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Perfect Red White & Blue Layered Strawberry Cheesecake Trifle

red white blue layered strawberry cheesecake trifle - featured image
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A quick and easy summer dessert featuring layers of creamy cheesecake filling, fresh strawberries and blueberries, and a crumbly vanilla wafer base. Perfect for celebrations and last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers (or graham crackers for a classic touch)
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
  • Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Extra whole berries (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups (200g) of crushed vanilla wafers with 5 tablespoons (70g) melted unsalted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Press the mixture gently into the bottom of your trifle bowl to create an even layer. This should take about 5 minutes. If you want it firmer, pop it in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
  2. Make the cheesecake filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces (450g) of softened cream cheese with 3/4 cup (90g) powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape the sides frequently to avoid lumps.
  3. Whip the heavy cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup (240ml) of cold heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks. This usually takes 4-5 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip — it should be fluffy but not grainy.
  4. Fold cream into the cream cheese mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula, combining carefully to maintain that airy texture.
  5. Layer the trifle: Start with a layer of the cream cheese filling over the crust, smoothing it evenly. Then add a layer of sliced strawberries (about 1 1/2 cups or 225g). Next, spoon another layer of cream filling, followed by a handful of fresh blueberries (1/2 cup or 75g). Repeat once more or until your bowl is full, ending with a topping of cream and a few whole berries for garnish.
  6. Chill: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the crust to soften. It can be made up to a day ahead for better flavor.

Notes

If strawberries are very juicy, toss with 1 teaspoon cornstarch to prevent sogginess. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing. Chill bowl and beaters before whipping cream for better volume. Fold whipped cream gently into cream cheese mixture to maintain fluffiness. Make trifle a few hours ahead or overnight for best flavor. Avoid making more than 24 hours ahead to prevent soggy base.

Nutrition

Keywords: strawberry cheesecake trifle, summer dessert, layered trifle, easy dessert, red white and blue dessert, berry parfait, no bake dessert

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/perfect-red-white-and-blue-layered-strawberry-cheesecake-trifle-recipe-for-easy-summer-dessert/