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)
For the 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
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
For Garnish:
Chocolate-covered caramels
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.
Notes
Feel free to substitute homemade brownies or gluten-free brownies for the box mix.
You can use regular caramel sauce and add a pinch of sea salt if you don’t have salted caramel.
To make the dessert lighter, consider using a low-fat cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Category: Dessert, Trifle
- Method: No-Bake, Layered
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal