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
Scale
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
