There’s nothing quite as joyful and indulgent as a well-layered trifle, and this Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe hits every note perfectly. Picture velvety red cake squares, creamy white chocolate pudding, and luscious cream cheese layers coming together in vibrant, luscious harmony — it’s like the best of all worlds wrapped in one stunning dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet and breathtakingly beautiful, this trifle will quickly become your new favorite showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; just a handful of ingredients you likely already have at home, each playing a crucial role. From the signature tang of cream cheese to the irresistible sweetness of white chocolate and the iconic red velvet cake, each component layers flavor, texture, and that gorgeous look you expect in a trifle.
- 1 Red Velvet Cake Mix: The base of the dessert, providing that classic, rich red color and subtle cocoa flavor.
- 1 16 oz Whipped Topping: Adds lightness and fluffy texture, split between two fillings for balance.
- 1 small box of Cheesecake, White Chocolate, or Vanilla Pudding Mix: Vanilla enhances the flavor, while cheesecake or white chocolate pudding deepens the creamy richness.
- 1 8 oz package of cream cheese: Brings the perfect tang and creaminess essential for that classic filling.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Sweetness level that can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the cream cheese mixture.
- White Chocolate Bar or White Chocolate Kit Kat Bars: For shaving onto layers, adding silky chocolate bursts.
- Red sprinkles (optional): Gives an extra festive pop of color and fun texture on top.
How to Make Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Red Velvet Cake
Start by mixing and baking the red velvet cake according to the directions on the box. Pro tip: to make the cake a little lighter, you can omit one egg without sacrificing texture. Once baked, let the cake cool completely; this step is crucial for clean, neat layers later on.
Step 2: Make the Pudding Filling
While the cake cools, prepare your pudding mix exactly as the instructions say. Once it’s set and thickened, gently fold in half of the whipped topping (8 oz). This combination creates a smooth, creamy pudding layer that complements the cake perfectly.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the remaining whipped topping. Add the sugar and vanilla, then beat together until perfectly smooth and creamy — this filling is where the tangy magic happens, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
Step 4: Cube the Cake and Layer
When the cake is fully cooled, remove it from the pans and cut into small, even squares. Now comes the fun part — layering. In a large trifle bowl or your chosen glass container, alternate layers of cake pieces, shaved white chocolate, pudding filling, and cream cheese filling. Repeat these layers until you reach the top of your bowl, ending with a layer of shaved white chocolate.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle the top with red sprinkles if you want to add that extra flourish and festive feel. Chill the trifle for a couple of hours before serving to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
How to Serve Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation can elevate this dessert to absolute showstopper status. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries pair beautifully with the red velvet base and can be added on top with additional white chocolate shavings for an elegant touch. A sprig of mint can add a refreshing pop of color and aroma.
Side Dishes
This trifle shines best as the star of the dessert table, so keep sides light and simple. A crisp glass of sparkling wine or a cup of rich coffee complements its richness perfectly, cutting through the creamy sweetness to leave your palate happily satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, serve the trifle in individual glasses or mason jars for personalized portions. You can also try layering in clear glass bowls or even create mini versions in dessert cups for a fun, bite-sized treat. The layered colors look spectacular with a simple clear vessel that shows off all the delicious textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover trifle can be covered tightly with plastic wrap or transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even improve slightly as the layers continue to meld overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
While not ideal for freezing because of its whipped toppings and pudding, if you must freeze, do so before assembling the trifle by freezing the cake layers separately. Once thawed, assemble the recipe fresh to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Since this is a cold dessert, reheating isn’t necessary or recommended. Serve it chilled straight from the fridge for maximum flavor and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of cake mix?
Absolutely! Homemade red velvet cake can make this trifle feel even more special. Just bake and cool your cake as usual before cutting it into squares for layering.
What kind of pudding mix works best?
Vanilla pudding is a favorite because it enhances the overall flavor, but white chocolate or cheesecake pudding will add delicious depth and richness. Feel free to pick whichever suits your taste best.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
For the authentic tang and creamy texture, cream cheese is key. Substitutes like mascarpone might work, but they’ll change the flavor profile slightly. For the classic taste, stick with cream cheese.
How far in advance can I make this trifle?
This trifle actually benefits from sitting overnight in the fridge, so making it the day before serving is perfect. It allows the flavors to meld and the layers to settle beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Definitely! The Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe looks stunning and tastes decadent, making it an ideal dessert for birthdays, holidays, or any festive gathering where you want to impress.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends or family with a dessert that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, don’t hesitate to try this Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe. Layers of lusciousness and vibrant color come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of those go-to recipes you want to make over and over again.
Print
Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Velvet Trifle is a luscious layered dessert combining moist red velvet cake, creamy cheesecake-flavored pudding topped with whipped topping, and a smooth sweetened cream cheese mixture. The trifle is elegantly finished with shaved white chocolate and optional red sprinkles, making it a visually stunning and delicious treat perfect for parties or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 Red Velvet Cake Mix
- Eggs as per box instructions (can omit one egg)
- Other ingredients as per cake mix instructions (usually oil and water)
For the Pudding Mixture
- 1 small box of Cheesecake, White Chocolate, or Vanilla Pudding Mix (Vanilla adds more flavor)
- 8 oz Whipped Topping (half of 16 oz package)
For the Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz Whipped Topping (remaining half)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish
- White Chocolate Bar or White Chocolate Kit Kat Bars (for shaving)
- Red Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Mix and Bake Cake: Prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the instructions on the box, noting you can omit one egg if desired. Bake as directed until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Cake: Allow the baked cake to cool completely before handling to ensure clean cutting and layering.
- Prepare Pudding: Make the pudding mix following the box directions. Once the pudding is set, fold in 8 oz of the whipped topping to create a light, creamy filling.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining 8 oz of whipped topping. Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until smooth and combined.
- Set Mixtures Aside: Keep both the pudding and cream cheese mixtures ready for assembling the trifle.
- Cut Cake: Once fully cooled, remove the cake from pans and cut into small squares suitable for layering.
- Assemble Trifle: In a large clear trifle bowl or individual glasses, alternately layer the red velvet cake squares, shaved white chocolate, pudding mixture, and cream cheese mixture until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of shaved white chocolate.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the trifle with extra shaved white chocolate and red sprinkles if desired. Chill before serving to let the layers set beautifully.
Notes
- You can omit one egg from the cake mix if preferred for a slightly lighter texture.
- The choice of pudding flavor affects the overall taste; vanilla adds the most flavor, while cheesecake or white chocolate provide richness.
- Use chilled whipped topping for easier folding into pudding and cream cheese mixtures.
- Chill the assembled trifle at least 2 hours before serving for best flavor and texture.
- Red sprinkles add a festive touch but are optional.
