If you’re searching for a dazzling, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes just as dreamy as it looks, the Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle is about to become your new favorite showstopper. This layered beauty combines soft cubes of vibrant red velvet cake with billowy clouds of tangy-sweet cheesecake filling and pillowy whipped cream, all nestled together in a gorgeous glass dish. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors—decadent, creamy, and just the right amount of indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, whipping up something special for the holidays, or simply treating yourself, this stunning trifle always steals the spotlight.

Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle is that the ingredient list is refreshingly simple, yet every component truly shines. Each part brings its own character—from the signature crimson cake to a luscious cheesecake filling and freshly whipped cream—making this dessert irresistibly delicious.

Red velvet cake mix: The easiest shortcut to get that classic, vibrant red hue and subtle cocoa flavor; just follow the package instructions for a foolproof cake base.
Cream cheese (softened): This gives the filling its creamy tang and rich texture—be sure it’s at room temperature for a silky-smooth finish.
Powdered sugar: Adds gentle sweetness to the cheesecake layer without any grittiness.
Vanilla extract: A double dose brings warmth and depth both to the cheesecake filling and whipped cream.
Cold heavy whipping cream: Whipping your own cream makes for an ultra-light, fluffy layer that you just can’t beat for freshness.
Granulated sugar: Just a spoonful sweetens the whipped cream to perfection.
Red food coloring (optional): For a bolder pop of red, a few drops mixed into the batter works wonders.
White chocolate shavings or red velvet cake crumbs (optional garnish): These add a touch of elegance and crunch to your finished trifle.

How to Make Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle

Step 1: Bake and Cool the Cake

Start your Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle adventure by preparing the red velvet cake according to the box instructions. Let it bake until your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible, then cool completely—this makes it so much easier to cut tidy, tender cubes for layering.

Step 2: Cube the Cake

Once the cake is totally cool (trust me, patience pays off here), cut it into bite-sized cubes. Try to keep them uniform so the layers stay pretty and every spoonful is the perfect blend of cake and cream.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s super smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until everything is combined into a dreamy, creamy mixture without any lumps.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream along with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Beat with a mixer until stiff peaks form—this means when you lift your beaters, the cream holds its shape. Homemade whipped cream is a real treat here!

Step 5: Combine for the Ultimate Filling

Gently fold the freshly whipped cream into your cheesecake mixture. This step is the secret to a filling that’s rich, yet light as air. Take your time folding—this keeps it fluffy and not dense.

Step 6: Assemble the Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle

Now for the fun part: layering! In a trifle dish or clear glass bowl, begin with half your red velvet cake cubes as the base. Spoon on half the cheesecake mixture, spreading it lightly. Repeat both layers again for those gorgeous stripes of red and creamy white. If you’re adding garnishes, sprinkle them over the top!

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—this helps the flavors meld and the dessert set to sliceable perfection. Serve cold and enjoy every dreamy bite of your Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle!

How to Serve Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle

Garnishes

To finish your masterpiece, consider sprinkling the top with snowy white chocolate shavings for a pop of contrast, or a scattering of reserved red velvet cake crumbs for extra drama. Even a few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can make each serving look truly celebratory.

Side Dishes

Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle is rich and luscious all on its own, but a light cup of coffee or a tall glass of cold milk pairs perfectly. For something refreshing, offer a platter of crisp berries or a simple fruit salad alongside to balance the dessert’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning individual servings into mason jars or stemless wine glasses for a charming, portable touch at parties. For a whimsical twist, layer in smaller bowls for mini trifles—great for kids or as part of a dessert bar. You can even create a build-your-own trifle station and let everyone get creative with toppings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle, simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days (though you’ll likely find it disappears sooner!).

Freezing

This trifle isn’t ideal for freezing, as the whipped cream and cream cheese layers can change texture once thawed. For best results, make and enjoy your Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle fresh, or within a couple of days of assembly.

Reheating

You don’t need to reheat this dessert—Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle is meant to be enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. Just scoop and serve when sweet cravings strike!

FAQs

Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! A homemade red velvet cake works beautifully and lets you control flavor and ingredients, but a box mix is a convenient shortcut with reliably delicious results.

What if I don’t have a trifle bowl?

No worries—a large glass mixing bowl, deep serving dish, or even individual glass cups will still show off those gorgeous layers. Anything clear is perfect for letting the Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle shine.

Can I make this Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle the night before?

Yes! In fact, making it ahead gives the flavors time to meld together. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve; it’ll taste even better the next day.

Is there a shortcut for the whipped cream?

If you’re pressed for time, you can substitute store-bought whipped topping for the homemade whipped cream layer. While homemade has a fresher taste, the shortcut definitely works in a pinch!

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It is—there’s no gelatin or animal-based ingredients beyond dairy, making it a fantastic vegetarian dessert for celebrations and potlucks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress your friends and family with something that’s both beautiful and unbelievably delicious, you absolutely have to try this Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle. It’s the kind of recipe that sparks smiles, gets rave reviews, and just might become your new signature dessert. Give it a whirl—I promise, you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle Recipe

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4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle, a stunning layered dessert that combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake filling and whipped cream. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat any day!

Ingredients

Scale

Red Velvet Cake:

1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)

Cheesecake Filling:

2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Whipped Cream:

2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipped cream)

Red food coloring (optional, for brighter color)
White chocolate shavings or red velvet cake crumbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Red Velvet Cake: Bake the red velvet cake according to package directions, cool, and cut into small cubes.
Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat cream cheese until smooth, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mix until combined.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture until smooth.
Layer: In a trifle dish, alternate layers of cake cubes and cheesecake mixture. Repeat layers.
Garnish: Top with white chocolate shavings or cake crumbs if desired.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

You can make this trifle a day ahead—just cover and chill until ready to serve.
For a shortcut, store-bought whipped topping can be used instead of homemade whipped cream.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Layered/No-Bake
Cuisine: American