Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle is a dessert that truly embodies indulgence and decadence. Imagine layers of rich, fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel sauce coming together in a single, stunning dish. This delightful trifle not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also offers a beautiful presentation that makes it perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to elegant dinner parties.
The origins of trifles can be traced back to 16th-century England, where they were often made with layers of sponge cake, fruit, and custard. However, the Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle takes this classic concept to new heights by incorporating the beloved flavors of cheesecake and the irresistible allure of caramel. It’s no wonder that people adore this dessert; the combination of textures—from the chewy brownies to the smooth cheesecake—creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Join me as we dive into this delightful recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients:
- For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- For Assembling:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (optional for texture)
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish
Preparing the Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
Making the Cheesecake Layer
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
- 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. This will give your cheesecake layer a light and fluffy texture.
Preparing the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn it!
- Once the sugar is melted, add the butter and stir until it’s completely melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious! Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using it in the trifle.
Assembling the Trifle
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, cut them into small squares or rectangles. This will make it easier to layer them in the trifle.
- In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by placing a layer of brownie pieces at the bottom. You can also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers for added texture if you like.
- Next, add a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownies, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Drizzle some of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Don’t be shy; this is where the magic happens!
- Repeat
Conclusion:
In summary, this Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves indulgent desserts. The combination of rich brownie layers, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious caramel sauce creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this trifle is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a touch of sophistication, or garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and freshness. You can also experiment with variations by swapping out the caramel for chocolate ganache or adding a layer of crushed cookies for extra crunch. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle a try and share your experience with friends and family. I would love to hear how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on social media so we can celebrate your delicious creation together. Happy baking! PrintCaramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle: A Decadent Dessert Delight
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Brownie Cheesecake Trifle features layers of fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel sauce, creating a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Each spoonful offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Scale- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers (optional for texture)
- Extra caramel sauce for drizzling
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove it from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- While the brownies are cooling, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and there are no lumps.
- 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.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar melts and turns a golden amber color. Be careful not to burn it!
- Once the sugar is melted, add the butter and stir until it’s completely melted and combined.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious! Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Let the caramel sauce cool slightly before using it in the trifle.
- Once the brownies are completely cooled, cut them into small squares or rectangles. This will make it easier to layer them in the trifle.
- In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by placing a layer of brownie pieces at the bottom. You can also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers for added texture if you like.
- Next, add a generous layer of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownies, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Drizzle some of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Don’t be shy; this is where the magic happens!
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cheesecake. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top and garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider adding chocolate chips to the brownie batter.
- The trifle can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes