If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the best of creamy cheesecake, fresh strawberries, and fluffy cake into one stunning, easy-to-make treat, this Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is exactly what you need. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal fuss, this trifle brings vibrant color, luscious textures, and heavenly flavors into every bite.
This guide will walk you through the recipe step-by-step, share tips for perfect layering, and suggest ingredient swaps and storage advice to make this your go-to dessert for years to come.
Why This Trifle is a Must-Try
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No baking required beyond the cake (you can buy pre-made)
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Layered textures of juicy berries, smooth mousse, and soft cake
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Make-ahead friendly — prepare in advance and chill for best results
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Elegant presentation in a clear trifle bowl or glass dish
Ingredients (US Cups & Measures, Makes 16 Servings)
Strawberry Layer:
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4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and cubed
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â…“ cup granulated sugar
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Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
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2â…” cups canned strawberry pie filling, drained
Vanilla Cheesecake Mousse:
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2 cups cream cheese, softened (two 8 oz blocks)
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1½ cups powdered sugar (divided)
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4 cups heavy cream (divided)
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for mousse)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped topping)
Cake Base:
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6 cups cubed angel food cake or vanilla pound cake
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Strawberries
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed fresh strawberries with granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Stir gently and let sit for 10 minutes until the strawberries release their natural juices and become juicy and fragrant.
Next, carefully fold in the drained strawberry pie filling to add sweetness and a luscious texture. Set this mixture aside to be layered later.
2. Make the Cheesecake Mousse
In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of the powdered sugar, 2 cups of heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Whip this mixture until it’s smooth, creamy, and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, around 3 to 4 minutes.
Gently fold 2 cups of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to lighten it and create a mousse-like texture. Reserve the remaining whipped cream for the topping.
3. Layer the Trifle
Using a clear trifle bowl or any large glass bowl, start assembling your dessert:
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Spread 1½ cups of cubed cake evenly on the bottom.
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Spoon 1 cup of the strawberry mixture over the cake layer.
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Dollop 1 cup of the cheesecake mousse on top of the strawberries.
Repeat these layers two more times, ending with a mousse layer on top.
4. Top and Chill
Spread the reserved whipped cream evenly over the final cheesecake mousse layer to create a light, fluffy topping.
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set for the perfect sliceable texture.
Total Time Breakdown
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Chilling | 4 hours or more |
| Total Time | 4 hours 20 minutes+ |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~430 kcal |
| Fat | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sodium | 220mg |
Please note these are approximate values and may vary depending on brands and specific ingredients used.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle
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Use day-old cake or lightly toast cake cubes to add firmness and texture so they don’t get soggy quickly.
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For extra zing, stir 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon zest into the cream cheese mixture before whipping.
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Assemble the trifle up to 24 hours ahead of serving for convenience. Add the final whipped cream topping just before serving for best presentation.
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If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen and thawed mixed berries or other thawed frozen fruits work beautifully as a substitute.
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Use a clear trifle bowl or glass dish to showcase the beautiful layers, making the dessert as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Variations You Can Try
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Mixed Berry Cheesecake Trifle: Use blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries instead of just strawberries for a colorful twist.
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Chocolate Strawberry Trifle: Add layers of chocolate cake or brownies and drizzle melted chocolate between layers.
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Lemon Cheesecake Trifle: Add a layer of lemon curd for a bright and tangy surprise.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
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Keep the trifle covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for the best freshness.
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Leftovers are best served chilled and can be spooned directly from the dish.
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This trifle pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a light dessert wine.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and cakey textures that will delight your family and guests. It’s a great make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for summer parties, holidays, or any time you want a stunning sweet treat that requires minimal effort.
Try it out for your next occasion, and watch it quickly become a dessert favorite