Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is that show-stopper dessert you pull out when you want gasps from guests and pure joy from family. This incredible treat layers blush-pink cubes of soft strawberry cake, pillowy cheesecake mousse, and juicy slices of fresh strawberries, all crowned with the dreamiest whipped cream. Every spoonful is a blend of flavors and textures—creamy, tangy, sweet, and fruity, with just enough cake to soak up all the goodness. It’s easy to assemble, totally stunning, and perfect for any gathering where you want dessert to steal the spotlight.

Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle lies in simple ingredients that come together for a truly luscious dessert. Each addition brings its own special flair, from the fresh berries to the decadent whipped cream, creating that irresistible balance.

Strawberry Cake: Use your favorite box mix for convenience—just bake, cool completely, and cut into cubes for lovely, colorful layers that soak up the filling.
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened; this is the heart of the cheesecake layer, adding rich, tangy creaminess you just can’t fake.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla brings subtle warmth and depth, making all the flavors pop.
Instant Cheesecake Pudding Mix: This little secret gives the filling a luxurious texture with that familiar cheesecake tang—no baking required!
Heavy Whipping Cream: Used in both the cream layer and as whipped topping, it delivers a light and airy finish so each bite melts in your mouth.
Powdered Sugar: A touch of sweetness for both the whipped cream and cheesecake mixture, it blends in smoothly without any grit.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Sliced strawberries add freshness, juicy bursts of sweetness, and make the whole dessert look like springtime in a bowl.

How to Make Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Step 1: Cube the Strawberry Cake

Once your freshly baked (and completely cooled) strawberry cake is ready, turn it out onto a board and slice it into sturdy cubes about three-quarters to one inch thick. These soft pink cubes are the building blocks of your Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle and will stand up beautifully to the creamy layers and juicy fruit. Set aside until it’s assembly time.

Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese and Vanilla

Pop your softened cream cheese into a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract, then use a hand mixer to beat the two together until the mixture is silky and smooth. This step ensures you don’t end up with any lumps in your final cheesecake filling.

Step 3: Incorporate the Pudding Mix

Turn the mixer to low and sprinkle in the cheesecake pudding mix. Beat until it blends with the cream cheese. Don’t worry if things look a bit thick or lumpy at this point—you’ll fix that in the next step, I promise!

Step 4: Drizzle in the Cream

Slow and steady wins the race here. With the mixer running on low, drizzle in 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream, adding just a splash at a time and beating well between additions. This patience results in the smooth, creamy, cheesecake mousse that will make your trifle so dreamy.

Step 5: Add Powdered Sugar

Time to sweeten things up! Sprinkle in half a cup of powdered sugar and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. Now you have a velvety, pillowy filling that’s just the right amount of sweet.

Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries

Reserve about a cup of the prettiest strawberry slices for the grand finish on top, and fold the rest into your cheesecake mixture. The strawberries will infuse the creamy mixture with fresh flavor and cheery bursts of color.

Step 7: Layer the Trifle

Time for some dessert architecture! In your trifle dish, start with a layer of cake cubes (about a third of them). Next, add half of your strawberry and cream mixture. Repeat with another layer of cake and the rest of the strawberry filling, then finish with the remaining cake cubes. Each layer creates a beautiful cross-section of color and texture that guests will “ooh” and “aah” over.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the remaining two cups of heavy cream until you see soft peaks. Add the last quarter cup of powdered sugar and keep mixing until stiff peaks form. This luscious whipped cream is what takes your Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle from homemade to bakery-level beautiful.

Step 9: Decorate the Top

Mound or pipe generous dollops of whipped cream around the rim of the trifle, pile the reserved strawberry slices in the center, and add one last big swirl of whipped cream topped with a halved, stem-on strawberry for that finishing touch. Let your creativity shine—this is where the trifle becomes a true centerpiece!

