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Decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

chocolate-covered strawberry shortcake trifle - featured image

A quick and easy layered dessert featuring chocolate-covered strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, moist shortcake cubes, and a fresh strawberry sauce. Perfect for parties and last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups shortcake, cut into 1-inch cubes (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and dried (medium size)
  • 6 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for smoother melting)
  • 2 cups heavy cream, chilled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chocolate-covered strawberries: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Holding each strawberry by the stem, dip into the melted chocolate, letting excess drip off. Place them on the parchment paper and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until set.
  2. Make the strawberry sauce: In a small saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly—about 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
  3. Whip the cream: Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form—about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat; the cream should be light and fluffy.
  4. Assemble the trifle: Start with a layer of shortcake cubes at the bottom of your bowl (about 1 cup). Spoon a few tablespoons of strawberry sauce over the shortcake. Add a generous layer of whipped cream (about 1/2 cup). Arrange a layer of chocolate-covered strawberries (about 6-8 pieces) on top. Repeat the layers—shortcake, strawberry sauce, whipped cream, and strawberries—until the bowl is full, finishing with whipped cream and a few whole chocolate-covered strawberries on top.
  5. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld and the shortcake soften slightly. Serve chilled, scooping down to get a bit of each layer in every bite.

Notes

Dry strawberries thoroughly before dipping in chocolate to prevent seizing. Use coconut oil for a smooth, glossy chocolate finish. Chill cream and equipment before whipping for best results. Assemble just before serving for a crunchier shortcake texture or earlier for a softer, pudding-like texture. Drizzle milk or leftover strawberry sauce over shortcake cubes if too dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate-covered strawberries, shortcake trifle, layered dessert, party dessert, easy dessert, strawberry shortcake, whipped cream dessert