Description
Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle is a layered dessert combining creamy cheesecake, sweet and sticky pecan pie filling, and crunchy crust, delivering a decadent and visually stunning treat perfect for holidays and gatherings. Easy to assemble and make-ahead friendly, it offers rich textures and warm nutty flavors in one elegant dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecan Pie Filling
- 1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and chopped
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Other Layers & Toppings
- 1 cup whipped cream (freshly whipped preferred)
- 1 1/2 cups crumbled pie crust or graham crackers (use gluten-free if needed)
- Optional garnishes: chopped toasted pecans, caramel sauce, cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Beat softened cream cheese, eggs, sour cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. This cheesecake base will give the trifle a rich and tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
- Make the Pecan Pie Filling: In a separate bowl, combine toasted and chopped pecans, brown sugar, corn syrup (or maple syrup), melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to create a sticky, nutty filling.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start by sprinkling a crumb layer of crushed pie crust or graham crackers at the bottom of a trifle dish. Then alternate spoonfuls of cheesecake mixture, pecan pie filling, and whipped cream in layers until the dish is filled, ensuring each layer is spread evenly.
- Chill to Set: Cover the trifle dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cheesecake layer to firm up, making serving easier and tastier.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth cheesecake layer without lumps.
- Lightly toast pecans to enhance their natural flavor and crunch.
- Do not overmix the cheesecake base to keep it light and creamy.
- Layer neatly in a clear glass dish to showcase beautiful, distinct layers.
- Chill the trifle longer if possible to improve flavor melding and texture.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (to toast pecans and prepare filling)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake assembly with some stovetop preparation
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: pecan pie, cheesecake, trifle, layered dessert, holiday dessert, easy dessert, make-ahead dessert, nutty dessert
