Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Angel Food Cake
Desserts are often the highlight of any meal, and a well-made trifle can easily steal the show. This cherry cheesecake trifle is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both light and indulgent, combining the airy texture of angel food cake, the creamy richness of cheesecake-flavored pudding, and the bright, tart sweetness of cherry pie filling. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, family gatherings, and holiday meals, this easy-to-make dessert offers a refreshing way to end any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 angel food cake (prepared)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant cheesecake pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 can (30 ounces) cherry pie filling
- 1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 tablespoon roasted almond slices (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pudding Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix and milk until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickens. After this, fold in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until everything is well-combined and smooth. This pudding mixture is the base that will make the trifle creamy and delicious.
2. Prepare the Angel Food Cake:
Cut the angel food cake into small cubes. This cake, which is light and fluffy, will provide a wonderful texture to contrast the richness of the creamy pudding mixture. Place the cubed cake aside.
3. Layer the Trifle:
In a 13×9-inch baking dish or a large trifle dish, begin layering the ingredients. Start with half of the cubed angel food cake as the first layer at the bottom of the dish. Then, spoon half of the cherry pie filling evenly over the cake. Spread a layer of the prepared cheesecake pudding mixture over the cake and cherries, smoothing it out with a spatula.
Now, repeat the layers by adding the remaining half of the angel food cake cubes, followed by the remaining cherry pie filling. Finish with a final layer of the cheesecake pudding mixture. This layering process creates a beautiful contrast of colors and textures that will make this trifle irresistible.
4. Top with Whipped Topping:
Spread the whipped topping over the final layer, smoothing it out evenly to cover the surface of the trifle. Whipped topping gives a light and fluffy texture that complements the pudding and cake layers.
5. Add Final Touches:
Top with the remaining cherry pie filling, ensuring it’s evenly spread. If desired, sprinkle roasted almond slices on top for a bit of crunch and extra flavor. These can be optional but add a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the dessert.
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight). This allows the flavors to meld together and lets the cake absorb some of the pudding’s moisture, making it even more delicious.
When ready to serve, scoop generous portions into individual bowls or plates. The trifle can also be served directly from the large dish, depending on your preference. Enjoy the creamy, fruity layers and the soft cake with every bite!
Tips and Variations:
1. Cake Alternatives:
If you don’t have angel food cake or prefer a denser cake, you can substitute it with pound cake, sponge cake, or even shortcake. Angel food cake provides a light and airy texture, but other cakes can add a richer flavor profile.
2. Experiment with Pudding Flavors:
While this recipe calls for cheesecake pudding, feel free to experiment with different pudding flavors to suit your taste. Vanilla, white chocolate, or even butterscotch pudding can be a fun twist on the traditional cheesecake flavor. You could also try mixing two pudding flavors together for added depth.
3. Fruit Variations:
Although cherry pie filling is the classic choice, you can swap it out for other fruit pie fillings depending on the season or personal preference. Blueberry, strawberry, or mixed berry pie filling all work wonderfully. You could also use fresh fruit, but pie filling gives a more intense, consistent sweetness.
4. Nutty Alternatives:
For added crunch, feel free to use roasted pecans, walnuts, or even macadamia nuts in place of roasted almonds. You can even omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free option.
5. Presentation:
For a unique presentation, serve individual portions in clear glasses or mason jars. This adds a personal touch and makes it easy to serve at parties or gatherings. Plus, seeing the beautiful layers of cake, pudding, and cherries through the clear glass is a treat in itself.
6. Make Ahead:
This dessert actually benefits from being made a day ahead. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld, and the cake absorbs the creamy pudding mixture, making it extra delicious. This is great for stress-free entertaining!
The History Behind the Trifle:
The trifle is a classic British dessert with roots dating back to the 16th century. Traditionally, a trifle was made with layers of sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream or custard-based cream. Over the centuries, trifle evolved, with regional variations incorporating different fruits, nuts, and even liquor.
While this cherry cheesecake version may be a modern twist on the traditional trifle, its core elements still hold true: layers of cake, creamy fillings, and fruits. This layered dessert has become a staple in the United States, often appearing at potlucks, holiday meals, and family gatherings, making it a perfect recipe for entertaining.
The Appeal of Angel Food Cake in This Recipe:
Angel food cake has long been a favorite in desserts for its delicate, sponge-like texture. Made from whipped egg whites, it is airy and light, providing a perfect balance to heavier, cream-based desserts. Its mild flavor also makes it incredibly versatile, pairing well with many types of fruit and creamy fillings.
In this trifle, the angel food cake is an excellent foundation, as it soaks up the creamy pudding mixture without becoming soggy. It adds structure and texture, making it a key ingredient that enhances the overall experience of the dessert.
Why This Dessert is Perfect for Gatherings:
This cherry cheesecake trifle is ideal for gatherings for several reasons. Firstly, it can be made in advance, saving you time on the day of your event. Secondly, it’s easy to transport if you need to bring it to a picnic, potluck, or holiday dinner. And lastly, it’s a dessert that pleases a wide range of tastes. The sweetness of the cake and cherries, combined with the creamy pudding, ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Because of its beautiful layers and vibrant colors, it also has an aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re serving it in a large dish or individual cups, this dessert makes an impressive presentation that’s sure to spark conversation at the table.
Conclusion:
This Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Angel Food Cake is a light, refreshing, and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a family gathering, a festive holiday, or just a simple weekend treat, it’s sure to be a hit. The layering of airy cake, creamy pudding, and sweet cherry pie filling creates a balance of textures and flavors that everyone will love. With endless variations and tips to make it your own, this dessert will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.