If you love indulgent desserts that dazzle with color and flavor, this Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe is an absolute showstopper. It’s a luscious combination of moist red velvet cake layered with creamy white chocolate and tangy cream cheese fillings, all piled high to create a vibrant, multi-textured treat. Perfect for celebrations or whenever you want to impress your friends with something truly special, this trifle delivers layers of happiness in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the tender red velvet cake base to the smooth, dreamy fillings and the sweet finish. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this stunning dessert to life:
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: The foundation for that iconic red color and rich cocoa flavor that makes red velvet so beloved.
- 16 oz Whipped Topping: Divided to create two fluffy layers, adding lightness and creaminess throughout the dessert.
- Small box of Cheesecake, White Chocolate, or Vanilla Pudding Mix: These pudding flavors contribute a silky texture and subtle sweetness, with vanilla enhancing the overall flavor.
- 8 oz Package of Cream Cheese: Adds tangy richness, balancing out the sweetness and creating a luscious filling.
- 1/2 cup Sugar: Adjust to your personal taste, this sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla: Infuses the cream cheese mixture with warm, comforting notes.
- White Chocolate Bar or Kit Kat Bars: Shaved for a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that dresses up the layers.
- Red Sprinkles (optional): For a fun and festive finishing touch that enhances the vibrant red color.
How to Make Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Red Velvet Cake
Follow the directions on your cake mix box to prepare the red velvet cake batter. A little tip: you can omit one egg if you want a slightly lighter cake. Bake as directed and then allow the cake to cool completely before handling. This step ensures your trifle layers stay neat and don’t melt the creamy fillings later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
Mix the pudding according to package instructions and give it time to set fully in the fridge. Once firm, blend in half of the whipped topping (8 oz) to achieve that perfect smooth and airy texture that will gently complement the cake layers.
Step 3: Create the Cream Cheese Filling
In a separate bowl, soften the cream cheese until smooth, then fold in the remaining whipped topping. Sweeten this mixture with 1/2 cup sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract, stirring well to perfect the rich yet light creaminess that will pair wonderfully with the pudding and cake.
Step 4: Chop the Cake
Once cooled, remove the cake from the pans and cut it into small, bite-sized squares. Small pieces make the layering easier and ensure each spoonful of trifle has a delightful mix of cake, filling, and topping.
Step 5: Assemble Your Trifle
In a large glass bowl or individual serving glasses, start layering! Alternate squares of red velvet cake, shaved white chocolate, pudding mixture, and cream cheese filling. This layered approach builds a visually striking dessert that invites curiosity and drooling anticipation.
Step 6: Finish with Garnishes
Top the trifle generously with more shaved white chocolate and a sprinkle of red sprinkles if you like a little extra pop of color and texture. This final touch makes the dessert not only taste divine but look picture perfect.
How to Serve Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
Garnishes
Extra shaved white chocolate and red sprinkles are my favorite toppings for this trifle, adding a bit of crunch and festive color. You can also scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries on top to introduce a fresh, fruity contrast that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for those extra special occasions. If you want to keep things light, a fresh berry salad alongside can balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t hesitate to get creative with presentation! Use clear glass containers or trifle bowls to highlight the beautiful layers, or serve in individual parfait glasses for elegant portion control. For added charm, try layering in mason jars with ribbons tied around for gifts or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This trifle keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing other odors and to maintain the creamy textures.
Freezing
Freezing this trifle is not recommended as the texture of the puddings and whipped toppings may change upon thawing. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Simply allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes if it feels too cold to serve immediately.
FAQs
Can I make the Red Velvet Cake from scratch for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe uses box mix for convenience, a homemade red velvet cake can add a personal touch and enhance flavor. Just be sure to bake it fully and cool it thoroughly before layering.
What if I don’t have white chocolate on hand?
If white chocolate isn’t available, you can substitute with white chocolate chips, candy melts, or even skip it for a simpler version. The cream cheese and pudding fillings still make this trifle delightful.
Is it possible to use fresh whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, freshly whipped cream can be a wonderful alternative. Just be sure it’s stabilized a bit with powdered sugar or gelatin to maintain texture and prevent the layers from becoming too runny.
Can I prepare this trifle in individual servings?
Definitely! Using small glass jars or parfait cups is a great way to portion the trifle, perfect for parties or gifting. The layering process remains the same but on a smaller scale.
How long should I let the pudding set before mixing it with whipped topping?
Following the pudding mix instructions typically requires chilling for at least 5 minutes, but allowing it to set for 15-30 minutes ensures a firmer texture that blends beautifully when whipped topping is folded in.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe—it’s like a celebration captured in a dessert bowl. With layers that are as delicious as they are beautiful, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts for impressing guests or treating yourself. Give it a try, and watch how this vibrant, creamy creation brings smiles around your table.
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Red Velvet Trifle with White Chocolate and Cream Cheese Filling Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Velvet Trifle is a decadent layered dessert featuring moist red velvet cake, creamy vanilla pudding mixed with whipped topping, and a luscious cream cheese and whipped topping blend sweetened with sugar and vanilla. The trifle is beautifully garnished with shaved white chocolate and optional red sprinkles, making it a festive and indulgent treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Red Velvet Cake
- 1 Red Velvet Cake Mix
- Eggs and other ingredients as per cake mix directions (can omit one egg)
Fillings
- 1 small box of Cheesecake, White Chocolate, or Vanilla Pudding Mix (Vanilla recommended for extra flavor)
- 16 oz Whipped Topping, divided into two 8 oz portions
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Toppings
- White Chocolate Bar or White Chocolate Kit Kat Bars (for shaving)
- Red Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Red Velvet Cake: Mix and bake the red velvet cake according to the package directions, noting that you can omit one egg if desired. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the baked cake to cool completely in the pans before handling to prevent crumbling or melting the whipped toppings later.
- Make the Pudding Filling: Prepare the pudding mix following the box instructions. Once the pudding is set, fold in 8 oz of the whipped topping until smooth and well combined.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the remaining 8 oz of whipped topping. Add 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix everything thoroughly to create a creamy, sweet filling.
- Prepare Cake Squares: Remove the cooled cake from the pans and cut into small squares suitable for layering in the trifle dish.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl or glass dish, layer the cake squares, shaved white chocolate, pudding mixture, and cream cheese mixture alternately to create distinct layers.
- Finish the Trifle: Top the assembled trifle with additional shaved white chocolate and a sprinkle of red sprinkles if desired. Chill before serving to set the layers and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute the pudding flavor with cheesecake, white chocolate, or vanilla according to your taste preference.
- Omitting one egg in the cake mix is optional and may slightly alter the texture.
- Chill the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving for best results.
- White chocolate Kit Kat bars provide a convenient way to add texture and flavor to the topping.
- Adjust sugar in the cream cheese mixture to taste, especially if your whipped topping is sweetened.
