Stars and Stripes Shortcake Trifle

Vibrant Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle with layers of blue angel food cake, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries

Are you searching for a show-stopping yet remarkably easy dessert to elevate your upcoming 4th of July celebration, Memorial Day BBQ, or any summer gathering? Look no further! This spectacular Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle is the answer. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a joy to prepare, making it a fantastic activity to involve the kids in the kitchen. Imagine vibrant layers of light, airy angel food cake, perfectly tinted blue, nestled between billows of creamy, non-dairy whipped topping and an abundance of sweet, juicy fresh strawberries. This trifle promises a dessert experience that is both effortlessly elegant and deeply satisfying, embodying the spirit of patriotism in every delicious spoonful.

Trifles have long been celebrated as the ultimate party dessert. Their layered structure not only creates a visually stunning centerpiece but also allows for a delightful medley of textures and flavors in every bite. The beauty of a trifle lies in its adaptability and its ability to feed a crowd without the fuss of individual servings. Our patriotic rendition takes this classic concept and infuses it with a festive flair, making it an ideal choice for national holidays. It’s the kind of dessert that gets everyone talking – not just about how good it tastes, but also how beautiful it looks on your dessert table.

Close-up of patriotic trifle showcasing blue cake, white whipped topping, and red strawberries

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Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in a clear glass bowl, ready for serving

This delightful recipe holds a special place in my heart, as I first crafted it way back in 2012. Over the years, it has become a staple at countless gatherings, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that never fails to impress. Despite its enduring popularity, the original photos, while cherished, no longer quite captured the vibrant essence of this dessert. With a decade of culinary adventures and photography experience under my belt, I felt it was time to give this beloved trifle the visual update it truly deserves. So, here it is, reborn with fresh new images that hopefully convey its irresistible charm! While I’ve chosen the iconic red, white, and blue theme for a perfect patriotic display, the beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. You can easily tint the angel food cake any color you desire, opening up a world of creative possibilities.

Pink Angel Food Cake Trifle for a friend's party

For instance, I once made a stunning pink version for a friend’s party, and it was an absolute hit. I confess, I’m quite the girly-girl, so pink desserts always make me smile! But don’t feel limited. Imagine a vibrant green cake for St. Patrick’s Day, pastel shades for an Easter brunch, or even your favorite sports team’s colors for game day. With a rainbow of food colorings available, your imagination is the only limit. This adaptability ensures that this trifle can become your go-to dessert for any occasion, proving that deliciousness and creativity can go hand-in-hand.

Close-up of layers in Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

The process is incredibly straightforward: simply prepare your angel food cake mix as directed, adding a few drops of blue food coloring to the batter before baking. Once cooled, cut the cake into generous bite-sized chunks. Then, it’s all about layering! Arrange the blue cake chunks, luscious whipped topping, and bright red strawberries in a beautiful trifle dish, creating those appealing patriotic stripes. Repeat the layers until your dish is full, culminating in a magnificent dessert that is as easy to assemble as it is impressive to behold. This simple layering technique is what gives the trifle its characteristic charm and ensures that every serving contains a perfect balance of all three delightful components.

Overhead view of a stunning Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Feel free to experiment beyond just the color of the cake. Why not introduce other fresh fruits that complement the season? Blueberries and raspberries would not only enhance the patriotic theme but also add a different dimension of flavor and texture. Peaches, kiwis, or even a mix of tropical fruits could transform this trifle into a completely new experience. The core elements – a light cake, creamy filling, and fresh fruit – remain, but the variations are endless. Let your creativity soar and have fun with it! What unique combinations will you discover?

More Patriotic Fun!

If you’re planning a full patriotic spread, this trifle pairs wonderfully with other festive treats. Here are a couple more ideas from our collection that will undoubtedly delight your guests and round out your celebration menu:

PATRIOTIC M&M PUDDING COOKIES: Soft and chewy vanilla pudding cookies, dressed up in their red, white, and blue with festive M&M’s and sprinkles. These cookies are always a hit!
{DECONSTRUCTED} PATRIOTIC PIES: Enjoy fresh berries, luscious whipped cream, and crisp pie crust cookies artfully arranged to create this unique take on a classic berry pie.

The Recipe: Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

This recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and beginners. The beauty of a trifle lies in its straightforward assembly, allowing you to create an impressive dessert without complicated techniques. Here’s how to bring this patriotic dream to life.

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Side view of Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle layers

Average Rating: 4.39 out of 5 stars from 21 votes

Print Recipe

Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

A festive and easy-to-make trifle featuring tinted blue angel food cake, layered with creamy whipped topping and fresh strawberries – the perfect patriotic dessert!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins

Cuisine: American |
Keyword: Red, White and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle |
Servings: 12 |
Calories: 28 kcal |
Author: An Affair from the Heart

Ingredients

  • 1 box angel food cake mix (plus ingredients required by package)
  • Blue food coloring
  • 4 cups fresh strawberries, quartered
  • 1 (16 ounce) container Cool Whip or freshly whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the angel food cake mix according to the package instructions. During the mixing process, add several drops of blue food coloring to the batter until your desired blue hue is achieved. Bake the cake as directed.
  2. Once the angel food cake is baked, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for easy handling and to prevent the whipped topping from melting.
  3. Once cooled, cut the blue angel food cake into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch cubes.
  4. In a large, clear trifle dish (or any clear glass bowl), begin layering your ingredients. Start with a layer of the blue angel food cake chunks at the bottom.
  5. Next, spread a generous layer of Cool Whip or fresh whipped cream over the cake.
  6. Follow with a layer of fresh, quartered strawberries.
  7. Repeat the layers: cake, whipped cream, strawberries, until all ingredients are used, ending with a beautiful layer of whipped cream and a decorative topping of strawberries.
  8. For best results, refrigerate the trifle for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to slightly absorb the moisture from the cream and berries, enhancing its texture.
  9. Serve chilled and enjoy your festive, patriotic dessert!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 28kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 18mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g

Happy Independence Day! We hope this Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle brings joy and deliciousness to your celebrations. It’s truly a labor of love that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert, perfect for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Michaela's Signature

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Elevate Your Trifle Game with the Perfect Trifle Bowl!

A beautiful trifle deserves a beautiful presentation! Serving your Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake Trifle in a clear glass trifle bowl truly showcases its stunning layers, making it an undeniable centerpiece. If you’re looking to add one to your kitchen collection, here are a couple of excellent options to consider: