Indulge in the sweet and creamy perfection of this Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle—a layered dessert that combines rich cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries, and soft sponge cake for a delightful treat. With its combination of flavors and textures, this trifle is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to celebrations. The individual layers come together effortlessly, making it a show-stopping dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sour cream (optional for added tang)
For the Trifle Layers:
- 1 pound (450g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 store-bought or homemade sponge cake (or pound cake), cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional for extra flavor)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined. If you want a tangier flavor, you can fold in the sour cream at this point.
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- In a bowl, toss the sliced strawberries with granulated sugar. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes to macerate and release their natural juices. This step will enhance their flavor and soften them slightly.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the components. Start by placing a layer of sponge cake cubes at the bottom.
- Spoon a layer of cheesecake filling over the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Add a layer of the macerated strawberries on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Repeat the layers (cake, cheesecake, strawberries) until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of the cheesecake filling on top.
- Optional Extras:
- For an added flavor boost, spread a thin layer of strawberry jam or preserves on the sponge cake before layering it with the cheesecake filling.
- Garnish the top with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for an elegant touch.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. This allows the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set.
- Serve chilled, and enjoy the creamy, fruity layers in every spoonful.
Tips for Success:
- You can use store-bought whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream for a quicker option.
- Swap out strawberries for other berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a variation of the trifle.
- For an extra touch, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce over the top before serving.
This Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle is a decadent dessert that combines the best of cheesecake and fruit in a visually stunning and delicious way. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to be the star of the dessert table!