Easy Strawberry Shortbread Trifle

ByLisa 
This easy Strawberry Shortbread Trifle combines layers of fresh strawberries, 
buttery shortbread, creamy cheesecake filling, strawberry gelatin,
 and homemade whipped cream for the ultimate summer dessert.
 
Easy Strawberry Shortbread Trifle
updated image
 
This Strawberry Shortbread Trifle is an easy layered dessert made with fresh strawberries, buttery shortbread, whipped cream, cream cheese, and strawberry gelatin. It’s the perfect make-ahead summer dessert for cookouts, potlucks, holidays, and family gatherings. Every spoonful is filled with sweet strawberries and creamy layers that make this trifle impossible to resist.
Why Use Shortbread Instead of Cake?

Traditional trifles often use cake layers, but buttery shortbread adds a rich texture that pairs perfectly with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. It creates a dessert that tastes like a cross between strawberry shortcake and classic strawberry cheesecake.

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Easy Strawberry Shortbread Trifle

Ingredients

Shortbread:

  • 1 C butter softened
  • 1/2 C powdered sugar
  • 2 C flour
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Layers:

  • 2 small boxes of sugar-free strawberry jello
  • 2 C boiling water
  • 2 C Cold water
  • 16 ounces low-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/2 C powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 16 ounces fat-free frozen whipped topping (cool whip) or fresh whipped cream
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries diced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a cookie sheet.
  • Mix together the boiling water and jello; stir until dissolved. Then stir in the cold water. Place in the fridge to start setting up (you don’t want it to set up completely).
  • Cream together the butter, powdered sugar, flour and salt.
  • Spread evenly onto prepared cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown; set aside to cool.
  • Cream together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla.
  • Fold in the frozen whipped topping (cool whip); set aside.
  • Take the cooled shortbread and break it into crumbs.
  • Place a layer of crumbs into the bottom of a trifle bowl.
  • Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of the crumbs. Add an even layer of jello. Then a layer of strawberries.
  • Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are gone. Place in the fridge to allow the jello to finish setting up; about an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortbread Trifle

• Easy to make ahead
• Perfect for summer parties
• No complicated baking required
• Loaded with fresh strawberries
• Beautiful presentation for holidays and potlucks

Can I make strawberry trifle the night before?

Yes! In fact, making it several hours ahead allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Fresh strawberries work best, but thawed frozen strawberries can be used in a pinch.

Can I substitute Cool Whip for homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely. Cool Whip is a convenient shortcut for this recipe.

Can I use store-bought shortbread cookies? 

Yes! Store-bought shortbread cookies work great in this recipe and make it even easier to prepare. They’re a perfect shortcut when you want a quick, no-bake strawberry trifle without sacrificing flavor.

↓ Step by step photo instructions: 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease a cookie sheet

 
Mix together the boiling water and jello; stir until dissolved.  Then stir in the cold water.  Place in the fridge to start setting up (you don’t want it to set up completely).
 
Layers of fresh strawberries, real whipped cream, jello, sweetened cream cheese, and buttery shortbread!
 
Cream together the butter, powdered sugar, flour and salt.
 
Strawberry Shortbread Trifle
 
Spread evenly onto prepared cookie sheet.
 
Layers of fresh strawberries, real whipped cream, jello, sweetened cream cheese, and buttery shortbread!
  
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown; set aside to cool.
 
Strawberry Shortbread Trifle
  
Cream together the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla.
 
Layers of fresh strawberries, real whipped cream, jello, sweetened cream cheese, and buttery shortbread!
  
Fold in the frozen whipped topping (cool whip); set aside.
 
Layers of fresh strawberries, real whipped cream, jello, sweetened cream cheese, and buttery shortbread!
  
Take the cooled shortbread and break it into crumbs.
  
Strawberry Shortbread Trifle
 
Place a layer of crumbs into the bottom of a trifle bowl.
 
Strawberry Shortbread Trifle
 
Spread an even layer of the cream cheese mixture on top of the crumbs.  Add an even layer of jello.  Then a layer of strawberries.
 
Strawberry Shortbread Trifle
 
Repeat the layers until all the ingredients are gone. Place in the fridge to allow the jello to finish setting up; about an hour.
 
Strawberry Shortbread Trifle
original image

Looking for the perfect summer dessert? This Strawberry Shortbread Trifle is made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, cream cheese, and buttery shortbread for an easy make-ahead dessert everyone loves.

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97 Comments

  3. What a yummy looking trifle, it sounds perfect for the summer months. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by tomorrow and link up again. Have a great weekend!!

    Reply

  4. Oh my gosh, I am SLOW… lol – I'm sorry for being so dense! Thank you for your reply. I am sooo making this.

    Reply

  5. This looks AMAZING! I can't find how to cook the shortbread – do we just look on another recipe somewhere? lol – I'm sorry, I feel dense even asking this question!

    Reply

  7. Lisa,
    This looks so delicious! I've only just started to make Trifle and can't wait to try this one. Thanks for sharing 🙂
    Michelle

    Reply

  9. I would have never thought to use shortbread in a trifle. I am going to try this soon because I love all the things in it.

    Reply

  10. This looks heavenly! I can't wait for summer 🙂

    ~Kristi @ mysanfranciscokitchen.com

    Reply

  12. Look so yummy!! Want to try this soon….& found you via Church Supper event.

    Reply

  13. My mouth is watering just looking at this. Thanks for sharing at Church Supper. Hope to see you again next week 🙂

    Everyday Mom's Meals

    Reply

  14. I am so making this next weekend when my DD and her fiance are visiting ~ besides, I have this affinity for jell-o 🙂

    Reply

  16. If this tastes as good as it looks, I can't wait to try it!
    Love the step by step instructions. Thanks!

    Reply

  17. Hopping late from VB. This recipe is so amazing. I just keep scrolling back to the picture. So impressed how good this looks.