How to Serve Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices, a few sprigs of mint, or even white chocolate shavings make beautiful, edible garnishes for your Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle. Just before serving, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle of strawberry syrup for extra flair. The goal is to highlight the vibrant pink and cream layers for maximum wow factor.

Side Dishes

Because Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is rich and indulgent, keep side dishes light and refreshing. Consider offering a fruit salad, sparkling lemonade, or even a scoop of lemon sorbet to complement the sweetness. Coffee or tea pairs beautifully for a brunch or afternoon gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try assembling your trifle in mini mason jars or clear glasses so each guest gets their own personal parfait. For a dramatic look at the table, use a classic, footed trifle dish or a wide glass bowl. Layering in a rectangular dish also works well if you’re serving a crowd—just make sure guests can see those stunning layers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep the cake moist and the cream fresh. Just know that, over time, the cake will absorb some of the cream, intensifying the flavors even more.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle, the texture of the fresh strawberries and whipped cream can suffer upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so before adding fresh fruit and whipped cream on top. Assemble the base layers, wrap securely, and freeze for up to one month. Add the final toppings after thawing for best results.

Reheating

Trifles are meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If the trifle has been stored in the fridge, simply remove it 10-15 minutes before serving to take the chill off for the best balance of flavor and texture. Serve directly from the fridge on hot summer days for ultimate refreshment!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pound cake instead of strawberry cake?

Absolutely! While strawberry cake adds an extra pop of color and flavor, pound cake (or even angel food cake) can be used in a pinch. If you still want a strawberry element, consider mixing in a little strawberry jam or syrup between the cake layers.

What if I can’t find instant cheesecake pudding mix?

No worries! You can substitute with instant vanilla pudding mix. The flavor will be a bit less tangy, but still absolutely delicious. For extra cheesecake flavor, add a tablespoon of sour cream or a squeeze of lemon juice to the cream cheese filling.

Is it possible to make Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle in advance?

Yes! The trifle actually benefits from a few hours of chill time in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can assemble the full trifle (except the top whipped cream and strawberry garnish) up to a day ahead, then finish decorating just before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

If fresh strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries; just thaw them first and pat dry to avoid watering down the trifle. Keep in mind they may be softer and slightly less vibrant in color, but the flavor will still shine through.

What size dish should I use for the trifle?

A standard trifle bowl works beautifully, but any large, clear glass bowl with a capacity of about three to four quarts will do the job. If you’re making individual servings, 8- to 12-ounce glasses or small jars work perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much to love about Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle—it’s easy to make, a feast for the eyes, and always a hit with anyone lucky enough to snag a spoonful. Give this recipe a try the next time you’re craving something fruity, creamy, and utterly unforgettable. You just might find it becomes your new crowd-pleaser, too!

Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 12 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the heavenly layers of this Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle, a delightful dessert that combines the richness of cheesecake with the freshness of strawberries in a visually stunning presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 strawberry cake (prepared and cooled)

For the Cheesecake Layer:

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3.4 oz. package instant cheesecake pudding mix (unprepared)
3.5 cups heavy whipping cream, divided
¾ cup powdered sugar, divided
2 pounds fresh strawberries, sliced

Instructions

Cut the Cake: Slice the cooled cake into cubes and set aside.
Prepare Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth. Add pudding mix and beat until thick.
Incorporate Cream: Slowly add 1 ½ cups of cream to the mixture, then mix in ½ cup powdered sugar.
Add Strawberries: Combine fresh strawberries with the cream cheese mixture, reserving some for topping.
Layer the Trifle: Alternate cake cubes, strawberry mixture, and repeat.
Whip Cream: Beat remaining cream and sugar until stiff peaks form.
Assemble: Top the trifle with whipped cream, reserved strawberries, and additional decorations as desired.

Notes

You can make the cake from scratch, but using a mix saves time.
Feel free to add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variation.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Mixing, Layering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 300g)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle, dessert, strawberries, cream cheese, easy recipe