no-bake strawberry shortcake trifle

Sorry, long time no post. Things have been crazy 'round here. 

Today, I have a no-bake dessert to share with you. Nothing revolutionary or new but nevertheless it's yummy and easy. Two of my most favorite things. It's no-bake because everything is store bought so the only thing you need to do is cut a few things and then assemble. Easy peasy!

No-bake Strawberry Shortcake Trifle, serves 10+

1 loaf of store bought pound cake (or any cake you like), cut to 1" cubes

2 pounds of strawberries (or any fruit), washed and sliced

3 bananas (optional), sliced

zest of 3 lemons

1 quart heavy cream

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

*I used a trifle bowl however you could use whatever you have on hand that roughly holds the same amount of "stuff" or you could make individual sized trifles or parfaits. 

1. To make the whipped cream: combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla in the mixing bowl of a stand mixer (hand mixer will work too). **It's always a good idea to chill whatever bowl you use beforehand when making whipped cream. Mix the sugar on "stir" setting until the sugar is dissolved, about 1-2 min. Increase the speed of the mixer as bubbles start to appear in the cream and eventually work your way up to high. Take your time and don't force the cream. If the cream starts splashing around just decrease the speed until it thickness more. It usually takes me 5-7 min to get it to stiff peaks. Once the cream is whipped hand mix in the lemon zest.  

2. Spoon a little whipped cream into the bottom of the trifle bowl and spread evenly. Then decorate the bottom edge with slices of strawberries.

3. Add half of the cubed cake, another layer of whipped cream, strawberries, bananas, then the remaining cubed cake. Cover the top with the remaining whipped cream. I probably used 1 1/3 pounds of the strawberries for the interior of the trifle and used the remaining 2/3 lb for the top garnish. If the trifle seems to be getting too full too fast then lightly press down on the second layer of cake to help compact the interior of the trifle.

4. To garnish the top begin in the center of the trifle using smallish slices. Starting from the center, create a spiral of strawberry slices. Fill in any empty spots with a slice or two of strawberry. Tah-dah! You're done! Cover with plastic wrap and chill until time to serve.