Are you looking for a decadent dessert that will leave your guests in awe? This Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is an indulgent treat that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and the smooth, velvety flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream. Layered beautifully in a trifle bowl, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a holiday, birthday, or just treating yourself to something special. Read on to discover how to create this irresistible dessert, from the ingredient list to the best presentation tips to make it shine on your table!
What is Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle?
Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is a layered dessert that includes moist chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake filling, and rich chocolate ganache. Infused with Bailey’s Irish Cream, each layer harmoniously blends together to create a sweet, boozy, and luxurious treat. It’s served in a trifle bowl, which showcases the beautiful layers of chocolate and cream. Perfect for large gatherings, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List for Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle
Before getting started, here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious dessert:
For the Chocolate Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup Bailey's Irish Cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ¾ cup heavy cream
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed chocolate cookies (for extra crunch)
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for extra decoration)
Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of a trifle is its versatility. Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No worries! Here are some possible substitutions and variations you can try:
- Bailey’s Substitutes: If you want a non-alcoholic version, you can use Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer or simply omit the Bailey’s altogether.
- Cake Substitute: Short on time? Swap out the homemade chocolate cake with store-bought cake or brownie mix. You can also use chocolate sponge cake or chocolate pound cake for a denser texture.
- Cheesecake Layer Variations: If you're not a fan of cheesecake, you can replace the cheesecake layer with chocolate mousse, vanilla pudding, or even a mascarpone whipped cream blend.
- Additions: Layer in some fresh raspberries, strawberries, or cherries for a pop of color and flavor contrast. For a holiday twist, add crushed peppermint candies or drizzle a little bit of caramel sauce between the layers.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into how to make this mouth-watering trifle. The recipe involves three key components: baking the chocolate cake, making the cheesecake layer, and preparing the chocolate ganache.
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined.
- Slowly stir in the hot water. The batter will be thin, but that’s normal!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix until well incorporated.
- Slowly pour in the Bailey’s Irish Cream and vanilla extract, beating until everything is smooth and fluffy.
- 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.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
- Place the chopped chocolate into a heatproof bowl.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer (do not let it boil).
- Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt.
- Stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Allow it to cool slightly before using.
How to Assemble Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Start with a Layer of Cake: Begin by placing a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish. Ensure the bottom is fully covered.
- Add Cheesecake Layer: Spoon a generous layer of the Bailey’s cheesecake filling on top of the cake cubes. Smooth it out to cover the cake layer evenly.
- Drizzle with Ganache: Drizzle some of the cooled chocolate ganache over the cheesecake layer. Don’t worry about perfection—trifles are meant to be rustic and delicious!
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering the cake cubes, cheesecake filling, and ganache until you’ve used up all your components. Make sure to finish with a cheesecake layer or ganache for the top.
- Final Touches: Top the trifle with crushed chocolate cookies, whipped cream (if desired), and chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Cake Batter: When mixing your cake batter, avoid overmixing as it can make the cake dense. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Warm Cake Cubes: Make sure the cake is completely cool before assembling the trifle, or the layers will melt and get soggy.
- Too Thin Ganache: If your ganache is too runny, let it cool for a few minutes before using. A too-thin ganache will seep into the layers rather than sitting on top.
- Overbeating Whipped Cream: For the cheesecake layer, be careful not to overbeat the whipped cream. Stop as soon as you see stiff peaks to avoid curdling.
Serving and Presentation Tips
One of the best things about this trifle is its stunning presentation. The layered effect of chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and rich ganache looks impressive and will catch everyone’s attention.
How to Serve Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle
- Serve the trifle straight from the fridge. The dessert holds up best when chilled, and the flavors meld together even more over time.
- Use a large spoon to scoop out each serving, making sure you get all the delicious layers in one spoonful.
Presentation Ideas for Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle
- Individual Servings: If you prefer, you can assemble the trifle in individual glass cups or mason jars for a more personal touch.
- Decorate the Top: For a final flourish, top the trifle with whipped cream rosettes, a dusting of cocoa powder, or even gold sprinkles for an extra fancy look.
Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This dessert is perfect for preparing ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight.
- Chill Time: Be sure to refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for a firmer dessert.
- Layering Precision: If you want neat, even layers, use a piping bag to pipe the cheesecake filling and ganache between cake layers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this trifle without alcohol?
Yes! You can substitute the Bailey’s Irish Cream with an Irish cream-flavored coffee creamer or leave it out entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
How long can I store this trifle?
The trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent the cake from drying out.
Can I freeze the trifle?
While you can freeze the individual cake layers, it’s best not to freeze the fully assembled trifle, as the cream cheese and ganache can change texture when frozen and thawed.
What other flavors can I add?
Feel free to experiment with different flavorings like mint, coffee, or caramel. You can also add in fruits like raspberries or bananas for a fun twist.
Conclusion
Bailey’s Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is the ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert. With its layers of chocolate cake, creamy cheesecake, and rich ganache all enhanced by the smooth flavor of Bailey’s Irish Cream, this dessert is pure indulgence. Whether you're serving it for a special event or simply treating yourself, the stunning presentation and bold flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try this recipe today and wow your guests with a truly unforgettable dessert experience!
PrintBailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
This decadent Bailey's Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle features layers of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, and a hint of Irish cream. A perfect dessert for holidays or gatherings, this trifle is a crowd-pleaser. With Bailey's as a key ingredient, this dessert delivers a luxurious flavor that will satisfy your sweet cravings. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: none
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup Bailey's Irish Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups crushed chocolate cookies
- ½ cup chocolate shavings
- ½ cup melted dark chocolate
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla extract and Bailey's, blending until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold into the cream cheese mixture.
- Layer the trifle by alternating crushed cookies, cheesecake mixture, and melted chocolate in a trifle dish.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- For extra texture, add layers of brownie chunks or chocolate mousse.
- Adjust Bailey's amount to your preference for a milder or stronger flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 cup)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
Leave a Reply