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Strawberry Shortcake Banana Pudding Trifle - A Sunny, Crowd-Pleasing Dessert

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Cake base: 1 pound cake, angel food cake, or shortcake biscuits (store-bought or homemade)
  • Fresh strawberries: 1 to 1.5 pounds, hulled and sliced
  • Bananas: 3–4 ripe but firm, sliced
  • Vanilla pudding: 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant vanilla pudding mix, or homemade vanilla pastry cream
  • Milk: 4 cups cold milk (for instant pudding)
  • Whipped topping: 3 cups whipped cream or 1 (8–12 oz) tub whipped topping, thawed
  • Cream cheese (optional but recommended): 8 oz, softened (for a richer pudding layer)
  • Powdered sugar and vanilla extract: For sweetening whipped cream if making from scratch
  • Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon, to toss with bananas and prevent browning
  • Strawberry jam (optional): 2–3 tablespoons, to boost strawberry flavor
  • Vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies (optional): For crunch between layers

Method
 

  1. Prep the fruit: Hull and slice the strawberries. Slice bananas right before layering and toss gently with a splash of lemon juice to slow browning.
  2. Make the pudding: In a large bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mixes with cold milk until thick, about 2 minutes. For a richer texture, beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then fold it into the pudding. Chill for 10 minutes to set.
  3. Whip the cream (if not using tub): Beat cold heavy cream with a few tablespoons of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla until soft peaks form. Keep it in the fridge.
  4. Prep the cake: Cut the pound cake or shortcake into 1-inch cubes. If using angel food cake, tear gently into chunks so it doesn’t compress.
  5. Layer 1 - Cake: Place a generous layer of cake cubes in the bottom of a trifle dish or glass bowl. Aim for an even, snug but not squished layer.
  6. Layer 2 - Strawberries: Add a thick layer of sliced strawberries. If desired, warm a bit of strawberry jam until pourable and drizzle lightly over the berries for extra flavor.
  7. Layer 3 - Pudding: Spoon a layer of vanilla pudding over the berries. Spread gently to the edges so the layers show clearly.
  8. Layer 4 - Bananas and crunch: Add banana slices in a single layer. If using vanilla wafers or shortbread crumbs, sprinkle a handful for texture.
  9. Repeat: Continue layering cake, strawberries, pudding, and bananas until you reach the top. Finish with a final blanket of pudding.
  10. Top with whipped cream: Spread or pipe whipped cream over the top. Garnish with a few fanned strawberry slices, banana coins, and a light crumble of cookies if you like.
  11. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the cake soften slightly. For best results, serve within 24 hours.