Indulge in the perfect blend of rich chocolate and smooth Baileys Irish Cream with this show-stopping Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle. Layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy Baileys cheesecake filling, and decadent chocolate whipped cream come together in this easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion—or just because.
What Is a Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle?
This trifle is a luxurious layered dessert that combines the boozy elegance of Baileys Irish Cream with the lusciousness of chocolate cheesecake and cake. It’s made with a combination of rich, velvety cream cheese, whipped cream, chocolate cake, and cocoa powder, all beautifully presented in a large bowl or individual glasses.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple yet impressive: Easy to assemble but looks like a professional dessert.
- Perfect for any occasion: A great choice for holidays, dinner parties, or romantic nights in.
- Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better after chilling in the fridge.
- Customizable: Switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Trifle
- 1 chocolate cake, baked and cooled (store-bought or homemade)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) Baileys Irish Cream
- 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, divided
- ¼ cup (30 g) cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips or shavings (for layering and garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Baileys Cheesecake Layer
- Crumble the cake: Break the chocolate cake into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Mix the cheesecake layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and ½ cup powdered sugar until smooth. Add Baileys Irish Cream and mix until well combined.
- Fold in whipped cream: In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture to create the cheesecake layer.
Making the Chocolate Whipped Cream
- In a clean bowl, whip the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream with the cocoa powder and ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Assembling the Trifle
- Layer 1: Start with a layer of chocolate cake crumbles at the bottom of a trifle dish or individual glasses.
- Layer 2: Add a generous layer of the Baileys cheesecake mixture.
- Layer 3: Sprinkle chocolate chips or shavings for a crunchy contrast.
- Layer 4: Top with chocolate whipped cream.
- Repeat: Continue layering until the container is full, ending with a final dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with extra chocolate shavings or chips.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dessert chilled with a glass of Baileys Irish Cream or a cup of coffee.
- Pair it with fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra indulgence.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store the trifle covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Keep the layers intact by using a trifle dish with a lid or tightly wrapping it with plastic wrap.
Freezing Instructions
- This trifle isn’t ideal for freezing as the whipped cream and cheesecake layers can lose their texture when thawed. However, you can freeze the chocolate cake separately and assemble the trifle fresh.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake for a celiac-friendly option.
- Vegan: Substitute cream cheese and whipped cream with plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free Irish cream like Baileys Almande.
- Extra Boozy: Soak the chocolate cake in Baileys for a more intense flavor.
- Nutty Twist: Add crushed hazelnuts or almonds between layers for a delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought whipped cream?
Yes, but homemade whipped cream adds a fresher and creamier touch to the dessert.
Can I make this dessert alcohol-free?
Absolutely! Substitute Baileys Irish Cream with coffee or chocolate syrup for a family-friendly version.
Can I prepare this dessert in advance?
Yes, it’s best made a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld together in the fridge.
This Decadent Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is the ultimate treat for chocolate and Baileys lovers alike. With its indulgent layers and irresistible flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Ready to impress your guests? Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out!
PrintDecadent Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings
Description
This Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is a rich and indulgent dessert perfect for special occasions. Layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy Baileys cheesecake filling, and decadent chocolate whipped cream come together to create a show-stopping treat.
Ingredients
For the Trifle Layers:
- 1 chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade), crumbled
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) Baileys Irish Cream
- 1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream, divided
- ¼ cup (30 g) cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (30 g) powdered sugar (for whipped cream)
- 1 cup (175 g) chocolate chips or shavings (for layering and garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Crumbles: Break the chocolate cake into small bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Make the Baileys Cheesecake Layer:
- Beat cream cheese and ½ cup powdered sugar in a bowl until smooth.
- Mix in Baileys Irish Cream until fully combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Prepare Chocolate Whipped Cream:
- Whip the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream with cocoa powder and ¼ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, layer as follows:
- Start with a layer of chocolate cake crumbles.
- Add a layer of Baileys cheesecake mixture.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips or shavings.
- Add a layer of chocolate whipped cream.
- Repeat layers until the container is full. Finish with a final dollop of whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings.
- In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, layer as follows:
- Chill: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare this dessert the day before for enhanced flavors.
- Storage: Keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
- Variations: Swap Baileys Irish Cream with coffee or chocolate syrup for an alcohol-free version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None (use pre-baked cake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 200 g)
- Calories: 450 per serving