One of my favorite desserts to make when I want to impress friends or family is a trifle. One day, I was yearning something indulgent, with a touch of luxury to it. After some experimenting with flavors, I decided to combine chocolate, cream cheese, and a splash of Baileys Irish Cream.

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The result? A dessert that was so irresistible, it quickly became a favorite. This Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is a celebration of all things sweet, creamy, and a little boozy. The marriage of moist chocolate cake, velvety cream cheese filling, and the richness of Baileys Irish Cream makes each bite feel like a treat for the senses.

I love this trifle because it’s a no-fuss dessert that can be prepared ahead of time, leaving me free to enjoy the gathering without stressing in the kitchen. Plus, the trifle bowl adds a gorgeous presentation, allowing all those layers to shine.

Short Description

A luxurious layered dessert that combines moist chocolate cake, creamy Baileys cheesecake filling, and a rich caramel drizzle. Finished with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this trifle is the ultimate indulgence.

Key Ingredients

For the chocolate cake:

1 box chocolate cake mix
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil

For the cheesecake layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ¼ cups heavy cream

For the Baileys kick:

1/4 cup Baileys Irish Cream

For the topping:

1 cup whipped cream
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup chocolate shavings

Tools Needed

Electric mixer
Trifle dish or large glass bowl
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Spatula
Knife or grater (for chocolate shavings)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
Start by baking the chocolate cake according to the package instructions, substituting water with milk for extra richness.

Let the cake cool completely before crumbling it into bite-sized pieces. This will create a moist base for your trifle layers.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.

Beat until fully combined, scraping down the sides to ensure it’s all mixed well.

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as it can become grainy. The cream should be thick and hold its shape, but still smooth.

Step 4: Combine the Cream Cheese and Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Do this slowly, using a spatula to maintain the airy, fluffy texture of the whipped cream. You want to keep the mixture light and creamy.

Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
In a trifle dish, start by layering crumbled chocolate cake on the bottom. Drizzle the Baileys Irish Cream generously over the cake pieces, letting it soak in.

Next, add a layer of the cream cheese mixture, smoothing it out with a spatula. Sprinkle a few chocolate chips on top. Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of the cream cheese mixture.

Step 6: Garnish and Chill
Top the trifle with a generous layer of whipped cream. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings and chocolate chips for an extra indulgent touch.

Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Taste: The layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and Baileys Irish Cream make for a rich, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ease: This dessert comes together quickly with minimal effort, yet it feels like a fancy treat you’d find in a gourmet bakery.

Versatility: You can easily customize the flavors by adding extra liqueurs, fruits, or even swapping out the chocolate cake for a different flavor base.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overwhipping the Cream
If your whipped cream turns grainy, it means you’ve overwhipped it. Start again with fresh cream and stop as soon as you form stiff peaks.

Soggy Cake Layers
If the cake layers become too soggy, it’s likely you’ve drizzled too much Baileys. Add just enough to moisten the cake without soaking it.

Cream Cheese Not Softening
To prevent lumps in your cheesecake mixture, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

– Serve this Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle as a showstopper dessert at your next dinner party or family gathering.

– Pair it with a rich cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine like Port.

– If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The layers may settle slightly, but the trifle will still be delicious.

Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If it’s too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different alcohol instead of Baileys?
Yes, you can swap Baileys with Kahlúa or another coffee liqueur for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use a homemade chocolate cake?
Absolutely! If you prefer homemade cake, just be sure it’s baked and cooled before crumbling it for the trifle.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This trifle can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated. It actually gets better as the flavors meld.

4. Can I make this dessert without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the Baileys and replace it with milk or a chocolate syrup for flavor.

5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Recipe Variations

Berry Trifle: Layer in fresh raspberries or strawberries along with the chocolate cake for a refreshing twist.

Nutty Addition: Add chopped nuts, like toasted hazelnuts or almonds, between the layers for some extra crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is a dessert that combines all the things I love about sweet indulgence – rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and a little kick from the Baileys Irish Cream. It’s the perfect treat to impress guests at a gathering or to enjoy on a cozy evening with family. Every bite is a delicious reminder of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.

Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors – whether you stick to the original or experiment with your own twists, you’ll be sure to create a dessert that everyone will love. Trust me, once you try this trifle, it will become a staple in your dessert rotation!