I first discovered this trifle at a family gathering where my aunt, who’s known for her exceptional desserts, brought it as her signature dish. The layers of creamy cheesecake filling, juicy strawberries, and tender pound cake had everyone going back for seconds. Inspired by her creation, I decided to recreate it with my twist, and it quickly became a favorite in my household. The best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make, despite its elegant presentation. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, hoping it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine.
Ingredients
2 pints fresh strawberries, sliced
1 cup sugar, divided
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons orange juice
3 cups heavy whipping cream, whipped
1 loaf (10-3/4 ounces) frozen pound cake, thawed and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated
Optional: Chocolate curls and additional strawberries for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Slice the Strawberries:
Wash and hull 2 pints of fresh strawberries. Slice them thinly and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
Sweeten the Strawberries:
Add 1/2 cup of sugar to the sliced strawberries. Toss gently to coat the strawberries evenly. Set aside to allow the strawberries to macerate. This process helps to draw out the juices and sweeten the strawberries.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
Beat the Cream Cheese:
In a large mixing bowl, beat 2 packages (8 ounces each) of softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of orange juice. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the Whipped Cream:
Gently fold 3 cups of whipped heavy cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the mixture light and fluffy. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Pound Cake
Cut the Pound Cake:
Take one loaf of thawed frozen pound cake (10-3/4 ounces) and cut it into 1/2-inch cubes.
Toss with Strawberry Juice:
Drain the macerated strawberries, reserving the juice. Gently toss the pound cake cubes with the reserved strawberry juice. This step adds extra flavor and moisture to the cake cubes.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
Layer the Ingredients:
In a 4-quart trifle dish or a large serving bowl, start by placing half of the cake cubes at the bottom.
Spread a third of the cream cheese mixture over the cake cubes.
Add half of the macerated strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
Sprinkle half of the grated semisweet chocolate over the strawberries.
Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layers by adding the remaining cake cubes, another third of the cream cheese mixture, the remaining strawberries, and the rest of the grated chocolate.
Top Layer:
Spread the final third of the cream cheese mixture over the top.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Add Garnishes:
If desired, garnish the top of the trifle with chocolate curls and additional strawberries. Chocolate curls can be made by using a vegetable peeler to shave pieces off a block of semisweet chocolate.
Refrigerate:
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Chilling the trifle allows the flavors to meld together and the layers to set.
Variations and Substitutions
Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences:
Berry Mix: Substitute or add other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry trifle.
Alcoholic Twist: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or another liqueur to the strawberry juice for an adult version of this dessert.
Lighter Version: Use light cream cheese and whipped topping instead of full-fat versions for a lower-calorie dessert.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pound cake to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Different Cakes: Try using angel food cake or sponge cake instead of pound cake for a different texture.
Conclusion
Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is an appealing and enjoyable dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and trifle in one stunning presentation. The layers of creamy, tangy cheesecake mixture, sweet and juicy strawberries, and moist, flavorful pound cake make each bite a delight.
This recipe is not only delicious but also flexible, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s a great make-ahead dessert, as the flavors develop beautifully when it sits in the refrigerator for a few hours.
Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself and your family, Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of making this beautiful dessert and the joy it brings when you serve it.
