Dessert

Strawberry Trifle with Cream Cheese Recipe

ByMaya Arden July 2, 2026July 2, 2026

Introduction

Strawberry Trifle with Cream Cheese is a delightful layered dessert that combines moist strawberry cake, creamy cheesecake-flavored filling, and fresh strawberries. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a special treat any time of year.

A clear glass trifle bowl holds a three-layer dessert standing on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is light pink sponge cake with a soft and porous texture. Above it is a creamy white layer mixed with fresh, bright red strawberry slices pressed against the glass. This is followed by another layer of pink sponge cake, topped again by a thick layer of the creamy white mixture with more strawberry slices peeking through. The top layer is a fluffy white whipped cream piped in swirls, crowned with several halved, vibrant red strawberries placed on top. The background is a clean white marbled texture with a few whole strawberries scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 strawberry cake (use a cake mix and bake in a 9×13 baking dish, cooled completely)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon vanilla extract
3.4 ounces cheesecake pudding mix (unprepared)

3½ cups heavy whipping cream, divided into 1½ cups and 2 cups
¾ cup powdered sugar, divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup

2 pounds fresh strawberries, stems removed and sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Remove the cooled cake from the baking dish and slice into ¾ to 1-inch cubes. Set aside.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the cream cheese and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 3: Beat in the cheesecake pudding mix until fully combined. The mixture will be thick and lumpy.
Step 4: Slowly drizzle in 1½ cups of the heavy cream, beating on low constantly and fully incorporating each small drizzle (about ⅛ cup at a time) before adding the next.
Step 5: When the mixture is smooth and creamy, add ½ cup of powdered sugar and beat until combined.

Step 6: Fold fresh strawberries into the cream cheese mixture, reserving about 1 cup of strawberries for topping.
Step 7: Build the trifle by layering one-third of the cake cubes, half of the strawberry cream mixture, another layer of cake cubes, the remaining strawberry mixture, and finish with the last layer of cake pieces.
Step 8: Use the whisk attachment of a stand mixer or a hand mixer to beat the remaining 2 cups of heavy cream until soft peaks begin to form. Add the remaining ¼ cup powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 9: Spread or pipe dollops of the whipped cream around the top of the trifle. Arrange the reserved strawberries in the center and top with more whipped cream and a halved strawberry with the stem for decoration.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, soak the cake cubes lightly in strawberry syrup or a splash of liqueur before layering.
Use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available; thaw and drain well before adding.

Try swapping cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer filling.

Storage

Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, add the whipped cream topping just before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated but may become softer over time.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dessert in a clear glass bowl shows three main layers: at the bottom, smooth white whipped cream forms a soft base; in the middle, light pink strawberry cake pieces with a spongy texture are piled unevenly; the top layer includes fresh, red strawberry slices with visible seeds that add a bright splash of color. The whipped cream is also mixed lightly on the cake pieces, creating a creamy contrast with the cake’s crumbly texture. In the background, whole fresh strawberries sit slightly out of focus on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the trifle a few hours ahead or the day before. Just add the whipped cream topping right before serving to keep it fresh and fluffy.

What can I use instead of cheesecake pudding mix?

If you don’t have cheesecake pudding mix, vanilla pudding can be a substitute, though it will change the flavor slightly. Adding a bit of cream cheese helps maintain the creamy texture and taste.