - Stir in milk and vanilla until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
05 - Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet to form 8 biscuits. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
06 - Combine strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl. Let sit for at least 20 minutes to release natural juices.
07 - In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla using an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
08 - In a large trifle bowl or individual glasses, layer half of the shortcake pieces on the bottom.
09 - Spread half the macerated strawberries with their juices over the shortcake layer.
10 - Spread half of the whipped cream over the strawberry layer. Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients.
11 - Finish with a decorative layer of whipped cream and reserved strawberry slices on top. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The contrast between cold juicy berries and clouds of whipped cream hits differently on hot days
  • Makes you look like you spent hours when really you were just assembling beautiful things
  • Can be made ahead so you are not stuck in the kitchen while guests are having fun
02 -
  • Do not overwork the shortcake dough or your biscuits will be tough instead of tender
  • Really let those berries macerate, that juice is what makes every layer incredible
  • The trifle needs that hour in the fridge to let flavors meld and textures soften
03 -
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for faster, better results
  • Save the prettiest strawberry slices for the very top layer

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