Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle Recipe

There’s something undeniably nostalgic and joyful about a strawberry cheesecake trifle. It’s that dessert your mom made on special occasions or one you spotted in a beautiful glass bowl at a potluck and couldn’t resist. For me, it all began with my grandmother’s layered desserts rich, creamy, fruit-filled showstoppers. This strawberry cheesecake trifle recipe is a tribute to those sweet family moments. It’s indulgent without being heavy, beautiful without requiring pastry chef skills, and bursting with real strawberries, whipped cheesecake filling, and soft cake layers. Let’s just say once you make it, you’ll be asked to bring it everywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

This strawberry cheesecake trifle is more than just a dessert it’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and the perfect make-ahead treat. Layered with soft vanilla cake (or pound cake), creamy no-bake cheesecake filling, and fresh juicy strawberries, it’s as pretty as it is delicious. Inspired by the popular easy strawberry trifle recipe at home, this version adds a cheesecake twist that makes it richer and more satisfying. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just need something sweet and special, this dessert never fails.

Pure Comfort

Imagine a scoop of soft cake soaked with strawberry juice, enveloped in a rich cheesecake cloud, and bursting with fresh berries. That’s what this strawberry cheesecake trifle delivers. Served cold from the fridge, it’s refreshing and indulgent all at once. It’s the kind of dessert you sneak spoonfuls of straight from the fridge at midnight and we fully support that.

Ingredients for Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

1 pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for macerating strawberries)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
Optional: strawberry jam or preserves for layering

What You Need

Large mixing bowls
Electric hand or stand mixer
Spatula
Trifle bowl or large glass serving bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Fridge space for chilling

Time to Cook Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 10–12 servings

Steps to Make It

Step 1

Wash and slice the strawberries. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of sugar and let them sit for at least 15 minutes to release their juices.

Step 2

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/3 cup powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

Step 4

Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until fully combined. This is your cheesecake filling.

Step 5

In a large trifle dish, start layering: begin with cake cubes, then spoonfuls of cheesecake filling, followed by a layer of strawberries (and a bit of their juice). Repeat layers until the bowl is full.

Step 6

Top with extra whipped cream and a few whole or halved strawberries for garnish.

Step 7

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the layers to meld.

Make It Perfect

To keep your strawberry cheesecake trifle from becoming soggy, make sure your cake is a bit dry or slightly toasted before layering. This helps absorb juices without breaking down. Don’t skip the chilling step it helps the flavors meld beautifully. And use fresh, in-season strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and color.

Mix It Up

You can easily adapt this trifle to your taste. Try using chocolate cake for a chocolate-strawberry twist. Swap strawberries for mixed berries. Add a swirl of strawberry jam or preserves between layers for extra depth. You can also flavor the whipped cream with almond or lemon extract for a fun twist.

Perfect Partners

This dessert shines on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a hot espresso, a sparkling rosé, or a cup of fruity iced tea. It’s also a gorgeous match for light spring dishes like cucumber sandwiches or lemon cheesecake cookie bars.

Busy Day Hero

Trifles are made for make-ahead convenience. This strawberry cheesecake trifle can be fully assembled the night before your gathering. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to settle and blend.

Work Ahead

Short on time the day of your event? Prepare the whipped cheesecake filling, macerate the strawberries, and cube the cake a day in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then assemble within 5 minutes when ready to serve.

Save Some For Later

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the cake may soften more with time, the flavor actually gets better. You can also spoon individual portions into jars for ready-to-go treats.

Everyone’s Happy

This is a crowd-pleaser through and through. It’s soft and fruity for the kids, indulgent and elegant for adults. Need a potluck showstopper? This is it. Want to impress your in-laws or surprise your partner? Done.

Good For You Too

Okay, maybe not health-food status but this strawberry cheesecake trifle does offer fresh fruit, calcium-rich cream cheese, and the happiness of a shared dessert. You can lighten it by using low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt in place of some of the whipped cream.

Easy Clean Up

No baking pans, no frosting mess, no worrying about perfection. Everything is layered in one dish. Wash up your bowls, spoons, and mixer and you’re done. The fridge does the rest.

Switch It Up

Turn this into individual desserts by layering in mason jars or cocktail glasses. Try a tropical version with pineapple and coconut cream, or make it festive with peppermint cheesecake and crushed candy canes for the holidays.

Simply Perfect

It’s everything you want in a dessert: visual appeal, creamy texture, sweet-tart balance, and zero stress. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply because it’s Tuesday, this strawberry cheesecake trifle always delivers.

FAQs for Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better when chilled for a few hours or overnight.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Fresh is best for texture, but thawed and drained frozen strawberries work too.

Do I need a trifle bowl?
Nope! Any large clear bowl works or use individual glasses for a modern look.

Can I make this lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese, light whipped topping, or yogurt to reduce fat and calories.

Can I add gelatin to set it more firmly?
It’s not necessary, but you can add a little dissolved gelatin to the cream cheese layer if you want a firmer structure.

Conclusion for Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or simply indulging in something sweet, this strawberry cheesecake trifle is the kind of dessert that feels like a party in a bowl. Layered, luscious, and loved by all it’s a recipe that’s here to stay.

Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!

Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle Recipe

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• Author: Rita
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This strawberry cheesecake trifle layers pound cake, whipped cheesecake filling, and fresh strawberries into a gorgeous no-bake dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound cake or angel food cake, cubed
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
Optional: 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves

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Instructions

Slice strawberries and toss with granulated sugar; let sit for 15 minutes.
Beat cream cheese with 1/3 cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
Whip heavy cream with 1/4 cup powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create cheesecake filling.
In a trifle dish, layer cubed cake, cheesecake filling, and strawberries with juice.
Repeat layers until full. Add a final layer of whipped cream and whole strawberries on top.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

Use slightly stale or toasted cake to prevent sogginess. For extra strawberry flavor, swirl in jam between layers. Assemble in individual glasses for a personal touch.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake trifle, layered berry dessert, no-bake cheesecake trifle, strawberry trifle recipe