Coconut whipped cream and macerated strawberries combine in this 30-minute strawberry trifle.

The bright flavors of citrus and toasted coconut give this dessert a light and refreshing twist.

However, this trifle is not a make-ahead dessert candidate.

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle in the dish ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Using a fork, crush about half of the strawberries in bowl.

Stir; set aside.

Gently fold in meringue cookies.

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle macerating the strawberries

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Top with half of the meringue mixture (about 3 cups).

Repeat layers:

Repeat layers once.

Top with remaining strawberry mixture.

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle making the whipped cream

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Sprinkle with toasted coconut.

What Is A Trifle?

When it comes tomake-ahead desserts, trifles are usually not included.

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle folding the meringues into the whipped cream

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

However, you could prep some components in advance.

Be sure to fold in the meringue cookies right before serving.

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle adding the strawberries to the dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle adding the whipped cream mixture to the dish

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle topping with coconut

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Strawberry Trifle ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox