Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
Introduction
This Decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle is a showstopping dessert that’s easy to assemble and bursting with rich, creamy layers. Combining moist red velvet cake, tangy cheesecake filling, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s perfect for holidays, parties, or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on box)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar (for cheesecake filling)
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled, for cheesecake filling)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (for whipped cream layer)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped cream)
- Optional toppings: fresh raspberries or strawberries, white chocolate shavings, crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions. Allow it to cool completely, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Mix until creamy. In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Step 3: Beat 2 cups heavy cream with ¼ cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to use.
- Step 4: In a large glass trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, layer half of the red velvet cake cubes, followed by half of the cheesecake filling, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers. Finish by topping with your choice of fresh berries, white chocolate shavings, or crushed cookies.
- Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Tips & Variations
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, smoother filling.
- Ensure heavy cream is cold before whipping for best volume and texture.
- For a personal touch, add fresh berries or crushed cookies between layers.
- Try flavored whipped cream by adding a pinch of cocoa powder or almond extract.
- Serve individual portions in mason jars or dessert glasses for easy entertaining.
- Use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix to make this recipe gluten-free.
Storage
Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It tastes even better after a few hours as the layers blend. Do not freeze, as the cream layers may separate and become watery. No reheating is necessary—serve chilled straight from the fridge.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this trifle a day ahead?
Absolutely! This dessert actually improves after sitting in the fridge for a day as the flavors meld. Just keep it tightly covered.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?
Yes, store-bought whipped topping works fine and saves time. However, homemade whipped cream offers a fresher, richer flavor.
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Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
Description
This Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle is a rich, no-bake layered dessert featuring moist red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s an easy-to-make, elegant dessert perfect for holidays, parties, or any special occasion. The layers meld beautifully after chilling, resulting in a decadent treat with a velvety texture and a lovely balance of tangy and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
For the Red Velvet Cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus required eggs, oil, and water as directed on package)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries
- White chocolate shavings
- Crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the red velvet cake according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. Then cut into bite-sized cubes or crumble for layering.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice, mixing until fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fluffy and smooth.
- Make the Whipped Cream: Beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Chill this whipped cream until you are ready to assemble the trifle.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large glass trifle bowl or individual serving glasses, start by layering half of the red velvet cake pieces. Next, spread half of the cheesecake filling evenly over the cake layer, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layering process with the remaining red velvet cake, cheesecake filling, and whipped cream. Finish by adding optional toppings such as fresh berries, white chocolate shavings, or crushed cookies on top.
- Chill: Cover the assembled trifle with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to meld and the flavors to blend perfectly before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the red velvet cake is completely cooled before assembling to prevent the cream layers from melting.
- Use cold, heavy cream to achieve stiff and fluffy whipped cream.
- Lemon juice adds a subtle tang and brightens the cheesecake filling’s flavor.
- For a cleaner look, layer ingredients carefully or use a piping bag.
- Customize with your favorite toppings like fresh fruit or cookie crumbles for added texture and flavor.
- The trifle can be made a day ahead to enhance flavor melding.
- Store the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; do not freeze.
- Full-fat cream cheese is recommended for the best texture and taste.
- Stop whipping cream at stiff peaks to avoid graininess or turning into butter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle, layered dessert, red velvet cake, cheesecake filling, whipped cream, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert
