Peppermint Cheesecake Brownie Trifle Recipe
This Peppermint Cheesecake Brownie Trifle is a festive and indulgent dessert perfect for holiday gatherings. Layers of rich, fudgy brownies are combined with creamy peppermint-flavored cheesecake filling and fluffy whipped cream, all adorned with peppermint chips and drizzled chocolate sauce. The trifle is both visually stunning and delightfully refreshing, delivering a perfect balance of chocolate and mint flavors.
- Author: Clara
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie
- 1 1/2 cups (336g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (414g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (195g) all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup (85g) natural unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
Cheesecake Filling
- 16 oz (452g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup (155g) granulated sugar
- 3 tbsp (45ml) milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- Red gel icing color (quantity as needed)
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
Additional Whipped Cream for Layering
- 1 1/4 cups (300ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/2 cup (58g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
- 1 cup peppermint chips
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and grease a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking pan to prepare for the brownie batter.
- Prepare Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Add eggs and blend well.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Bake Brownies: Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 24-27 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow to cool completely.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixer bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add milk, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well blended. Set aside.
- Whip Cream for Filling: In another bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
- Combine Cheesecake and Whipped Cream: Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently. Then fold in the remaining whipped cream until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Color: Stir in red gel icing color gradually to achieve your preferred pink or red shade for the cheesecake filling.
- Prepare Additional Whipped Cream: Whip the second portion of heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract on high speed until stiff peaks form for layering.
- Cut Brownies: Chop cooled brownies into small pieces suitable for layering in the trifle dish.
- Assemble First Layer: Place slightly less than half the brownie pieces at the bottom of the trifle dish. Drizzle 1/4 cup of chocolate sauce evenly over the brownies.
- Layer Cheesecake Filling: Spread half of the peppermint cheesecake filling evenly over the brownies.
- Add Peppermint Chips: Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of peppermint chips evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Spread Whipped Cream: Add half of the prepared whipped cream layer evenly over the peppermint chips.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the brownie pieces, chocolate sauce drizzle, remaining cheesecake filling, and peppermint chips layers.
- Final Whipped Cream Layer: Top with a final even layer of whipped cream.
- Garnish: Finish by sprinkling remaining brownie pieces, additional peppermint chips, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the whipped cream.
- Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for several hours to let flavors meld and the dessert set before serving.
- Storage: Keep covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Use cold heavy cream for whipping to achieve better volume and texture.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before chopping to prevent crumbling.
- Adjust the amount of peppermint extract and red gel coloring to your taste and desired appearance.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance for ease of serving.
- If peppermint chips are unavailable, crushed peppermint candies or candy canes can be substituted.
- Ensure all cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing without lumps.
Keywords: peppermint, cheesecake, brownie, trifle, holiday dessert, chocolate, mint, layered dessert