If you have a soft spot for rich, decadent desserts that wow both the eyes and the taste buds, then this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe will quickly become one of your absolute favorites. Layers of moist red velvet cake, velvety white chocolate cheesecake pudding, and a luscious whipped topping come together to create a stunning and indulgent treat that’s perfect for celebrations or any sweet craving. What makes this trifle so special is how each element shines through, while the combination creates a harmony of flavors and textures that feels like a beautiful dessert symphony in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is a star on its own, but they come together effortlessly to deliver a show-stopping result. From the vibrant red velvet cake that provides the perfect base to the creamy, dreamy white chocolate cheesecake mixture, every component plays a crucial role in taste, texture, and presentation.
- Red Velvet Cake Mix: The foundation for our trifle, providing a moist, slightly tangy, and perfectly red cake layer.
- Eggs: Essential for giving the cake structure and richness.
- Cooking Oil: Helps keep the cake tender and moist.
- Water: Activates the cake mix and balances the batter consistency.
- Cream Cheese (softened): Adds a luscious tang and creamy depth to the pudding layer.
- Instant White Chocolate Pudding Mix: Offers a sweet, milky sweetness and sets perfectly for layering.
- Half & Half: Provides richness without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Whipped Topping: Brings lightness and fluffy texture, perfect for layering and garnish.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Adds bursts of chocolate crunch throughout the layers.
- White Chocolate Chips: Delivers a creamy, sweet contrast to the red velvet layers.
- Pecan Chips: Impart a lovely nutty crunch to complement smooth textures.
- Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of decadence that ties the whole dessert together visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Red Velvet Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Follow the instructions on the red velvet cake mix box, combining the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Bake until it’s perfectly done and fluffy, then let it cool completely. This is the base of your trifle, so patience here ensures each bite is moist and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the White Chocolate Cheesecake Mixture
Using a mixer, whip together the softened cream cheese, instant white chocolate pudding mix, half and half, and whipped topping. This mixture should be smooth, creamy, and decadent—exactly what you want to layer between the cake for that melt-in-your-mouth effect.
Step 3: Assemble the First Layer
Cut the cooled red velvet cake into cubes. Place enough cubes to cover the bottom of your trifle dish or a glass bowl completely. Drizzle chocolate sauce generously over the cake cubes to add richness and moisture.
Step 4: Add the First Cheesecake Layer and Chocolate Chips
Spread half of your cheesecake pudding mixture evenly over the cake cubes. Then sprinkle mini chocolate chips on top to introduce a little crunch and extra chocolate flavor to the mix.
Step 5: Repeat the Layers
Continue layering the cake cubes, chocolate sauce, cheesecake mixture, and mini chocolate chips until you reach the top of your dish. This builds that classic trifle height and makes each bite deliciously layered.
Step 6: Finish With Whipped Topping and Garnishes
Top the final layer with whipped topping for a fluffy, cloud-like finish. Sprinkle generously with mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pecan chips, and some crumbs of leftover cake for a beautiful, textural garnish that will delight the eyes and palate alike.
How to Serve Red Velvet Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation matters, and garnishes can take your trifle from lovely to absolutely stunning. Don’t be shy with those white chocolate chips or pecan pieces—they add color, crunch, and compliment the luscious layers beneath. A drizzle of chocolate sauce on top before serving adds an extra touch of elegance and richness.
Side Dishes
This trifle is a showstopper on its own, but if you’re serving it alongside other desserts, fresh berries or a simple fruit salad work beautifully to refresh the palate and add a bright contrast. A cup of strong coffee or rich hot chocolate can also elevate the experience, balancing the creamy sweetness with their robust flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual parfaits in clear glasses for an adorable single-serve version of this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe. Layering in mason jars or stemless wine glasses turns the dessert into a chic party treat, perfect for gatherings. You might even use a trifle bowl with a pretty base to showcase all those gorgeous layers, inviting everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This trifle holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep the layers fresh and prevent drying out. The flavors actually meld beautifully over time, so leftovers are often even better the next day!
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe since the whipped topping and pudding layers can separate and change texture upon thawing. For best quality, enjoy it fresh or within a few days refrigerated.
Reheating
Because this is a layered chilled dessert, reheating isn’t advisable. It’s best served cold straight from the fridge for that perfect, refreshing, creamy experience every time.
FAQs
Can I make the cake layers from scratch instead of using a boxed mix?
Absolutely! Using a scratch red velvet cake will add a homemade touch, and you can control the ingredients and flavor more precisely. Just make sure the cake is fully cooled before assembling.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the pudding mixture?
The cream cheese adds a signature tang and creamy texture that balances the sweetness perfectly. You can experiment with mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for variations, but cream cheese is classic for this recipe.
How long should I refrigerate the trifle before serving?
Ideally, chill the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld. If you have the time, overnight refrigeration makes it even more delicious.
Can I substitute fresh fruit for the chocolate chips?
Yes! Fresh raspberries or strawberries complement red velvet beautifully and add a bright, juicy contrast. Just be mindful that juicy fruits might slightly soften the cake more quickly.
What size dish is best for this trifle?
A 2 to 3-quart trifle bowl or a similarly sized glass bowl works perfectly, allowing for multiple layers and a stunning presentation of this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines elegance, comfort, and unforgettable flavor, this Red Velvet Trifle Recipe is your new go-to. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself to something special. With layers of creamy cheesecake goodness and tender red velvet cake, every spoonful feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Give it a whirl—you won’t regret it!
Print
Red Velvet Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Red Velvet Trifle is a decadent layered dessert combining moist red velvet cake, creamy white chocolate cheesecake pudding, and whipped toppings, all garnished with chocolate chips and pecan chips for added texture and flavor. Perfect for festive occasions or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box Red Velvet cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup cooking oil
- 1 cup water
Cheesecake Pudding Mixture
- 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 (to taste)
- White chocolate chips (to taste)
- Pecan chips (to taste)
- Chocolate sauce (to drizzle)
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Preheat your oven and prepare the red velvet cake mix according to the box instructions by combining the mix with eggs, cooking oil, and water. Pour the batter into a baking pan and bake as directed. Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Pudding Mixture: 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 whipped topping until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the Trifle Base: Cut the cooled red velvet cake into cubes. Place enough cake cubes to cover the bottom of a trifle dish or large glass bowl evenly. Drizzle chocolate sauce generously over the cake cubes.
- Add the First Cheesecake Layer and Chips: Spoon and spread half of the white chocolate cheesecake pudding mixture over the cake and chocolate sauce layer. Sprinkle mini chocolate chips evenly on top.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of cake cubes followed by the remaining cheesecake pudding mixture. Top again with mini chocolate chips.
- Finish the Trifle: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the last layer. Garnish the entire top with mini chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, pecan chips, and any leftover cake crumbs for extra texture and flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours to set and chill before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before assembling to prevent the pudding mixture from melting.
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and pudding mix for a rich and creamy texture.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
- The trifle can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for enhanced flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chocolate and white chocolate chips to your preference for sweetness and crunch.
