What type of container should I use to make this Red Velvet Cheesecake trifle?

For this recipe, you can make one large trifle, or individual-sized trifles. The choice is yours! Whether you are making one large trifle or many small ones, make sure to use a clear container (either glass or clear plastic) so you can see the beautiful layers. And it would be even better to have tall, straight sides. This way you will have the height to build thicker layers that will stay more defined.

What size trifle bowl do I need to make one large trifle?

To make one large trifle, I used a glass trifle bowl that holds 3 quarts , but I had a little bit of cake leftover that wouldn't fit. So you could use one that is 3 quarts or maybe even a bit larger. If you have a much larger trifle bowl, you can always make 1 1/2 times the recipe or double the recipe if need be.

What size containers do I need to make individual trifles?

As I mentioned in the Tips and tricks section, the total volume of this recipe is approximately 14 cups . Your results may vary a bit of course. But, this is a good guideline to determine how many containers you need, based on the serving size you want for your individual trifles. For me, a good size for individual servings is 1 1/2 cups . This gives you enough ingredients to work with to form defined layers. So, with this recipe you can make about 9 individual trifles . When it comes to selecting what to actually put the trifles in, you have some options. Wine glasses, ice cream sundae containers, or small drinking glasses would all work!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely do some of the prep ahead of time for this trifle recipe. Each component has its own timeline, however, so here is a quick rundown: - You can prepare the cake 2 - 3 days ahead , just keep it tightly covered at room temperature. - You can make the cheesecake filling up to one day ahead . The cream cheese helps to stabilize the whipped cream, so I found the filling stayed perfectly fresh and fluffy even when I made it one day early. Just keep the filling in its bowl, tightly covered, and store in the fridge. - You can assemble the trifle(s) up to 3 hours ahead . Keep it in the fridge, loosely covered so the top cheesecake layer doesn't dry out. (You may need to touch up the top cheesecake layer, or, better yet, add the top layer right before serving!). - If you are adding any garnishes to the top like sprinkles, cake crumbs or candy, do that right before serving to make sure they look as fresh as possible! Especially with sprinkles - some of the color can start to bleed into the topping pretty quickly and not look as nice. So save garnishing for the very end!

Red Velvet Cheesecake Trifle

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5 from 4 reviews

Red velvet cake chunks are layered with a fluffy cheesecake filling. This is a fun, easy, and indulgent dessert perfect for Valentine's Day, or any time of the year!

Author: Kate
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 9 - 12 servings 1x
Category: dessert
Method: bake
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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1 red velvet boxed cake mix, plus ingredients to prepare listed on the box
16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
2/3 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
3 cups heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

Pre-step: prepare red velvet cake in 9 x 13 inch pan, as instructed on the box. (Cake should be fully cooled before assembling trifle.)

Using electric beaters or stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth, about 1 minute. Scrape down the bowl half way through if necessary to ensure all the cream cheese is smooth.
Add sour cream and vanilla to cream cheese, beat again on medium speed until ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth, about 30 seconds - 1 minute.
Add powdered sugar in 1/2 cup increments, beating on medium speed in between each addition until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
If using hand beaters, place the heavy whipping cream in a separate large bowl. If using a stand mixer, scrape out the cream cheese mixture into a separate large bowl, then place the heavy whipping cream into the stand mixer bowl and switch to the whip attachment. (No need to wash the bowl or hand beaters as long as you scrape them off.)
Beat the heavy whipping cream, starting out on low speed for 1 minute (to avoid splatter), then increasing to high speed until stiff peaks form, about another 3 - 4 minutes.
With a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula, stir about 1/3 of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Then, gently fold another 1/3 of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining whipped cream. Try to avoid deflating the whipped cream by over-mixing.
If making one large trifle, cut the cake into three sections. Gently break apart one third of the cake into chunks and place in the bottom of a trifle bowl. Top with 1/3 of the cream cheese filling. Repeat the process two more times for a total of three layers, ending with the cream cheese layer.
If making individual trifles, cut the cake into pieces matching the number of trifles you are making. Then divide each piece into three. (For example, if you are making 9 individual trifles, cut the cake into 9 pieces, then divide each of those pieces into 3.) Then follow the instructions for layering in step 7 above.

Notes

Baking time listed here is only an approximation to give you an idea of how long the recipe will take from start to finish. When baking the cake, please follow the directions written on the box!
Make ahead instructions: cake can be make up to 2 - 3 days ahead and kept at room temperature, tightly covered. Cheesecake filling can be made 1 day ahead and kept in the fridge, tightly covered. Trifle can be assembled up to 3 hours in advance and kept in the fridge, loosely covered.
If adding sprinkles or other garnishes to the top of the trifle(s), do so immediately before serving to ensure they look fresh. Likewise, if you choose to add any additional ingredients in between the layers such as fresh fruit, assemble the trifles shortly before serving rather than in advance to ensure the trifle(s) don't become soggy.

Find it online: https://nibbleanddine.com/red-velvet-cheesecake-trifle/