STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE TRIFLE
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 store-bought pound cake or homemade pound cake, cubed
Instructions:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Toss gently until the strawberries are well coated. Let them macerate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and lemon zest (if using), and beat until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Cream Cheese Mixture and Whipped Cream:
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start layering the components. Begin with a layer of cubed pound cake at the bottom of the dish.
- Next, add a layer of the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly over the pound cake.
- Then, add a layer of macerated strawberries on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the trifle dish, finishing with a layer of strawberries.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, you can garnish the top with additional sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.