    Reply

  21. Thanks for linking up to THIS WEEK'S CRAVINGS "STRAWBERRIES"… your recipe was thee most CLICKED… and will be featured tomorrow… Stop by and pick up a button if you wish or just come by and say hello!

    Reply

  23. Linked in from So Sweet Sunday… and can I just say, YUM! This sounds wonderful! What a great summer dessert! 🙂

    Reply

  24. So pretty to look at and with shortbread and strawberries, it must by so tasty too. 🙂 Thank you for linking at Joy of Desserts.

    Reply

  26. THis is such a beautiful trifle with great flavor combo's! Thanks so much for being such a consistent contributor to Fresh Food Friday. Your recipes are always, always so mouth-watering! I can't wait to read about your Blackberry dumplings that you so kindly shared today! Have a great weekend!!!!!

    Reply

  27. What a gorgeous trifle. It's almost too pretty to eat, almost. Thanks for linking up to Sweets for a Saturday.

    Reply

  28. WOW, ~wipes off mouth~ now that's a fabulous recipe!! Thank you soo much for linking up your creation at our Picnic/Fingers Foods party link! It's sure to be a huge hit.

    ~Angie

    Reply

  29. I think this recipe sounds so delicious -what a fantastic idea to use shortbread in a trifle. It would give it such a lovely flavour and texture. The trifle looks so pretty too. Thank you for sharing it with Let's Do Brunch.

    Reply

  31. Thanks for linking up your recipe at Cast Party Wednesday. I hope you come back tomorrow and share some more of your awesome recipes!
    Thanks,
    I hope to see you there!

    Reply

  32. Oh my goodness. It's one in the morning, and I should be going to bed, but instead I'm looking at your delicious food and my stomach is grumbling – because, well, there's NOTHING better than strawberry shortbread! I (surprisingly!) have all the ingredients for this, and will totally be making it in the morning!

    Reply

  34. Looks fabulous and I can't wait to try it! Over from Melt in Your Mouth Monday and I'm your newest follower! Have a Happy 4th!

    Reply

  36. Hi, this is my favourite recipe from the latest Sweets on a Saturday. What a brilliant take on strawberry shortbread, I love it! Trifle is the Cinderella of desserts, so it's nice to see it getting glammed up and taken out to party.

    Reply

  38. Before I forget, I wanted to say your blog title is SO cute! This trifle looooks so yummy right now! Thanks for sharing! Adding it to my recipe book.

    I found you via TT&J Weekend Wrap Up. My post is two after yours. I'm your newest follower and would love if you would follow me back.

    Mallory
    purplestpecalin.blogspot.com

    Reply

  39. This looks and sounds absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for sharing this perfect summer treat with us at Inspiration Friday this week!
    Vanessa

    Reply

  40. I am making THIS to take Sunday to our home fellowship dinner and I am SURE I will get a standing ovation and a great big AWARD…this looks awesome but simple to make.
    Thanks so much…
    xo bj

    Reply

  44. This looks heavenly! I'm pretty sure I could eat the entire thing myself.

    Thanks for linking up with Sweet Tooth Friday!

    Reply

  45. Hang on I've got a bowl I'm just looking for a spoon. Your Trifle looks delicious, Oh, I just wish I could have some right now. Thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and come back real soon! Hope you have a great week end!
    Miz Helen

    Reply

  46. This looks absolutely delicious! Perfect for summer! I am your newest follower and I woud love it if you would follow back! Have a great 4th!

    Reply

  48. OK!…I'll take several spoonfuls!!..
    man-O-man,that looks soooo good!
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply

  50. yum that looks delicious. I am making a trifle for the fourth also.

    Reply

  52. That looks like a giant cheesecake in a bowl. What a wonderful creation!

    Reply

  53. Oh, this just looks and sounds wonderful! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

  58. We have a few parties to attend over the next couple of days. I've been looking for some new recipes to try ~ this will first on the list! Thanks for sharing.

    Jo

    Reply

  60. The Creative Bloggers' Party & Hop has grown for the better because of your participation. Thanks for linking up this great post! 🙂

    Reply

  63. Delicious! I think I'll layer in some blueberries and make it for the Fourth!

    Reply

  69. Oh my word!!! My mouth started watering when I read the title! I'm going to FB and Tweet this. 🙂

    Thank you for sharing this at the Weekend Warrior Link Party.

    Anna
    http://www.askannamoseley.com

    Reply

  73. Wow, this looks good! Perfect dessert for a summer party! Yummy!

    Reply

  74. YUM this looks soooo good! i love trifles ~ so pretty and delicious!

    thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment on my freezer meals ~ i really appreciate it! i think you would love even doing just a few at a time ~ they end up being some great time (and money) savers!

    Reply

  76. This looks scrumptious! Thanks for sharing the receipe & can't wait to try it. Loving you Blog Title! Just became your latest follower and hope you "flour" me to!

    Reply

  78. Lisa,
    This looks awesome! Strawberry Shortcake is one of our favorites! This is going on my summer "To Do" List!

    Thanks for linking it up to Melt in Your Mouth Monday!

    Reply

  85. Why would you spoon some out, can't I just sit with the whole bowl and dig in? It looks so awesome!

    Reply

  86. Mmm, I love a good Trifle and this looks really delicious!

    Reply

  92. That looks amazing and delicious! Thank you for the recipe. I'm visiting from VB, and I'm a new follower. Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  94. This sounds wonderful!!! I have a few strawberries lovers in my family who would flip for this!! visiting from VoiceBoks!

    Reply

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