This Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle is the perfect dessert for anyone who craves a rich, indulgent treat. With layers of fudgy brownies, smooth cheesecake, sweet salted caramel, and a fluffy whipped cream topping, this trifle delivers the ultimate dessert experience. Every bite offers a perfect combination of flavors and textures, making it a showstopper for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

1 box (18-20 oz) brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box: water, oil, eggs)

8 oz salted caramel (jarred or homemade)

Cheesecake Layer:

2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

1 cup heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks

Whipped Cream Topping:

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

Garnish:

Chocolate-covered caramels

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Brownies:

Bake the brownie mix according to the package instructions, or use your favorite homemade brownie recipe.

Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into small squares.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream to stiff peaks.

Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.

Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:

In a bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

Set aside for the trifle topping.

Assemble the Trifle:

First Layer: Place a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish.

Second Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the no-bake cheesecake mixture on top of the brownies.

Third Layer: Drizzle a layer of salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake for a sweet and salty contrast.

Repeat: Continue layering brownies, cheesecake, and caramel until you reach the top of your dish.

Finish the Trifle:

Top the trifle with a thick layer of whipped cream.

Garnish with chocolate-covered caramels. Optionally, you can layer the chocolate-covered caramels throughout the trifle.

Chill and Serve:

Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.

For the best results, make this dessert a day ahead—it tastes even better after chilling overnight!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 1-2 hours

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing the trifle in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 2-3 days. Since it’s a no-bake dessert, it should keep well, but the whipped cream topping might lose some of its fluffiness after a couple of days.

It’s best enjoyed chilled, but I wouldn’t suggest reheating it. The texture and flavors are meant to be enjoyed cold, so serve it straight from the fridge for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownies instead of a box mix?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite brownie recipe, go ahead and use it. Just make sure to let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into cubes for layering.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, I recommend making this trifle a day ahead. It allows the flavors to meld together, and the dessert is even better after chilling overnight.

Is there a substitute for salted caramel?

If you don’t have salted caramel, you can use regular caramel sauce and add a pinch of sea salt to get that sweet and salty flavor. Homemade salted caramel sauce is also a great option!

Can I use a different type of cream cheese for the cheesecake layer?

I’ve always used regular cream cheese for the best texture, but you can try using a lower-fat cream cheese if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be a little different.

How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

To make this trifle gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free brownie mix or make homemade gluten-free brownies. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Conclusion

This Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle is a dessert that checks all the boxes. It’s indulgent, easy to make, and full of irresistible flavors that everyone will love. Whether for a special occasion or just because, this dessert is sure to impress.

Recipe:

Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle

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Print Recipe

This Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle is the ultimate indulgence! With layers of fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, sweet salted caramel, and fluffy whipped cream, it delivers a rich dessert experience in every bite. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make trifle combines the best of sweet and salty flavors for an unforgettable treat.

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings

Instructions

Prepare the Brownies:
- Bake the brownie mix according to the package instructions, or use your favorite homemade brownie recipe.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into small cubes.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream to stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until smooth and fluffy.
Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
- In a bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Assemble the Trifle:
- First Layer: Place a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish.
- Second Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the no-bake cheesecake mixture on top of the brownies.
- Third Layer: Drizzle a layer of salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake.
- Repeat layers of brownies, cheesecake, and caramel until you reach the top of the dish.
Finish the Trifle:
- Top with a thick layer of whipped cream.
- Garnish with chocolate-covered caramels (optional: layer them throughout the trifle).
Chill and Serve:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to set the layers and meld the flavors.
- For best results, prepare a day ahead and allow it to chill overnight.