I have to start with this — thank you for being here. Some recipes are made for special occasions, and some are made for any occasion you want to feel special. This Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is both. It’s the dessert I bring when I want guaranteed smiles, empty bowls, and people asking for “just one more scoop.”
This recipe first came into my kitchen on a summer afternoon when strawberries were overflowing at the market. I wanted cheesecake, but I didn’t want to fuss with baking or cooling. The answer? Layers. Creamy cheesecake filling, buttery cracker crumbs, juicy strawberry pie filling… each bite a little trip to dessert heaven.
And here’s the best part — it looks fancy, but it’s so easy you could make it in your sleep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No baking required — perfect for summer or when the oven’s already full.
- Impressively pretty — layers look gorgeous in a trifle dish or glass bowl.
- Crowd-pleasing — strawberries, cheesecake, whipped cream… who could resist?
- Make-ahead friendly — actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
What It Tastes Like
Imagine the richness of cheesecake blended with the cool, creamy sweetness of pudding, the fresh tang of strawberries, and the buttery crunch of crackers. It’s light enough for a warm day, yet decadent enough to feel indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup cold milk
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 carton (8 oz) frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1½ cups crushed butter-flavored crackers
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- 1 can (21 oz) strawberry pie filling
Tools You’ll Need
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting butter)
- Trifle dish, large glass bowl, or clear serving cups
Possible Additions & Substitutions
- Fruit swap: Use blueberry or cherry pie filling instead of strawberry.
- Cracker alternative: Graham crackers or shortbread cookies work beautifully.
- Homemade touch: Make your own whipped cream instead of using frozen topping.
- Lightened version: Use light cream cheese and low-fat sour cream.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the cream cheese layer: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sour cream and mix until combined.
- Prepare pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix on low speed for 2 minutes. Stir pudding into cream cheese mixture. Fold in whipped topping until smooth.
- Make the crumb layer: In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter; stir until crumbs are coated.
- Layer the trifle: In a trifle dish, layer half of the cream cheese mixture, then half of the crumbs, then half of the strawberry pie filling. Repeat the layers.
- Chill: Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
What to Serve with It
- Fresh coffee or iced tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence
- Fresh strawberries on the side for extra fruit lovers
Tips for Perfect Trifles
- Use a clear glass bowl to show off those gorgeous layers.
- Crush crackers evenly for a uniform texture.
- Make the night before for even more flavor as the layers meld together.
Storage Instructions
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Not freezer-friendly — the texture will suffer once thawed.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! This is one of those desserts that benefits from a few hours in the fridge before serving.
Do I have to use a trifle dish?
Nope — any large bowl will work, or you can make individual portions in clear cups.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of pie filling?
You can! Slice fresh berries and toss them with a little sugar to release their juices.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is my ultimate “showstopper without stress” dessert. It’s creamy, crunchy, fruity, and decadent — and it takes less than 20 minutes to assemble. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, holiday dinner, or just want a little joy layered in a bowl, this trifle delivers every single time.
If you’re in the mood for more no-bake delights, try:
- No-Bake Lemon Cream Pie
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Icebox Cake
- Fresh Berry Parfait with Vanilla Yogurt
💬 Have you made this? Share your creations on Pinterest or drop your review below — I’d love to see your layers!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 35g
- Sugar: 22g
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