I always associate strawberry lemonade with summer picnics and lazy afternoons on the porch so when I wanted a dessert that felt like sunshine in a bowl I created this Strawberry Lemonade Trifle and it instantly became a family favorite. One year during our annual barbecue I layered fresh berries with fluffy cake and lemon pudding just to experiment and not only did it look beautiful but it vanished in minutes.

Now I make this trifle whenever I want to bring a little brightness to the table because it’s as refreshing as it is pretty. The balance of sweet strawberries and tangy lemon is uplifting and paired with whipped cream and soft sponge cake it becomes a dessert that’s both comforting and light at the same time.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Fresh strawberries – These bring sweetness, color, and natural juiciness to the trifle.
Lemon pudding – Adds a tart citrusy contrast that balances the sweetness.
Whipped cream – Makes the dessert light, creamy, and fluffy.
Pound cake or sponge cake – Provides structure and soaks up all the flavors.
Strawberry jam or glaze – Enhances the berry flavor and adds a glossy finish.
Lemon zest – Boosts the fresh lemon aroma and adds a hint of brightness.
Vanilla extract – Deepens the flavor of the whipped cream.

Tools You’ll Need

Trifle bowl – Shows off the beautiful layers and holds everything neatly.
Mixing bowls – For whipping the cream and mixing the pudding.
Electric mixer – Helps whip cream to stiff peaks quickly.
Spatula – Ideal for spreading layers smoothly without deflating anything.
Serrated knife – Slices the cake cleanly without squishing it.
Zester or microplane – Grates the lemon zest finely and evenly.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

I begin by slicing the strawberries and setting a few aside for the top. Then I cube the pound cake into bite-sized chunks and get my lemon pudding and whipped cream ready.

Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, I whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Then I add a bit of vanilla and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. I make sure not to overwhip so the texture stays silky.

Step 3: Start Layering

I spoon a layer of whipped cream into the bottom of the trifle dish. Next, I add a layer of cake cubes, pressing them down lightly to create a base.

Step 4: Add Lemon and Berries

I spread a generous layer of lemon pudding over the cake, then arrange sliced strawberries evenly on top. I like to drizzle a little strawberry glaze here too for extra berry punch.

Step 5: Repeat the Layers

I continue layering – whipped cream, cake, lemon pudding, strawberries – until I reach the top of the dish. I always finish with a big swirl of whipped cream and a generous pile of whole and sliced strawberries.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

I cover the trifle and let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This helps the flavors mingle and makes it easier to serve clean slices.

Tips

If you want to elevate the presentation even more I suggest using whole strawberries with the green tops for the top layer – they look beautiful and fresh. I sometimes fold a little lemon zest into the whipped cream for added zing. And when I’m short on time I’ve used store-bought pound cake and pudding – it still turns out amazing!

Ways to Serve

I love serving this trifle at bridal showers summer brunches or backyard get-togethers. It also makes a great birthday dessert alternative if you’re looking for something fruity and festive. Sometimes I scoop it into individual cups for picnics or make a mini version for small gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Strawberry Lemonade Trifle ahead of time?

Yes you can make it up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the fresh strawberry garnish right before serving.

Can I use frozen strawberries in this trifle?

Fresh strawberries work best for texture and presentation but thawed frozen strawberries can be used in the inner layers if needed.

What cake works best in a Strawberry Lemonade Trifle?

I prefer pound cake or sponge cake because they hold up well and absorb flavor without getting mushy.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Strawberry Lemonade Trifle soon! It’s one of those cheerful desserts that always gets people talking and smiling. I’d love to see how yours turns out so feel free to share or tag me with your creations. Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next sunny day celebration!

Happy Cooking!