Description
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Layer:
1 box (18.3 oz) brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box (eggs, oil, water)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
For the Caramel Sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
Additional caramel sauce for drizzling
Whipped cream, for topping
Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Make the Brownie Layer:
Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions.
Bake in a 9×13-inch pan according to package instructions. Let cool completely, then cut into small squares.
Make the Cheesecake Layer:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Gently fold in the whipped cream until well combined. Set aside.
Make the Caramel Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a heat-resistant spatula or wooden spoon.
The sugar will clump and eventually melt into a thick, amber-colored liquid as you continue to stir. Be careful not to burn.
Once the sugar is completely melted, add the butter. The mixture will bubble rapidly. Stir until the butter is completely melted, about 2-3 minutes.
Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to boil for 1 minute. It will rise in the pan as it boils.
Remove from heat and stir in the salt. Let cool slightly before using.
Assembly:
In a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, layer half of the brownie squares on the bottom.
Drizzle some caramel sauce over the brownie layer.
Spread half of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the caramel and brownie layer.
Repeat with the remaining brownie squares, caramel sauce, and cheesecake mixture.
Finish with a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top.
Chill and Serve:
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings if desired.
Drizzle additional caramel sauce over each serving for extra indulgence.
Enjoy your decadent Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle!
Yield:
This recipe serves about 10-12 people, depending on the serving size.
Note:
For a quicker version, you can use store-bought brownies and caramel sauce. Adjust sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less caramel sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed process for a flawless trifle. First, bake the brownies in a 9×13 pan as directed on the box. Let them cool completely, then cut them into 1-inch squares. While they cool, make the caramel sauce: melt sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber. Carefully whisk in butter until melted, then slowly stream in the heavy cream. Boil for one minute, remove from heat, add salt, and let it cool and thicken. For the cheesecake layer, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until completely smooth. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until no streaks remain.
Serving Suggestions
This trifle is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate it further. Serve it in individual parfait glasses for a beautiful, portion-controlled presentation. For a dinner party, pair it with a strong cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine like a tawny port. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top just before serving contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness. For a seasonal twist in the fall, add a layer of spiced apple compote between the brownie and cheesecake layers.
How-to Summary
In essence, this dessert involves three key components: baking and cubing brownies, making a simple homemade caramel sauce, and creating a no-bake cheesecake filling by folding whipped cream into sweetened cream cheese. These elements are then layered in a clear dish—brownies, caramel, cheesecake filling—and repeated. Chilling for several hours is crucial for the flavors to combine and the dessert to set properly before garnishing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this trifle ahead of time? Absolutely. It’s actually better when made a day ahead. Assemble it completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add the final whipped cream and garnish just before serving.
My caramel sauce seized up or crystallized. What went wrong? This happens if sugar crystals form on the side of the pan. To prevent it, brush down the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush as the sugar melts. Also, avoid stirring once the sugar starts to liquefy; just swirl the pan gently.
Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a trifle bowl? Yes. A 9×13-inch baking dish, a large salad bowl, or even a clear glass pitcher will work. The goal is to see the beautiful layers.
How do I properly fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese? Ensure both components are of similar consistency (the cream cheese mix should be smooth and soft). Use a large spatula and cut down through the center, fold over, and turn the bowl. Repeat gently until combined to keep the filling light and airy.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the cheesecake layer? For stability, heavy cream is best. A full-fat coconut cream can be whipped as a non-dairy alternative, but it will impart a coconut flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Warm Brownies: Adding warm brownies will melt the cheesecake layer. Ensure they are completely cooled.
- Overmixing the Cheesecake Filling: Vigorously stirring the whipped cream will deflate it, resulting in a dense filling. Fold gently.
- Pouring Hot Caramel: Let the caramel sauce cool and thicken slightly before drizzling, or it will soak into the brownies too much and make them soggy.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Serving immediately means the layers won’t have set, and you’ll get a soupy texture. Patience is key.
Conclusion
This Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert, masterfully combining rich, fudgy brownies, creamy no-bake cheesecake, and luxurious homemade caramel. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can confidently create a stunning and indulgent treat that’s perfect for any gathering. Its make-ahead nature allows you to enjoy the party, knowing a spectacular dessert is ready and waiting in the fridge.