Strawberry & Chocolate Trifle Cups are an elegant yet easy-to-make dessert that layers rich chocolate cake, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped topping in individual servings. Perfect for parties, holidays, or even a date night, these trifle cups combine the classic flavors of chocolate and strawberries in a way that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Individually Portioned: No cutting or serving needed – each cup is ready to grab and enjoy.
- No Baking Required (with shortcuts): Use store-bought cake or brownies for a quick and easy option.
- Versatile: You can customize the layers to include your favorite fillings, such as pudding or different fruits.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These trifle cups are elegant enough for celebrations and simple enough for a weekday treat.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate cake or brownies (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh strawberries (sliced)
- Whipped cream or whipped topping
- Chocolate pudding (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Prepare your ingredients: If making homemade chocolate cake or brownies, bake and let them cool completely. Slice the strawberries and prepare the whipped cream or whipped topping.
- Assemble the trifles: In individual serving cups or glasses, begin layering the ingredients. Start with a layer of crumbled chocolate cake or brownie pieces at the bottom.
- Add strawberries and cream: Place a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the cake, followed by a layer of whipped cream or chocolate pudding.
- Repeat layers: Continue layering cake, strawberries, and cream until the cups are full, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Decorate: Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, chocolate shavings, or sprinkles for an elegant touch.
- Chill: Refrigerate the trifle cups for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 6 individual trifle cups.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Vanilla Twist: Use vanilla cake or sponge cake instead of chocolate for a lighter option.
- Add a Boozy Layer: Drizzle a little liqueur, like Kahlua or Grand Marnier, over the cake layer for an adult-friendly dessert.
- Pudding Alternative: Replace whipped cream with layers of chocolate or vanilla pudding for a richer trifle.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, between the layers for added texture.
- Mixed Berries: Combine strawberries with other fresh berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a fruity variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Cover the trifle cups with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Trifles do not freeze well due to the whipped cream and strawberries, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.
- Reheating: Not applicable, as this is a chilled dessert.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the trifle cups up to a day in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended, you can use frozen strawberries if they’re thawed and drained to avoid excess liquid.
3. What type of chocolate cake works best?
A dense chocolate cake or fudgy brownie works best for creating rich layers in the trifle.
4. Can I substitute whipped cream with a dairy-free option?
Yes, coconut whipped cream or other non-dairy whipped toppings work well as a substitute.
5. How do I prevent the layers from becoming soggy?
If using fresh cake or brownies, let them cool completely before assembling the trifles to avoid adding excess moisture.
6. What kind of glasses should I use?
Use clear cups, dessert bowls, or small mason jars to show off the beautiful layers of the trifle.
7. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes, sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the layers for an extra chocolatey crunch.
8. How do I make the whipped cream from scratch?
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This gives a fresh, homemade touch.
9. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Substitute strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or sliced bananas for a variation.
10. How can I make this trifle gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free chocolate cake or brownie mix for a gluten-free version of this dessert.
Conclusion
Strawberry & Chocolate Trifle Cups are the perfect combination of simplicity, elegance, and indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself, these layered desserts are guaranteed to impress. With endless customization options and minimal prep time, they’re a versatile dessert you’ll come back to again and again. Assemble your trifle cups today and enjoy every sweet and creamy bite!
Print
- Prep Time: 20 minute
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 trifle cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French, American
Description
These strawberry and chocolate trifle cups are a luxurious dessert featuring layers of creamy vanilla custard, rich chocolate ganache, and fresh strawberries. Topped with chocolate truffles and beautifully sliced strawberries, this elegant treat is perfect for parties, weddings, and special gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Custard Layer:
- 2 cups (500ml) whole milk
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Chocolate Ganache Layer:
- 1 cup (180g) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
For Assembly & Decoration:
- 2 cups (300g) fresh strawberries, sliced
- 10–12 chocolate truffles or brigadeiros
- 1 cup (250ml) whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Custard
- In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling.
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Gradually pour warm milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously, until thickened.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract and butter, then let cool.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- Heat heavy cream until warm but not boiling.
- Pour over chopped chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Trifle Cups
- Arrange sliced strawberries around the inside of each dessert cup.
- Add a layer of vanilla custard followed by a layer of chocolate ganache.
- Top with chocolate truffles and fresh strawberry slices.
- (Optional) Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace custard with vanilla yogurt or whipped cream.
- Substitute white chocolate ganache for a different flavor twist.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
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