Name: Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons whole milk; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/4 cups sugar; 2 eggs, room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup canola oil; 1 1/2 teaspoons red food coloring; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3/4 cup chocolate cookie crumbs (e.g., Oreos, chocolate baking cookies); Strawberries, for topping

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

There is something truly magical about the combination of rich red velvet cake and creamy cheesecake, and that’s exactly what makes this Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe a standout dessert. Every bite is a delightful play of velvety cake, sweet tangy cheesecake cream, and a subtle crunch of cookie crumbs, all layered beautifully in individual glasses. Whether you’re serving this at a family gathering, a festive celebration, or just treating yourself, these trifles bring a wow factor that’s both impressive and incredibly comforting. Let me walk you through how easy and rewarding it is to create this show-stopping dessert!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dessert scene with a white bowl filled with dark chocolate crumbs and a small silver spoon inside it at the top left, placed on a white marbled surface. In the middle, there are two clear glasses, one with a red cake layer at the bottom, topped with a white creamy layer and sprinkled with dark crumbs, while the other glass holds a red cake layer completely covered with a thick spiral of white cream on top. At the bottom left, there is a white container lined with parchment paper holding large round red cake pieces with two of them removed, showing their empty spots. To the right of the glasses, there is a clear glass filled with water. A piping bag with white cream rests diagonally near the bowl on the left side. The whole scene is set on a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic behind this Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from giving the cake its characteristic color and tenderness, to creating that smooth and luscious cheesecake layer, finishing with crunchy cookie crumbs for texture and fresh strawberries to brighten it all up.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake, ensuring the right structure and crumb.
Cocoa powder: Adds depth and subtle chocolate flavor essential to classic red velvet.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and develop a light crumb.
Salt: Balances and enhances all the sweetness.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
Whole milk: Adds richness and moisture to the batter.
White vinegar: Reacts with baking soda for lift and also boosts the red velvet’s tangy profile.
Unsalted butter: Softened for a creamy texture and buttery flavor throughout.
Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that delightful tender crumb.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness; room temperature eggs mix better for smooth batter.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm aromatic note essential for both layers.
Canola oil: Introduces moisture and helps keep the cake super soft.
Red food coloring: The star that gives this cake its iconic vibrant red hue.
Cream cheese: Softened for a luscious, tangy cheesecake layer.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness to the cheesecake without graininess, and is sifted for smoothness.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to stiff peaks to lighten the cheesecake filling beautifully.
Chocolate cookie crumbs: For a delightful crunch and a rich chocolatey contrast.
Strawberries: Fresh, juicy, and vibrant for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Make Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake

Start by warming your oven to 375°F and getting your cookie sheet ready with parchment paper and a light grease coating. This ensures your cake won’t stick and comes out perfectly clean. Mixing the dry ingredients first—flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt—is key to an even flavor base. Separately, whisk together the sour cream, milk, and vinegar; this combo keeps the cake moist and contributes to the red velvet’s signature tang. Next, cream the softened butter with sugar until fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, vanilla, oil, and red food coloring. Alternate folding in your dry and wet mixtures carefully, being mindful not to overmix. Pour into your pan and bake, checking early to avoid overbaking. Once baked, cool completely—this step is important for neat assembly later!

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

While the cake cools, dive into creating that dreamy cheesecake layer. Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese alongside powdered sugar until you achieve a silky smooth texture; this is the luscious heart of your trifle. Blend in vanilla extract for depth, then whip in the heavy cream at medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This light but creamy mixture will contrast beautifully with the dense cake layers, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience in every spoonful.

Step 3: Assemble the Trifles

Here’s where the fun really begins! Grab your six serving glasses or jars. Using a cookie cutter that fits your glass diameter, cut out 18 neat red velvet cake circles. Place one at the bottom of each glass which forms a solid foundation. Pipe a generous layer of cheesecake filling over the cake circle, then sprinkle with a scattering of chocolate cookie crumbs to add that exciting crunch. Repeat this layering two more times for three layers total—cake, cream, crumbs—building height and flavor complexity in each glass. Don’t forget to top them all with a bright strawberry to amp up the presentation.

How to Serve Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe

A top view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. From top left to bottom right, there is a small glass bottle with a cork, a small white bowl filled with broken chocolate sandwich cookies, a small white bowl of fresh red strawberries with green leaves, a small white bowl of milk, a white plate with a large block of white cream cheese placed slightly left of center, a pink measuring cup filled with cocoa powder just to the right of the cheese, a white bowl filled with white flour next to the cocoa powder, a white bowl filled with two brown eggs below the flour, a small white bowl of thick white cream to the bottom right, a dark bottle of vanilla extract with a red cap close to the cream, and an oval white dish holding a stick of pale butter near the bottom center. There is a crumpled soft pink cloth on the left side of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the classic strawberry topping brings freshness and color, you can jazz things up even more with mint leaves for a hint of herbal brightness, or a light dusting of cocoa powder for added richness. Shaved white chocolate or a drizzle of chocolate sauce can also elevate the look and taste, making these trifles even more tempting.

Side Dishes

These trifles shine best as the grand finale, but if you want a full spread, pair them with subtle fruity accompaniments like fresh berries or a citrus salad that contrast their richness. A light sparkling wine or champagne also complements the creamy and sweet flavors perfectly for special occasions.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond traditional glasses by using mason jars or mini trifle bowls for a rustic, charming touch. For parties, layer the trifles in small clear cups as grab-and-go treats. You can also transform them into mini parfaits in shot glasses for a fun appetizer-style dessert that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe are best kept covered tightly in the refrigerator. The layers will maintain their moisture, and the flavors will actually deepen overnight, making them taste even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze these trifles if needed, but be sure to wrap each glass securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving. Keep in mind the texture of the whipped cream layer may change slightly after freezing, but they will still taste delicious.

Reheating

Since this is a cold dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, let refrigerated or thawed trifles sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and enhance their flavors.

FAQs

Can I make the red velvet cake in advance?

Absolutely! Baking the red velvet cake ahead of time is a great way to save time during assembly. Just be sure to cool it completely before cutting and layering in your trifles.

Is there a substitute for red food coloring?

You can use natural alternatives like beet juice powder or juice, though the color may be less intense. Just remember these can slightly affect the flavor and moisture of the cake.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese or sour cream?

For the best texture and flavor, full-fat versions are recommended. Low-fat options might make the cheesecake layer less creamy and rich.

How long do these trifles last in the fridge?

Stored properly, they should be good for 3 to 4 days. The cheesecake and whipped cream layers are best enjoyed fresh or within this window for optimal taste and texture.

Can I add other fruits besides strawberries?

Definitely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even sliced kiwi work wonderfully and bring a different twist to the flavor profile while still complementing the richness of the dessert.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like diving into a luscious, layered treat like this Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe. It’s a beautiful way to combine classic flavors, create stunning presentation, and impress everyone with surprisingly approachable steps. I can’t wait for you to try making these yourself and share the joy they bring—each trifle is like a little celebration in a jar!

Cheesecake Red Velvet Trifles Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need