Description
This Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle is a decadent layered dessert combining a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and a warm pecan pie topping. Perfectly chilled and served in a trifle dish, this dessert offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors ideal for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (gradually added, divided)
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar (used with corn syrup)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a trifle dish to form an even crust layer. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Make the cheesecake filling base: Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture becomes fluffy and well combined.
- Whip the cream and combine: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture to create a light and airy cheesecake filling.
- Prepare pecan pie topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, sugar, and ground cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stir in the pecans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Layer the trifle: In the chilled trifle dish, layer the graham cracker crust, followed by the cheesecake filling, and then the warm pecan topping. Repeat the layering until the trifle dish is full.
- Chill before serving: Cover the trifle dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake filling.
- Ensure the pecan topping has cooled slightly before layering to prevent melting the cheesecake filling.
- For added texture, toast the pecans before adding to the topping.
- This dessert can be prepared a day ahead to enhance flavor development.
- Use clear corn syrup for a milder flavor or dark corn syrup for a richer taste depending on preference.
