Strawberry Trifle {5 Ingredients & 15 Minute Prep!}

Name: Strawberry Trifle
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 pre-made angel food cake (about 14 oz, cut into 1-inch cubes); 4 cups prepared white chocolate pudding; 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced); 4 cups whipped cream; 1 white chocolate bar

4.94 from 16 votes

Super easy strawberry trifle, made with 5 ingredients & 15 mins! Premade angel food cake, white chocolate pudding, fresh strawberries, cool whip and white chocolate shavings!

JUMP TO RECIPE PRINT RECIPE

Strawberry Trifle – This simple strawberry dessert has become my go-to for any occasion, and for good reason. This trifle recipe is straightforward, no-nonsense, and with just five key ingredients, it’s a recipe that anyone can make with a house full of screaming kids in the background. The combination of angel food cake, white chocolate pudding, ripe strawberries, and whipped cream topped off with white chocolate shavings creates a layered strawberry trifle that’s both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.

Strawberry trifle with white chocolate in a clear glass bowl, topped with whipped cream and white chocolate, with a spoon and a plate with sliced strawberries on the side

I decided to make this strawberry trifle recipe during one of those busy weeks; you know, when the thought of baking something elaborate is as likely as me running a marathon. It only takes 15 minutes to throw together (if you’re using a ready-made angel food cake or baked one ahead of time). All you have to do is cut up some angel food cake, slice some strawberries, mix a box of pudding, and then layer. You can skip the white chocolate garnish if you want, or even go for dark chocolate shavings!

Strawberry Trifle Overview

Cuisine Inspiration: American
Number of Ingredients: 5
Total Time: About 15 minutes to assemble, plus at least 1 hour for chilling
Primary Cooking Method: No-bake, simple layering
Dietary Info: Vegetarian; contains gluten and dairy
Key Flavor: Sweet and fresh, with creamy and fruity notes
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly

Notable mentions

Effortless 5-Ingredient Recipe: Emphasizing the ease of this Strawberry Trifle, it’s a perfect dessert to toss together when you have kids, but not time.
No-Bake (if you’re using pre-made Angel Food Cake): Toss a pre-made angel food cake (or even pound cake) on your grocery list if you’re planning ahead of time. Or make a homemade angel food cake from scratch the day before.
Simple Strawberry Dessert: Everyone loves fresh strawberries. This dessert really pops with strawberry flavor, and the white chocolate is a great partner here.
Quick & Easy Dessert Solution: This recipe is a lifesaver for last-minute gatherings or when time is of the essence. The fridge does most of the work for you and all you have to do is take all the credit.

Ingredients You’ll Need To Make A Strawberry Trifle

Angel Food Cake: The base of the trifle, angel food cake is light and airy. While this recipe uses a traditional angel food cake, you can switch it up by using a strawberry angel food cake, chocolate angel food cake, or even a pineapple-flavored angel food cake!
White Chocolate Pudding: A key component, the white chocolate pudding brings a creamy and rich taste to the trifle, complementing the freshness of the strawberries.
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness, a slight tartness, and a pop of color.
Whipped Cream: It’s all about that fluffy, cloud-like layer of whipped cream that ties everything together with its light and creamy texture. You can make your own whip cream or opt for a shortcut and use Cool Whip.
White Chocolate Bar: Used for garnishing, shavings, or pieces of white chocolate bar, add an elegant look to the final presentation.

Overhead shot of ingredients to make strawberry trifle with white chocolate on a white surface

How to make A Strawberry Trifle

Following the instructions on the package, prepare your white chocolate pudding.
Once the pudding is ready, fold in half of the whipped cream until well combined.

A step by step image collage on how to mix the pudding and the whipped cream for strawberry trifle with white chocolate

Layer the trifle

Choose a large trifle dish or a clear glass bowl and lay down a foundation of angel food cake cubes.
Gently add half of your pudding and whipped cream mix over the cake, ensuring it reaches the edges.
Add a layer of freshly sliced strawberries on top of the pudding mixture.
Spread a generous layer of whipped cream over the pudding.
Add another layer of Angel food cake.
Add the remaining pudding.

