The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Growing up, I spent countless afternoons helping my grandmother in her sunny kitchen, surrounded by the scent of freshly baked cakes and ripe summer strawberries. When I first made these Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups, I was instantly reminded of those moments simple ingredients, layered with love.
There’s something magical about how strawberries blend with cream and sponge cake. The first bite feels like sunshine in a spoon sweet, airy, and comforting. These trifle cups aren’t just a dessert; they’re a celebration of joy and togetherness.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving something pretty yet simple, Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups are your perfect make-ahead treat. They’re elegant enough for guests but easy enough to make on a cozy Sunday afternoon. I love how each layer tells its own story soft cake, creamy sweetness, and bursts of strawberry flavor.
The best part? They look stunning in clear glasses, making every serving feel like a little piece of art.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make these irresistible Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups:
For the Cake Layer:
- 1 pound cake or sponge cake (store-bought or homemade), cubed
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Strawberry Layer:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cream Layer:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Fresh mint leaves
- Crumbled shortbread cookies (optional)
- Extra strawberry slices
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let them sit for 15–20 minutes. This allows the strawberries to release their natural juices, creating a sweet syrup.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. The mascarpone adds a lovely richness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Step 3: Assemble the Trifle Cups
Start by layering cubed cake pieces at the bottom of each cup. Spoon over a layer of the sweetened strawberries with their syrup. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the cup is filled, ending with whipped cream on top.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate the trifle cups for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Just before serving, top with extra strawberry slices, mint leaves, and crumbled shortbread cookies for that lovely crunch.
Serving Ideas
These Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups are ideal for any occasion from garden parties to cozy dinners. Serve them in mini mason jars for picnics or elegant glass cups for dinner parties.
For an extra twist, drizzle a little strawberry jam or balsamic glaze on top. You can even swap strawberries for raspberries or peaches when they’re in season.
Pair with a cup of Greek coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé for the perfect balance of flavors.
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups — A Sweet & Elegant Dessert for Every Occasion
These Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups are a sweet, elegant dessert layered with fluffy cake, creamy mascarpone, and juicy strawberries. Perfect for any occasion quick to make, easy to serve, and absolutely irresistible!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer:
1 pound cake or sponge cake, cubed
1 tablespoon strawberry jam (optional)
For the Strawberry Layer:
2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Cream Layer:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
Fresh mint leaves
Crumbled shortbread cookies (optional)
Extra strawberry slices
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries:
In a medium bowl, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Toss gently and let sit for 15–20 minutes until syrupy.Whip the Cream:
In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, mascarpone, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.Assemble the Trifles:
Place cubed cake in the bottom of each cup. Add a layer of strawberries with their syrup, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers, ending with cream.Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Top with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and crumbled cookies before serving.
Notes
You can substitute mascarpone with cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Use store-bought pound cake for convenience or bake your own for a richer flavor.
These cups can be made 1 day in advance — just add toppings before serving for the freshest look.
Try swapping strawberries for raspberries or peaches when in season!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 MIN
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Greek-American Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 65 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Conclusion
These Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups are more than a dessert they’re a memory in every layer. Each spoonful brings a burst of sweetness, nostalgia, and love. Simple, elegant, and made to share, they’re proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to create something truly special.
From my Cretan kitchen to yours, I hope these trifle cups fill your home with laughter and sweetness.
100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m INAYA from Crete! These Strawberry Shortcake Trifle Cups remind me of my childhood summers, helping my grandmother bake cakes while the scent of strawberries filled our kitchen. This recipe brings that same joy fluffy cake, fresh berries, and creamy layers, all beautifully served in individual cups. They’re quick to make, look stunning, and taste heavenly. Perfect for family gatherings or when you want to treat yourself to something special. Food, for me, is about sharing love and memories — and these little trifle cups do exactly that. 🍓