Description
This Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle is a luscious layered dessert combining a crunchy graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and warm pecan pie topping. Perfect for gatherings, it offers the classic flavors of pecan pie and cheesecake in an easy-to-serve trifle presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups finely crushed graham crackers
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided: includes crust sugar)
Pecan Topping
- 1 cup pecans
- 1 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: In a bowl, combine the finely crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar. Mix thoroughly and press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a trifle dish. Refrigerate the crust for 30 minutes to set.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: Beat the cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Whip Cream and Fold: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a smooth and airy cheesecake filling.
- Cook Pecan Topping: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine corn syrup, sugar, and ground cinnamon, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add pecans and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Assemble Trifle: Layer the trifle dish with the prepared graham cracker crust, followed by the cheesecake filling, and then the warm pecan topping. Repeat layers as needed until the dish is full.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set properly before serving.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Allow the pecan topping to cool slightly before layering to prevent melting the cheesecake filling.
- For added texture, lightly toast the pecans before adding them to the topping mixture.
- Optional: Garnish with extra chopped pecans or whipped cream before serving.
- Ensure the trifle dish is large enough to accommodate multiple layers comfortably.
