If you have a soft spot for fruity, creamy desserts that practically taste like summer in a dish, then you are going to adore the Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe. This charming, layered dessert combines juicy, sweet strawberries with fluffy whipped cream, silky vanilla pudding, and tender cubes of cake to create a refreshing treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet pick-me-up, this trifle brings joy with every spoonful and is wonderfully simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this dessert is a breeze, but each one is crucial to achieving its perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the bright freshness of strawberries to the creamy decadence of whipped cream and pudding, every component plays an important role.
- Fresh strawberries (1 pound): Hulled and diced for that irresistible burst of sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sprinkled over the strawberries to draw out their natural juices and add a gentle sweetness.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds just the right amount of brightness to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Pound cake or vanilla sponge cake (1 store-bought, cubed): Provides a soft but sturdy base that soaks up the strawberry juices beautifully.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped into light, fluffy peaks for that luscious, airy creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the whipped cream delicately without overpowering it.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Infuses the whipped cream with a warm, comforting aroma.
- Prepared vanilla pudding or custard (1 cup, chilled): Adds a smooth, creamy layer that complements the textures around it.
- Bunny-shaped marshmallows or sugar decorations (optional): For a whimsical, festive touch that will make the trifle even more charming and special.
How to Make Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by combining your diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Give everything a good stir to coat the berries evenly with sugar and lemon juice. Let this mixture rest for about 15 minutes—it’s during this time that the sugar draws out the natural juices from the berries, creating a sweet, vibrant syrup that will soak into the cake layers perfectly.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, whip your heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until you achieve soft, fluffy peaks. This whipped cream will add a cloud-like lightness to your trifle, balancing the fruity and cakey layers.
Step 3: Prepare Your Layers
Grab a pretty trifle dish or individual serving cups and start layering with the cubed pound cake at the bottom. Spoon a generous layer of the juicy strawberry mix over the cake, followed by a layer of chilled vanilla pudding. Then top with a thick layer of the whipped cream. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, ending with a whipped cream topping.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
For an extra-special touch, decorate the top with bunny-shaped marshmallows or sugar decorations. Place the trifle in the refrigerator for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the textures to settle into their perfect harmony.
How to Serve Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches can really bring your trifle to life. Aside from the adorable bunny marshmallows, fresh whole strawberries or a sprinkle of edible flowers can add beautiful color and texture. A light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving creates an elegant wintery effect too.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of chilled sparkling lemonade. If you want to keep it all sweet, a small scoop of vanilla ice cream is heavenly alongside the trifle.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe in clear jars for individual portions—these make great party favors or picnic treats. Layering the dessert in a large glass bowl not only looks stunning but also allows everyone to admire the colorful, tempting layers before diving in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover trifle in an airtight container or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to preserve the textures of the cake and whipped cream.
Freezing
Because of the delicate whipped cream and fresh fruit layers, freezing this trifle is not recommended. Freezing will alter the texture of the cream and the strawberries, resulting in a mushier dessert upon thawing.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and doesn’t require reheating. If you’d like it closer to room temperature, simply let it sit out of the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the cake layers slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in the Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh strawberries are out of season, thawed and drained frozen strawberries work well, although they might release a bit more liquid so keep that in mind during assembly.
What type of cake works best for this trifle?
Pound cake or vanilla sponge cake is ideal because they soak up the strawberry juices perfectly without becoming too soggy. Angel food cake can be used for a lighter texture if preferred.
Can I make this trifle vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like dairy-free whipped cream and pudding, along with a vegan pound cake, you can adapt the recipe to suit a dairy-free or vegan diet. Just make sure each component is fully chilled for the best texture.
How far in advance can I assemble this dessert?
You can prepare the trifle up to 8 hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. This gives the flavors time to meld beautifully but avoid assembling it too far in advance to maintain the cake’s texture.
What if I don’t have vanilla pudding available?
If you don’t have vanilla pudding on hand, vanilla custard or even a thick vanilla yogurt can be a tasty substitute, though each will adjust the dessert’s flavor and texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
The Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe is a joyful celebration of fresh strawberries, cozy vanilla flavors, and creamy textures all nestled in one lovely dish. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones or brightening any day with a dash of sweetness and whimsy. Once you try this trifle, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to desserts to delight friends and family again and again.
Print
Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Little Bunny Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring layers of fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, vanilla pudding, and tender pound cake cubes. Perfectly suited for Easter or any spring gathering, this visually charming trifle combines sweet, juicy berries with creamy vanilla layers, adorned with cute bunny-shaped marshmallows for a festive touch.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Cake Layer
- 1 store-bought pound cake or vanilla sponge cake, cut into 1-inch cubes
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Vanilla Pudding Layer
- 1 cup prepared vanilla pudding or custard, chilled
Garnish (Optional)
- Bunny-shaped marshmallows or sugar decorations
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: In a medium bowl, combine the diced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat all the berries, then let this mixture sit for 15 minutes to macerate and become juicy.
- Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft, fluffy peaks form. This will create a smooth, sweet topping and layering component for the trifle.
- Assemble the trifle: In a trifle dish or individual cups, place a layer of pound cake cubes at the bottom. Spoon a layer of the macerated strawberries along with their juices over the cake, followed by a layer of chilled vanilla pudding. Then add a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Repeat layering: Continue layering the pound cake, strawberries, pudding, and whipped cream until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream for an attractive presentation.
- Garnish and chill: Decorate the top layer with bunny-shaped marshmallows or sugar decorations to add a festive touch. Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- You can substitute angel food cake for a lighter texture if preferred.
- Frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained can be used instead of fresh ones.
- This trifle can be assembled up to 8 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
