Strawberry Shortcake Trifle

Strawberries are literally my families absolute favorite fruit. After all my grandparents were strawberry farmers for over 40 years, so you could say strawberries are literally in my blood. One of my favorite desserts to make, especially at the peak of strawberry season, is my personal Strawberry Shortcake Trifles. The pint sized portions are packed with fresh strawberries, buttery pound cake, homemade whipped cream and topped off with homemade chocolate syrup. Almost everyone loves traditional strawberry shortcake but this Gourment Mommie twist on a classic dessert that gets the whole family in on creating their own special cup of strawberry goodness!

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Ingredients

• 2 lbs fresh strawberries, thinly sized

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1-2 Tablespoons granulated sugar

• Pound cake (homemade or store bought)

• Fresh whipped cream

• Chocolate syrup (optional)

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Rinse then remove the stems from 2 lbs of strawberries. Slice each strawberry thinly and place in a bowl. Add the juice from 1/2 a lemon and 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerator for 30 mins (up to overnight).

2. While the strawberries macerate, make the whipped cream using the Gourmet Mommie recipe, cover and place in refrigerator until ready to use.

3. Make the chocolate syrup:

   1. In a cold saucepan, whisk together the 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and the 3/4 cup powdered sugar until all lumps are removed.

   2. Add 1/4 cup water and bring to a boil over medium to medium-high heat.

   3. Reduce to a simmer; stirring constantly. Simmer for about 30 seconds and then remove from heat.

   4. Let cool and then add 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pour into a glass jar and refrigerate until needed.

4. Cut the pound cake into rounds using whatever your serving cup will be. Stemless wine glasses and small mason jars are the perfect personal size.

5. If setting up a build-you-own trifle bar, place all ingredients in serving ware, and place in an assembly line - cake, strawberries, toppings.

Step 2: Build the Trifles

1. Place one pound cake round into the bottom of a small clear glass or mason jar.

2. Top the cake with sliced strawberries (for extra strawberry flavor pour 1/2 tablespoon over the strawberries).

3. Add 2 dollops of whip cream on top of the strawberries.

4. Add a second cake round on top of the whipped cream then finish the trifle with a more strawberries followed by another dollop of whipped cream.

5. Optional - drizzle the top of the trifle with homemade chocolate syrup.

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This dessert is as beautiful as it is delicious. These personal sized trifles are a fun way to get the whole family involved in a build your own dessert bar. How can you go wrong with the wonderful ingredients -- summer ripe strawberries, homemade chocolate syrup and whipped cream make a pint sized perfect way to end a lazy summer night!