Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries – 2 pints (about 4 cups)
Granulated Sugar – 1/2 cup (for strawberries) + 1 cup (for filling)
Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon (for strawberries)
Cream Cheese – 2 (8-ounce) packages, softened
Powdered Sugar – 1 cup
Vanilla Extract – 2 teaspoons
Heavy Cream – 1 1/2 cups, cold
Graham Crackers – 1 1/2 cups, crushed
Unsalted Butter – 3 tablespoons, melted
Instructions
Prepare the graham cracker crust: In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter until the mixture holds together. Press into the bottom of a 6-quart trifle dish to form a crust. Chill for 15 minutes.
Macerate strawberries: In a large bowl, toss strawberries with granulated sugar and lemon juice. Let sit for 30 minutes, then strain liquid into a separate bowl.
Whip heavy cream: In a large bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Prepare cheesecake filling: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until smooth. Add vanilla extract and continue mixing. Fold in 1/2 of the whipped cream gently to create a light, airy texture.
Assemble trifle: In the trifle dish, spread a layer of macerated strawberries (about 2 cups), followed by half the cheesecake filling, half the remaining cream, and a thin layer of reserved strawberry liquid. Repeat the strawberry-macerated base and remaining layers. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 4 hours) to set.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, top with additional crushed graham crackers, fresh strawberry slices, and a thin dusting of powdered sugar.
Notes
Freeze berries for 5 minutes before slicing for easier peeling at the end.
Add a splash of orange zest to complement the strawberries if desired.
For a texture contrast, top with toasted coconut flakes or chocolate curls.
Trifle will keep refrigerated for 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 30
- Category: No-Bake Creamy Desserts
- Method: No-Bake Assembling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 1/2 cups total layers)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg