The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m INAYA, 38, from the beautiful island of Crete in Greece. Cooking has always been part of my story from watching my grandmother whip up creamy desserts to learning how to balance sweetness with freshness. One of her favorites, and now mine, is this Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Yogurt.
I still remember those warm afternoons when we’d pick ripe strawberries from her garden, the air filled with their scent. She would layer them with sponge cake, a drizzle of honey, and thick homemade yogurt. That simple mix of textures and flavors felt like sunshine in a glass.
This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Yogurt is a modern take on her classic lighter, fresher, and just as comforting. It’s a perfect dessert when you want something indulgent yet balanced. The creamy yogurt replaces heavy cream, keeping it wholesome while enhancing that delicious tangy-sweet harmony.
Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, brunch, or just a quiet afternoon treat, this trifle brings joy with every spoonful. It’s a recipe that feels like summer bright, happy, and full of love.
Ingredients
You’ll need:
For the Shortcake Layer
- 1 pound cake or sponge cake, cubed (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
For the Yogurt Cream Layer
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra fluff)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish
- A few mint leaves
- Extra strawberry slices for topping
💡 Tip: For a Greek twist, drizzle a little thyme honey over the top before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
In a bowl, mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let them rest for 10 minutes until they release their natural juices this creates a syrupy base that will soak into the cake later.
Step 2: Make the Yogurt Cream
In a large bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla. If you want extra fluffiness, fold in whipped cream. The result should be smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy.
Step 3: Assemble the Trifle
In a glass trifle bowl or individual dessert cups, start layering:
- Cubes of shortcake or sponge cake
- Spoonfuls of the macerated strawberries and their syrup
- A generous layer of yogurt cream
Repeat the layers until you reach the top. Finish with a swirl of yogurt and a few fresh strawberry slices.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve chilled, garnished with mint leaves and a drizzle of honey.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Yogurt pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled rosé or a cup of Greek mountain tea. It’s light enough for brunch yet elegant enough for dinner parties.
You can also play around with layers try adding crushed pistachios, a sprinkle of coconut, or even a dash of balsamic glaze for sophistication.
If you’re serving for guests, assemble in individual glass cups for a picture-perfect presentation.
Tips & Variations
- For a healthier version, use low-fat Greek yogurt and skip the whipped cream.
- Substitute strawberries with mixed berries or peaches in summer.
- For a kid-friendly twist, add a layer of vanilla pudding for extra creaminess.
- To make it ahead of time, assemble the night before and refrigerate overnight.
Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Yogurt – A Fresh & Creamy Delight
A light and refreshing Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Yogurt, layered with fluffy sponge cake, creamy Greek yogurt, and juicy strawberries. A no-bake dessert that feels like sunshine in a glass — perfect for gatherings, brunches, or a sweet weekday treat!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Shortcake Layer:
1 pound cake or sponge cake, cubed
2 tablespoons honey or sugar (optional)
For the Yogurt Cream Layer:
2 cups Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
½ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra fluff)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Layer:
2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
For Garnish:
Mint leaves
Extra strawberries for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberries:
Mix sliced strawberries with sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 10 minutes to release natural juices.Make the Yogurt Cream:
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, honey, and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream if desired.Assemble the Trifle:
In a glass dish or dessert cups, layer cake cubes, strawberries, and yogurt cream. Repeat layers until full.Chill & Serve:
Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. Garnish with mint leaves and a drizzle of honey.
Notes
For a lighter version, use low-fat yogurt and skip the cream.
Substitute strawberries with mixed berries or peaches.
Can be made a day in advance — just chill overnight.
For a Greek twist, drizzle thyme honey before serving
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 MIN
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered / No-Bake
- Cuisine: Greek-inspired / Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Conclusion
This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Yogurt isn’t just a dessert it’s a memory in a bowl. It’s sweet, creamy, and bright, like those joyful afternoons I spent with my grandmother. Every layer tells a story of love, freshness, and the beauty of simple ingredients coming together.
Whether you’re making it for your family or sharing it with friends, I promise it will bring smiles and maybe even a few sweet memories of your own.
Cooking is love made visible and this trifle proves it with every spoonful. 🍓💕
✨ 100-Word Short Version for Pinterest & Quick Readers
This Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with Yogurt combines fresh strawberries, fluffy cake, and creamy Greek yogurt for a light, irresistible dessert. Inspired by my Cretan roots, it’s simple, elegant, and perfect for any occasion. Layered in a glass, it looks stunning and tastes even better! The yogurt adds a tangy balance to the sweetness of the fruit and cake, making each bite refreshing. It’s a quick, no-bake recipe that celebrates the joy of fresh ingredients and easy elegance ready in under 30 minutes!