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Peppermint Cheesecake Brownie Trifle Recipe

4.4 from 104 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare Brownie Batter: In a medium bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Add eggs and blend well.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Mix Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Whip Cream for Filling: In another bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar on high speed until stiff peaks form.
  8. 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.
  9. Add Color: Stir in red gel icing color gradually to achieve your preferred pink or red shade for the cheesecake filling.
  10. 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.
  11. Cut Brownies: Chop cooled brownies into small pieces suitable for layering in the trifle dish.
  12. 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.
  13. Layer Cheesecake Filling: Spread half of the peppermint cheesecake filling evenly over the brownies.
  14. Add Peppermint Chips: Sprinkle about 1/2 cup of peppermint chips evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
  15. Spread Whipped Cream: Add half of the prepared whipped cream layer evenly over the peppermint chips.
  16. Repeat Layers: Repeat the brownie pieces, chocolate sauce drizzle, remaining cheesecake filling, and peppermint chips layers.
  17. Final Whipped Cream Layer: Top with a final even layer of whipped cream.
  18. Garnish: Finish by sprinkling remaining brownie pieces, additional peppermint chips, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the whipped cream.
  19. Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for several hours to let flavors meld and the dessert set before serving.
  20. 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