Red Velvet Trifle

🕒 Prep: 1 hour
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 10
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Red Velvet Trifle is a show-stopping dessert that combines the classic flavors of red velvet cake with creamy cheesecake filling and rich chocolate ganache. Perfect for any celebration or indulgent family dinner, this trifle is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Trifle

All-purpose flour forms the base of the cake, providing structure and stability. Granulated sugar adds sweetness and moisture, helping the cake stay tender. Baking soda is the leavening agent that helps the cake rise, while a touch of cocoa powder gives the cake its signature subtle chocolate flavor. Salt enhances all the other flavors.

Eggs bind the ingredients together, while vegetable oil keeps the cake moist. Buttermilk adds tanginess and helps activate the baking soda. Red food coloring gives the cake its vibrant hue, and vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. White vinegar reacts with the baking soda for extra leavening.

For the cheesecake filling, cream cheese provides a tangy, creamy base, while powdered sugar sweetens and smooths the mixture. Heavy cream is whipped in to create a light, fluffy texture.

Semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream make a rich ganache, adding a luxurious finish to the trifle. For garnish, whipped cream and chocolate shavings add the perfect touch of elegance.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake filling to ensure a smooth texture.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the heavy cream for a fluffier result.
  • Let the trifle sit overnight for even better flavor as the layers meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This Red Velvet Trifle pairs wonderfully with a glass of sparkling wine or a fresh berry compote. For an extra touch, sprinkle crushed pistachios or pecans on top for added crunch and color contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this trifle in advance?
Yes, this trifle is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Can I use a different type of cake?
Absolutely! While red velvet is traditional, you can substitute chocolate or vanilla cake if you prefer.

Red Velvet Trifle Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13 inch cake pan. This ensures your cake bakes evenly and releases easily. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting before mixing prevents clumps and ensures even distribution of ingredients.

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and vibrant. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.

Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Allow the cake to cool completely before moving on to the next step.

While the cake cools, prepare the cheesecake filling. Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth. Gradually add the heavy cream, beating until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This filling will be the creamy layer in your trifle.

Next, make the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from the heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate, then stir until smooth and glossy.

To assemble the trifle, start by layering chunks of the red velvet cake at the bottom of a trifle dish. Add a layer of the cheesecake filling, spreading it evenly over the cake. Drizzle a layer of chocolate ganache over the cheesecake filling. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of ganache on top.

Refrigerate the trifle for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Just before serving, garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a beautiful finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to assemble with layers of flavor and texture.
  • Combines the richness of red velvet with the creaminess of cheesecake.
  • Perfect for making ahead of time, so you can enjoy more time with guests.
  • Customizable with your favorite garnishes and decorations.

Ingredients

For the Red Velvet Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp salt
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk
2 tbsp red food coloring
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp white vinegar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache:
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until well combined.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
6. For the cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add heavy cream and beat until fluffy.
7. To make the ganache, heat heavy cream in a saucepan until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour over chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until smooth.
8. To assemble the trifle, layer chunks of red velvet cake, cheesecake filling, and chocolate ganache in a trifle dish. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, ending with ganache on top.
9. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving.

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