If you adore the rich, velvety charm of red velvet cake paired with the light, fluffy tang of cream cheese, then this Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe is going to become your new favorite dessert obsession. Imagine luscious layers of moist red velvet cake cubes intertwined with a dreamy cream cheese mousse, creating a show-stopping treat that is as delightful to look at as it is to eat. It’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor, bringing together classic Southern comfort and a festive twist that will impress at any gathering or cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe truly shine are the simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a starring role, whether it’s the vibrant red velvet cake providing beautiful color and tender crumb, or the luscious cream cheese mousse adding richness and cloud-like texture.
- Red velvet cake mix: The foundation for this dessert, offering a quick way to get that classic flavor without fuss.
- Eggs, oil, and water: Usually included with the cake mix, these bind and moisten the cake perfectly.
- Cream cheese, softened: Creates the rich base of the mousse with its signature tangy depth.
- Powdered sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- Cold heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, it lightens the mousse for an airy feel.
- Whipped topping (optional): Adds extra creaminess and an elegant look on top of the trifle.
- Red velvet cake crumbs or red sprinkles: The cherry on top for a festive and inviting garnish.
How to Make Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Bake the Cake
Begin by preparing the red velvet cake according to the directions on the box—this is your delicious base layer. Baking it in a 9×13-inch pan gives you perfect proportions for layering. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely; this prevents the mousse from melting when assembled. After cooling, cut the cake into cubes or crumble it into bite-sized chunks for easy layering.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mousse
Next, whip together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This is where the dessert gets its beautiful tang and velvety texture. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form—this is the secret to that light mousse texture. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, taking care to keep it airy and fluffy. This luscious mousse is what makes the trifle so unforgettable.
Step 3: Assemble the Trifle
Now comes the fun part: layering! In a large glass trifle bowl or individual dessert cups, start with a layer of red velvet cake cubes. Follow this with a generous dollop of the cream cheese mousse, spreading it evenly. Repeat these layers until all your cake and mousse are used, making sure to finish with mousse on top for a smooth, creamy finish. This helps keep the trifle looking polished and inviting.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
To allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set beautifully, refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving. The chilling step is essential to get those perfect layered bites that are firm but creamy. Once ready, add your final touches of whipped topping, red velvet cake crumbs, or sprinkles for that extra wow factor.
How to Serve Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are what turn this trifle from delicious to dazzling. A light dusting of red velvet cake crumbs or festive red sprinkles not only adds a splash of color but also a touch of crunch. For an elegant finish, a swirl of whipped topping adds creaminess and height. Fresh berries or a few mint leaves can also make a beautiful and fresh contrast.
Side Dishes
This Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe stands out perfectly on its own, but pairing it with simple accompaniments like freshly brewed coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of dessert wine can elevate the entire dessert experience. Light fruit salads also complement the richness by adding a refreshing burst between bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is everything when sharing this trifle. Try serving it in individual clear glasses or mason jars for a charming, personalized touch that’s perfect for parties. Layering in clear bowls shows off the gorgeous red and white contrast and invites guests to dig right in. You could even try mini trifle parfaits stacked in shot glasses for a fun, bite-sized dessert option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container or cover the trifle bowl tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing
While freezing can slightly affect the texture of the cream cheese mousse, you can freeze this trifle if needed. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Keep in mind the mousse may be a bit less fluffy but still delicious once thawed.
Reheating
This trifle is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Warming it would cause the mousse to lose its airy consistency and the cake to become soggy. Enjoy it fresh and cool for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade red velvet cake instead of the box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade red velvet will add a personal touch and can be even more flavorful. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before layering into your trifle.
Is the cream cheese mousse very sweet?
Not at all. The powdered sugar balances the tang of the cream cheese just right, resulting in a sweet but not overpowering mousse that pairs beautifully with the cake.
Can I make this trifle vegan or dairy-free?
It’s a bit tricky due to the cream cheese and heavy cream, but you can experiment with vegan cream cheese and coconut cream to create a dairy-free version, though texture and taste may vary.
What is the best way to serve this for a party?
Serving in individual clear cups is a crowd-pleaser and makes distribution easy, plus it looks stunning on a dessert table.
Can I add other flavors to the mousse?
Yes! A splash of lemon juice or a hint of almond extract can add a unique twist to the mousse while maintaining its creamy smoothness.
Final Thoughts
This Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe is a joyous celebration of classic flavors, layered with a delightfully airy mousse that turns everyday dessert into a memorable treat. It’s simple, elegant, and utterly comforting—perfect for sharing with friends or savoring quietly on your own. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
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Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Red Velvet Trifle with Cream Cheese Mousse is a festive and indulgent layered dessert perfect for holidays or special occasions. Featuring moist red velvet cake cubes layered with a rich, fluffy cream cheese mousse, this recipe is both visually stunning and deliciously creamy. Easy to assemble and customizable with whipped topping or festive sprinkles, it’s an impressive treat that can be prepared in advance and chilled for a perfect set.
Ingredients
For the red velvet cake:
- 1 box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the cream cheese mousse:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups cold heavy cream
For layering:
- 1 cup whipped topping (optional)
- Red velvet cake crumbs or red sprinkles for garnish
Instructions
- Bake the cake: Prepare and bake the red velvet cake according to package directions in a 9×13-inch pan. Once baked, let it cool completely, then cut into cubes or crumble into chunks for layering.
- Make the cream cheese mousse: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy, creating the mousse layer.
- Assemble the trifle: In a large glass trifle bowl or individual dessert cups, layer red velvet cake cubes followed by a generous layer of cream cheese mousse. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with mousse on top. Optionally, top with whipped topping, red velvet cake crumbs, or festive red sprinkles for decoration.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up nicely.
Notes
- You can make this trifle a day in advance to enhance the flavor.
- Swap the boxed red velvet cake for a homemade red velvet cake if preferred.
- For an extra tangy twist in the mousse, add a splash of lemon juice while mixing.
