Description
A rescue mission for your sanity and schedule, this no-bake Strawberry Shortcake Trifle looks professional but takes only 20 minutes of active work. It features layers of yellow cake, fresh or frozen strawberries, and a rich vanilla cream filling that improves with chilling time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1 can (8 oz) whipped cream topping
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, for strawberries)
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While cake cools, wash and slice strawberries. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid. Toss with sugar if needed and let sit for 15 minutes.
- In a large, cold bowl, combine heavy whipping cream and instant vanilla pudding mix. Whip on high speed for 3-4 minutes until stiff peaks form.
- Cut the completely cooled cake into 1-inch cubes.
- Assemble the trifle in a large glass bowl: layer cake cubes, sliced strawberries with juice, and vanilla cream. Repeat layers.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with fresh mint and whipped cream topping before serving.
Notes
The cake must be completely cool before cutting to prevent mushiness. Cold ingredients are essential for whipping the cream successfully. If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are well-drained to avoid a watery trifle. The dessert improves in flavor and texture after chilling overnight.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 4
Keywords: strawberry shortcake trifle, no bake dessert, summer dessert, easy dessert, party dessert, strawberry trifle, yellow cake mix dessert