Description
An easy, no-bake dessert that layers fresh strawberries, homemade whipped cream, and vanilla wafers. It looks elegant and tastes like a high-end café treat but requires only five ingredients and minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, cold
- 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 package vanilla wafers (about 30 cookies)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Wash, hull, and slice the strawberries. Place them in a medium bowl, sprinkle with granulated sugar, and toss gently. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to macerate and create syrup.
- In a large, chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip using an electric mixer or hand whisk until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
- Place a layer of vanilla wafers at the bottom of a large glass trifle bowl or serving dish.
- Spread half of the whipped cream over the cookies, then spoon half of the strawberries (including all the syrup) over the cream.
- Add another layer of vanilla wafers, followed by the remaining whipped cream. Top with the rest of the strawberries and drizzle any remaining syrup over the top.
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 2-4 hours, to allow the cookies to soften and flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired and serve with large spoons.
Notes
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping the cream for better volume. Do not skip the maceration step for the strawberries, as the syrup is crucial for flavor and moisture. This trifle tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Do not freeze this dessert as the whipped cream will separate and become grainy upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the trifle
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: strawberry shortcake trifle, 5-ingredient dessert, no-bake dessert, summer dessert, easy trifle, whipped cream dessert, make-ahead dessert