Strawberry Banana Trifle
A vibrant layered dessert combining fresh strawberries, bananas, fluffy angel food cake, and creamy pudding, perfect for summer gatherings and fruit lovers seeking a light, flavorful treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp strawberry gelatin powder ⓘ
- 1 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 3/4 cups cold milk ⓘ
- 1 pkg instant vanilla pudding mix ⓘ
- 3 medium firm bananas, sliced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 6 cups angel food cake, cubed ⓘ
- 2 cups whipping cream, whipped ⓘ
- Additional strawberries and bananas, optional ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan, stir sugar, cornstarch, and strawberry gelatin powder, then add water until smooth.
- Bring to a boil, cook and stir for two minutes or until thickened.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in sliced strawberries and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cold milk and vanilla pudding mix.
- Beat on low speed for two minutes and set aside.
- Toss sliced bananas with lemon juice, drain excess lemon juice, and set aside.
- Place half of the angel food cake cubes in a trifle bowl.
- Layer with half of the pudding, bananas, strawberry sauce, and whipped cream.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
- Garnish with additional strawberries and bananas, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute half of the whipping cream with Greek yogurt. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable; just thaw and drain them before use. If cornstarch is not on hand, a similar quantity of all-purpose flour can work, but the texture may vary slightly. For a unique twist, consider adding a layer of homemade bisquick mix biscuits in place of some cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Banana Trifle makes a delightful dessert for summer gatherings or family celebrations. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a slice of Pistachio Crumb Cake or a refreshing Strawberry Margarita Pie for a complete dessert spread. Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an extra treat.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to three days, but the layers may become soggy over time. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped cream and fresh fruits may not hold up well after thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Banana Trifle contains roughly 1171 calories, with 4g protein, 242g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the trifle up to a day in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate. However, it's best to add the whipped cream layer just before serving to maintain its fluffiness. Make sure the fruits are fresh to avoid them becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of angel food cake?
If you prefer a different cake, you can use pound cake or vanilla sponge cake as alternatives. Both will provide a delicious texture and flavor that complements the fruits. For a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free cake mix or recipe.
Can I use other fruits in this trifle?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in other fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches for added flavor and color. Just ensure the fruits you choose complement the strawberries and bananas. You can also create variations of this recipe using seasonal fruits.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).