Strawberry Trifle Recipe

The Dreamiest Strawberry Trifle Recipe for Sweet Gatherings

Sweet memories often bloom around a classic strawberry trifle that captures summer’s essence perfectly.

Layers of creamy goodness promise pure delight for dessert enthusiasts.

Soft sponge cake nestles between luscious berries and silky custard, creating a symphony of textures.

Grandmothers across generations have perfected this elegant treat with simple ingredients and love.

Fresh strawberries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness to each delightful spoonful.

Our recipe simplifies the traditional approach, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Each bite promises a journey through rich, comforting flavors that dance on your palate.

Prepare to indulge in a dessert that turns ordinary moments into magical celebrations.

Why James Martin Strawberry Trifle Is A Classic Treat

Why James Martin Strawberry Trifle Is A Classic Treat
  • Craft Stunning Layers: Build a visually gorgeous dessert with perfectly arranged strawberries and creamy pudding that looks like a professional bakery creation.
  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Required: Anyone can master this recipe with simple mixing and layering techniques, making it perfect for beginner cooks or those wanting a stress-free dessert experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, family reunions, and special celebrations where you want to impress guests with a delightful and refreshing sweet treat.
  • No-Bake Convenience: Skip turning on the oven and enjoy a delicious dessert that comes together quickly without complicated cooking steps, saving time and kitchen heat.

What’s Inside James Martin Strawberry Trifle

Base Ingredients:
  • Milk: Provides creamy liquid base for the pudding mixture.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tangy richness and smooth texture to the cream layer.
  • Pudding Mix: Creates a thick and stable cream filling for the trifle.
  • Heavy Cream: Whipped to add light and airy volume to the dessert.
Cake Component:
  • Angel Food Cake: Soft and light cake that absorbs the creamy layers beautifully.
Fruit Component:
  • Strawberries, Orange Zest: Fresh strawberries provide sweet fruitiness and orange zest adds bright citrus undertone to the dessert.

Easy Instructions For James Martin Strawberry Trifle

Easy Instructions For James Martin Strawberry Trifle

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Pudding Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine milk, sour cream, pudding mix, and a sprinkle of orange zest. Whisk everything together with enthusiasm until the mixture transforms into a thick, luscious cream that promises deliciousness.

Step 2: Fold in Whipped Cream

Gently incorporate whipped heavy cream into the pudding mixture. Use slow, sweeping motions to keep the texture light and airy, ensuring a cloud-like consistency that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Create First Cake Layer

Take a beautiful 3-quart glass trifle dish and scatter half of the cubed angel food cake across the bottom. This creates a soft, pillowy foundation for your magnificent dessert.

Step 4: Add First Strawberry Layer

Artfully arrange one-third of the fresh strawberries along the sides of the dish and over the cake layer. The vibrant red berries will peek through the glass, creating a stunning visual appeal.

Step 5: Spread First Cream Layer

Lovingly spoon half of the creamy pudding mixture over the strawberries and cake. Let it cascade naturally, filling every nook and cranny with its rich, decadent goodness.

Step 6: Build Second Layer

Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake cubes, another third of the strawberries, and the rest of the cream mixture. Each layer adds depth and complexity to the dessert.

Step 7: Crown with Strawberries

Beautifully arrange the final third of strawberries on top, creating a gorgeous crowning touch that makes the trifle look as amazing as it tastes.

Step 8: Chill and Develop Flavors

Cover the trifle loosely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to mingle and the textures to settle, transforming your creation into a truly spectacular dessert.

Helpful Tips For James Martin Strawberry Trifle

  • Boost Cream Texture: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form for an airy, cloud-like consistency that blends smoothly with pudding mixture.
  • Prevent Soggy Cake: Use slightly stale angel food cake to help it absorb cream without falling apart, maintaining ideal structural integrity.
  • Maximize Strawberry Flavor: Select ripe, in-season strawberries and slice them uniformly to ensure even distribution and balanced sweetness throughout the trifle.
  • Chill for Perfect Melding: Allow minimum 2-hour refrigeration to let flavors meld and cream soften cake layers, creating a harmonious dessert experience.
  • Zest Enhancement: Fresh orange zest adds subtle citrus notes that brighten the overall taste and complement the strawberries' natural sweetness.

