Galentines Strawberry Shortcake Trifle (Printable)

A layered dessert with tender shortcake, fresh strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, perfect for gatherings.

# Components:

→ Shortcake

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
06 - 2/3 cup whole milk
07 - 1 large egg

→ Strawberries

08 - 1.5 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
09 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
10 - 1 teaspoon lemon juice

→ Whipped Cream

11 - 2 cups heavy whipping cream
12 - 1/4 cup powdered sugar
13 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
03 - Cut cold cubed butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together milk and egg.
05 - Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
06 - Drop 8 to 10 mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. Cool completely, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
07 - While shortcakes bake, combine sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss gently and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
08 - In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract to soft peaks using an electric mixer or whisk.
09 - In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, layer half the shortcake cubes on the bottom. Top with half the strawberries and their juices, followed by half the whipped cream. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
10 - Garnish with additional strawberries or heart-shaped sprinkles if desired. Serve immediately or chill for up to 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks fancy enough to impress anyone, but honestly takes less time than a trip to the bakery.
  • You can make the shortcake ahead and assemble it just before serving, which means less kitchen stress when guests arrive.
  • The strawberry juices soak into the cake layers as it sits, creating this incredible moisture and flavor that gets better the longer it chills.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cooling step for the shortcakes; if you cut into them warm, they'll crumble into disappointing dust instead of holding their shape in the trifle.
  • The maceration time for strawberries is non-negotiable if you want that incredible syrupy layer that soaks into the cake—rushing this step means missing out on the real magic of the dessert.
03 -
  • Assemble the trifle no more than 2 hours before serving so the shortcake softens just right without becoming soggy or the whipped cream weeping.
  • If you're making this ahead, prepare each component separately and assemble just before guests arrive for the most beautiful presentation and best texture.
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