Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

This strawberry cheesecake trifle is a simple dessert that can easily feed a crowd. This recipe uses a boxed cake mix, cheesecake pudding, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries to create a refreshing summer dessert.

Are you ready for a new trifle recipe? They are some of my favorite dessert recipes because they are GORGEOUS. Flavor combinations are virtually endless so they work perfectly for any holiday or celebration. And did I mention that they are easy to make, too?

This Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is perfect when you have fresh strawberries in the fridge. We keep this easy by using a box cake mix, but feel free to use our homemade strawberry cake if you’d like.

strawberry cheesecake trifle in a glass dish

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • Takes box mix shortcuts to make a stunning dessert.
  • Combines the flavors of strawberries and cheesecake for a classic combination.
  • A glass trifle dish showcases colorful layers.
  • Cool and refreshing for summer.

What are the layers of a trifle?

Trifles are generally made up of layers of fruit, cake, pudding and whipped cream. Sometimes you’ll find them with brownies or chocolate candies in one of the layers, but you’ll want the different textures of the firmer cake and soft pudding with the fruit.

This recipe has strawberry cake, cheesecake pudding, diced strawberries and Cool Whip.

strawberry cake trifle with a spoonful out

How to Make a Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

Plan ahead for this layered dessert and bake the cake. You can make it a day in advance if you’d like. You can even make it a week in advance and put it in the freezer until you’d ready to make the trifle.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding and milk until smooth. Place in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.
  • Set aside 4-5 whole berries. Wash the remaining berries, remove the tops, and cut into small pieces. Set aside.
  • Place ⅓ of the cake pieces in a single layer on the bottom of a trifle dish. Top with ⅓ of the cheesecake pudding and smooth into an even later.
  • Add ⅓ of the whipped topping on top of the pudding and smooth. Top with about ⅓ of your slices strawberries. Repeat for 2 more layers.
  • Top the trifle with the remaining whipped topping and halved strawberries.

Refrigerate the dessert for 2-3 hours before serving. This will help the flavors to blend well.

strawberry cheesecake trifle on a plate

This would also be delicious with strawberry brownies as a base. It would give more texture to the trifle.

closeup of a strawberry cake trifle
closeup of a strawberry cake trifle

Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

4.70 from 52 votes
This strawberry cheesecake trifle is a simple dessert that can easily feed a crowd. This recipe uses a boxed cake mix, cheesecake pudding, whipped topping, and fresh strawberries to create a refreshing summer dessert.
Servings 12
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Chill Time 3 hours

Ingredients
 

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix plus ingredients for preparation (I used the Pillsbury brand)
  • 2 boxes instant cheesecake pudding mix (3.4 ounces each)
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 1 ½-2 pounds fresh strawberries washed, dried, and sliced
  • 16 ounces whipped topping thawed

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the strawberry cake according to the box instructions. Bake the cake and set it aside to cool. This can be done a day or two in advance if you'd like.
  • Once the cake is cool, cut into 2 inch by 2 inch bite-sized pieces.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding and milk until smooth. Place in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble.
  • Set aside 4-5 whole berries. Wash the remaining berries, remove the tops, and cut into small pieces. Set aside.
  • Place ⅓ of the cake pieces in a single layer on the bottom of a trifle dish. Top with ⅓ of the cheesecake pudding and smooth into an even later.
  • Add ⅓ of the whipped topping on top of the pudding and smooth. Top with about ⅓ of your slices strawberries. Repeat for 2 more layers.
  • Top the trifle with the remaining whipped topping and halved strawberries.
  • Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Notes

The calories shown are based on the trifle serving 12, with 1 serving being 1/12 of the trifle. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the calories shown are just an estimate. **We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box are calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.**

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 521mg | Potassium: 208mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 95IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 174mg | Iron: 1mg
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Calories 345
Keyword easy strawberry cake, pudding cake, trifle recipe

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a trifle ok to make a day in advance?

Yes, it’s ok to do that, but if you leave it too long, the dessert may get soggy. I recommend eating the trifle within 12 hours of making it.

Can you use sugar free pudding?

Yes! You can use sugar free pudding and low fat Cool Whip as well to lower the calories.

Is this gluten free?

You’d have to use a gluten free cake mix to make the dessert gluten free.

Other Trifle Recipes

About Julie Clark

We are Julie, Maddie, and Kinslee – a mother and daughter team sharing with you the best cakes to satisfy any need or sweet craving that you may have. Welcome to our family’s kitchen!

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5 stars
can you use angel food cake i would guess.

Can you add blueberries?

Do I make the pudding mixture first then add the milk after?

Think it would taste good with lemon pudding instead of cheesecake?

Can this recipe be put in a different kind of dish if you don’t have the trifle dish?
Thank you

5 stars
This is soooooo good!! Best if it sits overnight in the fridge before eating. 😋