If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that combines vibrant color, luscious texture, and incredible flavor, look no further than this delightful Red Velvet Trifle Recipe. This layered treat is perfect for celebrations or a cozy night in, offering a perfect balance of moist red velvet cake, creamy white chocolate cheesecake filling, and just the right amount of chocolate and nutty crunch. Each bite feels like a gift of sweetness and comfort, making it a beloved recipe to keep in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe are simple but absolutely essential to achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each component has a special role, from the rich red velvet cake that delivers that signature color and moisture, to the smooth and dreamy cheesecake pudding filling that makes every spoonful irresistible.
- Red Velvet cake mix: The base of this dessert, providing the iconic vibrant red color and tender crumb.
- Eggs: Help bind the cake and create structure for a perfect rise.
- Cooking oil: Adds moistness so your cake doesn’t dry out.
- Water: Essential to activate the cake mix and keep it light and fluffy.
- Cream cheese (softened): Brings rich tanginess with a creamy texture, key for the cheesecake layer.
- Instant white chocolate pudding mix: Adds a velvety sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy cream cheese.
- Half & half: Used to make the pudding mixture smooth and luscious.
- Whipped topping: Provides cloud-like lightness and volume both in the cheesecake mixture and as a final topping.
- Mini chocolate chips: Small bursts of chocolate flavor that add texture and contrast.
- White chocolate chips: Their creamy sweetness balances the slight bitterness of the red velvet.
- Pecan chips: For a delightful crunchy texture and nutty depth.
- Chocolate sauce: Adds a rich, fudgy touch that ties the layers together.
How to Make Red Velvet Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake
Start by preparing the cake according to the box instructions with your eggs, oil, and water. Baking the cake fresh is the foundation of your trifle’s soft texture and charming color. Once it’s baked, allow it to cool completely so it’s easier to cut into cubes without crumbling.
Step 2: Prepare the White Chocolate Cheesecake Mixture
While the cake cools, whip together the cream cheese, instant white chocolate pudding mix, half and half, and half of your whipped topping. This creamy filling is what brings that dreamy indulgence to the trifle, blending tang, sweetness, and fluffiness.
Step 3: Cube the Cake and Assemble the Base Layer
Cut the cooled red velvet cake into medium-sized cubes. Place just enough cubes to cover the bottom of your trifle dish or glass bowl, creating a colorful base. Drizzle the chocolate sauce generously over this layer for a decadent start.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Layer and Chocolate Chips
Spread half of the white chocolate cheesecake mixture over the cake cubes, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle a handful of mini chocolate chips on this layer, adding texture and bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering cake cubes, drizzle with chocolate sauce, spread the remaining cheesecake mixture, and top again with mini chocolate chips until your dish is full or you run out of ingredients. Every layer deepens the flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 6: Final Topping and Chill
Finish with a generous layer of whipped topping on the very top. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pecan chips, and any cake crumbs you saved during cubing for an irresistible finale. Refrigerate at least for a couple of hours before serving so the flavors meld and the trifle firms up perfectly.
How to Serve Red Velvet Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
To make your trifle extra special, consider topping it just before serving with fresh raspberries or a dusting of cocoa powder. These little touches add a fresh note and elegant presentation that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a light cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a festive occasion, a sparkling rosé or dessert wine complements the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try assembling this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe in individual clear glasses or mason jars for charming single servings. This not only looks gorgeous but makes it easier to serve and adds a personal, trendy touch to your dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though it’s so good, it rarely lasts that long!
Freezing
While you can freeze leftover trifle, be aware that the whipped topping may change in texture when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, wrap it well and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
This trifle is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer a warmer dessert, consider serving it and letting it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of the mix?
Absolutely! Using a homemade red velvet cake can add a personal touch and allows control over ingredients, but the box mix makes this recipe quick and foolproof.
What if I don’t have white chocolate pudding mix?
You can substitute with vanilla pudding mix for a slightly different flavor, but the white chocolate pudding adds a unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with cream cheese.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps such as dairy-free cream cheese, pudding mix, and whipped topping, you can make a tasty dairy-free version, though the texture might vary slightly.
How long do I need to chill the trifle before serving?
For the best flavor and texture, chill your trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I prepare this trifle a day ahead?
Yes, in fact, making it a day ahead enhances the flavors even more! Just be sure to keep it tightly covered in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend enough giving this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe a try. It’s a festive, flavorful dessert that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull together. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you deserve a sweet treat, this trifle will bring smiles around the table every time.
Print
Red Velvet Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A decadent and visually stunning Red Velvet Trifle combining layers of moist red velvet cake, creamy white chocolate cheesecake pudding, whipped topping, and chocolate chips, topped with crunchy pecan chips and drizzled chocolate sauce. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this no-bake layered dessert is easy to assemble and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake
- 1 box Red Velvet cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup cooking oil
- 1 cup water
Cheesecake Pudding Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 boxes instant white chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups half & half
- 1 cup whipped topping
Toppings and Garnishes
- 8 oz whipped topping
- Mini chocolate chips, for layering
- White chocolate chips, for topping
- Pecan chips, for topping
- Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. In a mixing bowl, combine the red velvet cake mix, eggs, cooking oil, and water, and mix well. Pour the batter into a prepared baking pan and bake as directed. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cake cool completely.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to whip together the softened cream cheese, instant white chocolate pudding mix, half & half, and 1 cup of whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
- Cut and Layer Cake Cubes: Cut the cooled cake into bite-sized cubes. In a trifle dish or clear glass bowl, place a layer of cake cubes covering the bottom. Drizzle chocolate sauce evenly over this layer to add extra flavor.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Spoon and spread half of the white chocolate cheesecake pudding mixture over the cake cubes. Sprinkle a generous layer of mini chocolate chips on top to add texture and flavor.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake cubes, chocolate sauce drizzle, and cheesecake pudding mixture. Top the final layer with the remaining whipped topping.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the trifle by sprinkling mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pecan chips, and any leftover cake crumbles on top. Refrigerate the trifle before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to chill.
Notes
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before cutting and layering to prevent the pudding mixture from melting.
- Use a clear trifle dish or glass bowl to showcase the beautiful layers.
- For a stronger chocolate flavor, use a rich chocolate sauce or ganache for drizzling.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavor melding.
- Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
