Perfect Champagne Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
A simple, elegant trifle combining fresh strawberries, champagne-soaked cake, and whipped cream, perfect for celebrations and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Store-bought pound cake or angel food cake, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 8 cups)
- Champagne or sparkling wine, about 3/4 cup
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 4 cups)
- Granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons
- Fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
- Heavy cream, 1 1/2 cups, cold
- Powdered sugar, 1/4 cup
- Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
- Optional garnishes: fresh mint leaves, white chocolate shavings or toasted almonds
Instructions
- Macerate the Strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice. Toss gently to coat, then let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Soak the Cake: Cut the pound cake into 1-inch cubes and place them in a shallow dish. Pour about 3/4 cup of champagne evenly over the cake cubes, allowing them to soak for 5 minutes.
- Whip the Cream: Using a chilled bowl and electric mixer, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a glass bowl, layer soaked cake cubes, macerated strawberries with juices, and whipped cream. Repeat layers until the bowl is filled, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Chill: Decorate the top with fresh mint leaves and white chocolate shavings or toasted almonds if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Do not over-soak the cake to avoid mushiness. Keep whipped cream cold until assembly to maintain texture. Macerating strawberries is key for juicy flavor. Substitute champagne with sparkling grape juice or club soda for non-alcoholic version. Use gluten-free cake for gluten-free option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/8 to
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 3
Keywords: champagne, strawberry shortcake, trifle, easy dessert, celebration dessert, whipped cream, pound cake, fresh strawberries