Easy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Parfaits
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Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Parfaits is an easy early summer dessert made of layers of fresh strawberries, delicious jam, whipped cream, and moist yellow cake.
Traditionally, strawberry shortcake is made of a sweetened biscuit topped with sweetened cream, and fresh strawberries. In this version, I’m replacing cake for the biscuits and adding in a layer strawberry jam under the fresh berries. Then I’m blessing these cuties with layers of delicious cream cheese whipped cream!
Trifle vs parfait
Trifles and parfaits are technically two different desserts from two separate cuisines. A trifle is an English layered dessert consisting of sponge cake, custard and/or jam, fruit, and cream. Parfaits are a French dessert traditionally consisting of sorbet or ice cream, fruit, and whipped cream served in individual portions. These strawberry shortcake trifle parfaits are a mix of the two, being served in individual containers.
Easy strawberry trifle ingredients
Yellow cake layer
This recipe will work with homemade yellow cake, pound cake, or store bought box mix. A store bought pound cake will work just as well too. Make and cool the cake before cutting it into cubes.
Fresh strawberries
Strawberry jam
The jam will sweeten the berries. Some people will toss then with sugar but I like using jam. Use your favorite brand or try a batch of my easy Strawberry Refrigerator Jam.
Cream cheese whipped cream frosting
You can certainly use a basic whipped cream, homemade or store-bought. I’m using my recipe for Cream Cheese Whipped Cream Frosting to add flavor to this amazing trifle. You will need:
8-ounce mason jars or parfait cups
I made these in individual servings for a friend’s birthday but you can also make this in a trifle bowl and serve it as a centerpiece dessert.
How to make strawberry shortcake trifle
The recipe calls for prepared ingredients so you will need to make everything in advance allowing time for the cake to fully cool. Once the cake is cool, you may want to remove the browned outer crust from the cake with a serrated knife before cubing it into 1/2”-1” cubes.
Next, the sliced berries get tossed with the jam. I like to stir the jam to loosen it up a bit in the bowl before adding the strawberries.
Build the parfaits by adding cubed cake on the bottom. Then add a portion of strawberries equal to the cake followed by a couple of tablespoons of whipped cream. Repeat the layers once and finish with strawberry slices to garnish. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.
Make ahead instructions
Trifles can get mushy if kept too long. A trifle will last 2-3 days assembled but you can extend the shelf life by storing each component separately and making the parfaits as needed.
To do so, cube the cake, slice the strawberries, and make the whipped cream. Store each item in separate ziplock bags or air-tight containers in the fridge for about 4 days.
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Parfaits
Ingredients
- 1 yellow cake or 1 box cake
- 1 recipe cream cheese whipped cream frosting or prepared whipped cream
- 1 1/2 lb fresh strawberries sliced
- 1/3 c strawberry jam
Instructions
- Make the cream cheese whipped cream according to instructions and keep it refrigerated until needed.
- Make and cool the cake according to instructions then cut it into 1/2”-1” cubes. Toss the strawberries in the jam.
- In 8 oz mason jars, put 2-3 tablespoons of cubed cake at the bottom. Spoon a portion of strawberries equal to the cake over the cake then a tablespoon or two of the cream. Repeat the layers once, then finish with strawberry slices. Serve immediately.