A step by step image collage on how to layer the angel food cake cubes, pudding mix, strawberries, and whipped cream for strawberry trifle with white chocolate

Decorate the top of your trifle

Top with chopped strawberries and the rest of the whipped cream.
Garnish with white chocolate shavings or pieces.

A step by step image collage on how to garnish the strawberry trifle with white chocolate with whipped cream and white chocolate pieces and shavings

Popular Substitutions & Additions

Cake Alternatives: Not a fan of angel food cake or looking for something denser? Try substituting with pound cake or sponge cake for a different texture.
Pudding Variations: While white chocolate pudding is a decadent choice, feel free to experiment with vanilla, strawberry, or even chocolate pudding for a different flavor profile.
Berry Mix-Up: Strawberries are classic, but why not mix things up a bit? Raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries is really good here.
Dairy-Free Cream: If you’re catering to dairy-free preferences, coconut whipped cream is a fantastic alternative that adds a subtle tropical flavor.
Extra Crunch: For a bit of texture, consider adding a layer of crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookies between the layers.
Chocolate Chips or Nuts: Sprinkle some chocolate chips or chopped nuts over each layer for an added crunch and richness.
Citrus Zest: A little lemon or orange zest mixed in with the strawberries can bring a citrus pop to the trifle.

Tips for making the best Strawberry Trifle With Angel Food Cake

Quality Ingredients: The key to an outstanding Strawberry Trifle lies in the quality of the ingredients. Choose ripe, juicy strawberries and high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor.
Chill the Cake: If you’re slicing the angel food cake yourself, chilling it beforehand makes it easier to cut neat, even cubes. This helps create a more visually appealing layer. You can even pop it in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
Layer Evenly: Take your time to evenly spread each layer – cake, pudding, strawberries, and whipped cream. This ensures a balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Let It Set: After assembling, allow your trifle to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps the layers to set and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Garnish Before Serving: Add your garnishes, such as white chocolate shavings, right before serving. This keeps them looking fresh and from sinking into the whipped cream.
Serving Temperature: Serve the trifle chilled. It not only tastes better but also holds its shape better when it’s cold.

Strawberry trifle with white chocolate in a clear glass bowl showing the layers, topped with whipped cream and white chocolate

How to Store Your Strawberry Trifle

Storing your Strawberry Trifle correctly is crucial to maintaining its freshness and flavor. Here’s how to do it:

Airtight Container: If your trifle dish doesn’t come with a lid, transfer the trifle to an airtight container. This will prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge and keep it fresh.
Refrigerate Promptly: Trifles should be stored in the refrigerator. Due to the dairy ingredients, it’s important not to leave the trifle out at room temperature for extended periods.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for Strawberry Trifle, as it can alter the texture of the cream and cake, making them less enjoyable.

How long does a Strawberry Trifle last in the Fridge?

A well-made Strawberry Trifle can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within the first 24-48 hours.

Over time, the cake will absorb more moisture from the pudding and whipped cream, which might change the texture. The strawberries may also start to lose their freshness.

Frequently asked questions

Why did my trifle turn out soggy?

Sogginess usually occurs if the cake absorbs too much moisture from the cream or pudding. To prevent this, ensure your cake is fully cooled and consider chilling it before layering. Also, don’t over-soak the cake in pudding.

Can I make the trifle a day in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the trifle a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge overnight allows the flavors to meld together nicely. Just remember to add any crunchy toppings or garnishes right before serving to maintain their texture.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries are preferred for their texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture, which could make the layers soggy. You might want to just turn the strawberries into a puree or sauce to add when serving.

A serving of strawberry trifle with white chocolate on a white plate with a piece of white chocolate and strawberry slices, with the whole trifle cake in the background

So, there you have it – my easy Strawberry Trifle made with just five ingredients and no oven in sight. It’s the perfect answer to that eternal question: “What should I make for dessert?” ha

More 5 Ingredient Or Less Dessert recipes:

I want to hear from you! If you try this easy Strawberry Trifle with White Chocolate recipe or any other of my 5 ingredient or less recipes on Dinner in 5, then don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! I read all the comments and respond!

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