Ways To Change Up James Martin Strawberry Trifle

  • Lemon Berry Trifle: Replace orange zest with lemon zest, swap strawberries for mixed berries like blueberries and raspberries for a tangy, colorful variation.
  • Chocolate Banana Trifle: Substitute pudding mix with chocolate pudding, use sliced bananas instead of strawberries, and add chocolate shavings for a decadent dessert.
  • Gluten-Free Trifle: Use gluten-free angel food cake or pound cake, ensure pudding mix is gluten-free, and follow the original recipe for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Coconut Trifle: Replace milk and sour cream with coconut milk, use vegan whipped cream, swap angel food cake for vegan sponge cake, and top with coconut flakes.

Tasty Pairings With James Martin Strawberry Trifle

  • Elevate Sweet Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Moscato d'Asti from Italy, whose light bubbles and delicate sweetness complement the strawberry trifle's fruity layers without overwhelming its creamy texture.
  • Harmonize Dessert Beverage: Brew a chilled lavender-infused Earl Grey tea, offering subtle floral notes that dance beautifully with the orange zest and strawberry elements in the trifle.
  • Enhance Flavor Contrast: Pour a small glass of amaretto liqueur, whose almond undertones will highlight the angel food cake's delicate sweetness and provide a sophisticated grown-up twist to the dessert experience.
  • Create Texture Balance: Serve a dollop of lightly whipped mascarpone cream on the side, adding an extra creamy dimension that echoes the trifle's luxurious layers while providing a cool, smooth counterpoint.

How To Store James Martin Strawberry Trifle Properly

  • Transfer leftover trifle to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring minimal air exposure. Keep chilled for 2-3 days, maintaining its fresh taste and texture.
  • Wrap the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month, understanding that the texture might slightly change upon thawing.
  • Thaw frozen trifle in the refrigerator overnight. Gently stir before serving to redistribute ingredients and restore original consistency.
  • For best flavor, consume within 48 hours and avoid repeated freezing and thawing to preserve the trifle's delicate structure and taste.

Frequently Asked Questions On James Martin Strawberry Trifle

  • What ingredients give this trifle its unique flavor?

The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the sweet strawberries and rich cream mixture, creating a more complex and interesting dessert flavor profile.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this trifle actually tastes better when prepared in advance. Refrigerating for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to meld together and the cake to absorb the creamy mixture.

  • Why use angel food cake for this recipe?

Angel food cake is light, airy, and absorbs the cream mixture perfectly without becoming soggy, creating a delicate texture that enhances the overall dessert experience.

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Strawberry Trifle Recipe

Strawberry Trifle Recipe


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4.8 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet layers of creamy strawberry trifle beckon with irresistible charm, promising a delightful dessert experience. Luscious strawberries, velvety cream, and delicate cake create a blissful harmony you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake and Fruit:

  • 8 cups angel food cake, cubed
  • 4 cups strawberries, sliced

Dairy and Cream Components:

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup 2% milk
  • 1 cup sour cream

Flavor and Seasoning:

  • 1 package (3.4 ounces / 96 grams) instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Whisk milk, sour cream, pudding mix, and orange zest in a large bowl until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
  2. Gently incorporate whipped heavy cream using delicate folding motions to maintain an airy texture.
  3. Create the first layer by evenly distributing cubed angel food cake across the bottom of a 3-quart glass trifle dish.
  4. Carefully position one-third of the fresh strawberries along the dish’s sides and over the cake layer, ensuring even coverage.
  5. Delicately pour half of the prepared cream mixture over the strawberries and cake, allowing it to settle naturally between the ingredients.
  6. Construct the second layer by adding the remaining cake cubes, another third of strawberries, and the remaining cream mixture.
  7. Crown the trifle with the final third of strawberries, arranging them artfully on the top surface.
  8. Seal the dish with loose covering and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, enabling the flavors to meld and the dessert to set completely before serving.

Notes

  • Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and best overall taste.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap angel food cake with gluten-free pound cake or almond sponge cake.
  • Chill the trifle dish beforehand to help the layers set more quickly and maintain their structure.
  • If you prefer a lighter dessert, replace some of the cream with Greek yogurt for added protein and tanginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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