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Flavorful Red White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Easy Summer Dessert Recipe

red white and blue strawberry shortcake trifle - featured image

A quick and easy patriotic dessert featuring layers of fluffy shortcake, macerated strawberries, whipped cream with lemon zest, and fresh blueberries. Perfect for summer gatherings and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) store-bought shortcake or angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh blueberries
  • 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream, chilled
  • 3 tablespoons (38g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Cut store-bought or homemade shortcake into 1-inch cubes, set aside about 4 cups (450g) worth.
  2. Hull and slice 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Toss with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 tablespoon sugar to macerate. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. In a chilled mixing bowl, whip 2 cups heavy cream with 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until soft peaks form (5–7 minutes).
  4. Assemble the trifle by layering shortcake cubes, macerated strawberries with juice, whipped cream, and blueberries. Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream on top. Garnish with whole strawberries and blueberries.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let flavors meld and shortcake soak juices.

Notes

Use cold equipment for whipping cream to achieve better volume. Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice to enhance sweetness and juiciness. Drizzle leftover strawberry juice or cold milk over shortcake cubes if dry. Keep whipped cream cold and fold gently when layering to maintain fluffiness. Can substitute coconut cream for dairy-free version and gluten-free cake for gluten sensitivities.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry shortcake, trifle, summer dessert, patriotic dessert, easy dessert, whipped cream, berries, shortcake