The Best Strawberry Trifle Recipe with Scratch Pudding

Name: Strawberry Trifle with Homemade Pudding
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-2 lbs fresh strawberries; 1 lb blueberries; Pound cake loaf (or angel food cake); 8 oz. whipped cream; Homemade pudding or vanilla pudding mix

Updated onJuly 23, 2020

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This spring has started off like no other, but there are still many ways to achieve a sense of normalcy in the comfort of our own homes. Today, I’m sharing a strawberry trifle recipe that will make you and your family feel fancy without even leaving the house.

This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. For more information, please see my disclosures.

A Celebration of Spring

Spring ideas with mantels, table decor, DIY projects, recipes and decor from bloggers

I’m sharing this favorite dessert recipe as part of a spring tour hosted by the lovely Paula Skulina from Virginia Sweet Pea. If you don’t know Paula, she’s a kind soul with a love for all things vintage, and her beautiful blog is definitely worth a visit!

Each day this week, my friends and I are sharing a variety of spring decor, crafts, and (today) recipes. Our hope is that we can lift your spirits and give you a reason to daydream during this challenging time.

You’ll find all the links at the end of this post, and trust me, you won’t want to miss them!

Strawberry Trifle Dessert Recipe

Traditionally, the English trifle is a dessert made with layers of fruit, custard, and sponge fingers soaked in sherry or fortified wine. It’s like a super-sized parfait that feeds a crowd!

My strawberry trifle recipe substitutes pound cake for sponge fingers (a.k.a. ladyfingers) and includes a homemade pudding akin to a custard.

Strawberry trifle with pudding , pound cake, strawberries, blueberries and whipped cream

Strawberry Trifle FAQs

Is it better to use pound cake or angel food cake for a trifle? I prefer using a pound cake for a richer flavor and to prevent the trifle from getting soggy after refrigeration.
How many layers is a trifle? This will depend entirely on the size of your trifle bowl and appetite. This strawberry trifle includes nine layers–two each of cake, pudding, strawberries, and blueberries, topped with whipped cream–in a 3-quart dish.
How long will a trifle last? This dessert should last 3-4 days in the fridge, similar to any pudding or fruit dessert. However, it doesn’t seem to last long in my family!

Note: Given the need for social distancing during this time, you can absolutely enjoy single-serve portions of this trifle recipe by serving it as a parfait.

Strawberry Trifle Dessert Ingredients

1-2 lbs fresh strawberries
1 lb blueberries
Pound cake loaf (or angel food cake)
8 oz. whipped cream
Homemade pudding [jump to recipe] or vanilla pudding mix

Directions for Making Strawberry Trifle

This strawberry trifle is not only moist and delicious but also has the power to make children obey your every command, especially if you force them to wait while you take photos!

(smirk)

Step 1: Slice strawberries in quarters or halves

Strawberries and pound cake for making strawberry trifle

Some recipes call for macerated strawberries, which means adding small amounts of sugar to create a strawberry syrup mix. I find that the pudding and whipped cream make this particular trifle rich enough already, but I’ll leave it up to your taste buds.

Step 2: Cut pound cake into small 1-inch squares

Cutting pound cake into squares for strawberry trifle dessert

Before preparing my strawberry trifle, I baked a pound cake (Betty Crocker mix) and let it cool. You can definitely opt for store-bought cake to save time. No shame in that!

Then, I placed the squares in my trifle dish with the “cake” part facing outward. The challenge with trifles is making the window shopping look as good as the purchase if you know what I mean.

Step 3: Layer pudding and fruit on top of cake

Strawberry trifle dessert layered with pound cake, homemade pudding, strawberries, and blueberries

You don’t need to follow any particular rules when you assemble the trifle dessert. However, adding the pudding directly on top of the cake will result in a more moist texture.

Step 5: Repeat layers with cake, pudding and fruit

Strawberry trifle layered with pound cake, pudding, and fruit

As you continue to add layers, make sure to leave about 2 inches from the rim to add a final layer of Cool Whip or other whipped cream.

Step 6: Add whipped topping and garnish

Strawberry trifle with whipped cream and strawberries on top

To finish the trifle, you can add a generous layer of Cool Whip, followed by sliced fruit, chocolate, nuts, mint or any other garnish your heart desires!

I ended up adding some fresh mint that is now growing like crazy on my patio. It gave the berry trifle a little extra height for good looks.

Strawberry trifle dessert with pound cake, strawberries, blueberries, pudding, and whipped cream next to glass of milk and dessert bowl

Many variations exist for this multi-layered dessert, so I encourage you to tailor it with your favorite fruits and toppings. What I love about this dessert is how it can feed a crowd for special occasions like bridal showers or holiday parties (think 4th of July).

Optional: Homemade Pudding Recipe

Note: This homemade pudding recipe also works as a pie filling to make coconut cream pie or banana cream pie.

Ingredients

1/3 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups milk, scalded
3 slightly beaten egg yolks
2 tbsp. butter
1/2 tsp. vanilla

Directions

In a large saucepan, mix flour, sugar, and salt.
Add scalded milk (heated in microwave about 1.5 to 2 minutes on high), and stir well.
Cook over low-to-medium heat, stirring constantly for about 1 minute.
Temper the egg yolks by adding a small amount of the hot liquid and mixing it with a fork.
Add the egg to the hot mixture and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until it reaches a boil.
Remove from heat and add butter and vanilla.

[Jump back to trifle recipe]

Pin it for later!

Strawberry trifle with pound cake, fresh berries, homemade pudding and whipped cream

Continue Your Tour

Please visit the lovely spring posts my friends have created for you below! There’s something for everyone, from home decor to crafts.

I hope you enjoy sharing your strawberry trifle dessert with many (or few) friends this season. My prayers for safety and good health are with each and every one of you!

Hugs,

Strawberry Trifle with Homemade Pudding

Yield: 1

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

This rich and creamy strawberry trifle contains pudding, seasonal fruit, pound cake and whipped cream. It's sure to please a crowd for any special occasion. You can make it a day ahead of time, and it will last in the refrigerator for several days.

Ingredients

1-2 lbs fresh strawberries
1 lb blueberries
Pound cake loaf (or angel food cake)
8 oz. whipped cream
Homemade pudding or vanilla pudding mix

Instructions

Cut strawberries in quarters or halves
Cut pound cake into small 1-inch squares
Layer pudding and fruit on top of cake
Repeat layers with cake, pudding and fruit
Top with whipped cream and garnish

Notes

For directions to make homemade pudding, please see the original post. This recipe can also be altered to make single-serve portions using dessert dishes or mason jars.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 194Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 198mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 2gSugar: 23gProtein: 2g