Strawberry Muffin Cheesecake Trifles

These easy Strawberry Cheese Cake Trifles start with a strawberry muffin mix, that are layered with a cheesecake-whipped cream filling, and topped with macerated strawberries.

Today I have an easy last minute dessert to share with y'all. Last weekend was gorgeous outside, so we grilled out like we always do when the weather's nice. I'm trying to enjoy the nice temps while I can, because it won't be long and the hot Texas heat will be here. 

In usual fashion when dinner's over my family asks the same question........... what's for dessert? I always make a dessert on the weekends, but this particular day I really didn't have anything planned. I thought we could just whip up some simple strawberry shortcakes, but we just had those the week before.

So keeping with the strawberry theme I poked around in my pantry and decided to change things up a bit and make these Strawberry Muffin Cheesecake Trifles! I had a variety of pudding mixes and fresh cream on hand, so all I needed was the cake base.

I didn't have any pound cake, so I quickly baked up two strawberry cheesecake muffin mixes and just like that I had everything I needed to pull this dessert together in no time. I have to admit this recipe was super simple to make and the perfect sweet ending to our meal.

Everyone loved having their very own individual dessert. If strawberries aren't your thing, you can substitute a blueberry muffin mix and fresh blueberries for blueberry trifles, or use a Wild Berry muffin mix and use a variety of fresh berries for wild berry trifles. I don't think you can go wrong either way. 

Today's post is my last post for the Martha White "What's in your Pantry Series. I had so much fun coming up with recipes using Martha White Muffin Mixes and pantry staples I had on hand. I'm always surprised at what I can come up with especially when I'm pressed for time.

There are so many recipe possibilities using these yummy little mixes. A few examples are, cookies, coffee cakes, waffles, pancakes, cobblers, cheesecakes, and more. I always keep a variety of muffin mixes on hand because you never know when you'll need a quick last minute dessert. Lets get started with the step-by-step. 

These are the ingredients you'll need: Two packages Martha White Strawberry Cheesecake Muffin Mix, one cup milk, one package cheesecake pudding mix (sugar free or regular) + additional milk to made pudding, fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, heavy whipping cream, and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar.  

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl using a whisk or rubber spatula lightly mix the muffin mixes together with the milk ( batter will be lumpy), so don't over mix. Add the prepared batter into a 12 cup muffin pan that has been lightly sprayed with non stick spray. Fill muffin cups 2/3 full with batter.

Bake  13-17 minutes or until the muffins are lightly browned and cooked through. Cool muffins in pan 2-3 minutes before removing to a baking rack to cool completely. While the muffins are cooling sprinkle 1/2 cup sugar over the sliced and quartered strawberries, toss, and set aside to macerate. 

In a large bowl prepare the cheesecake pudding according to package directions for pudding and set aside. In a separate bowl pour in 2 cups heavy cream and whip until soft peaks form. Set one cup of fresh cream aside and add 2 tablespoon of powdered sugar. Mix to combine and store in the refrigerator to use for garnish on each trifle. Add the remaining heavy cream to the prepared pudding and lightly fold until mixed. Tear or cut the cooled muffins into 1/2 inch pieces.  

To assemble the trifles, layer the strawberry muffins with the cheesecake pudding mixture, and macerated strawberries in each half pint mason jar. Top with a dollop of fresh whipping cream and refrigerate trifles until ready to serve. 

Enjoy!!!

For more pantry challenge recipes using muffin mixes check out my previous recipes for this Apple Cider Coffee Cake - made with a apple cider muffin mix,  and this yummy Cranberry - Orange Pecan Biscotti - made with a cranberry-orange muffin mix. 

For more Strawberry goodness stop by The Country Cook and check out my friend Brandie's recipe for Strawberry Muffin Mix Waffles W/Cream. Yum!