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Easy No-Bake Gingerbread Cheesecake Trifle

Close-up of a rich slice of no-bake gingerbread trifle layered with cream and drizzled with caramel sauce.
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Create a stunning, show-stopping Gingerbread Trifle for your holiday gatherings. This simple, no-bake recipe layers spiced gingerbread cookies with a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, making it a perfect make-ahead Christmas dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 packages (about 10 ounces each) gingerbread cookies or pre-made gingerbread cake squares
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup chopped toffee bits (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat until fully combined and creamy.
  2. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. This is your creamy filling.
  3. Prepare the gingerbread layer: If using gingerbread cookies, crush half of them coarsely to create a crumble layer. If using cake squares, cut them into 1-inch cubes.
  4. Assemble the trifle: Use a large glass trifle bowl or individual serving glasses. Start with a layer of crushed gingerbread or cake cubes on the bottom.
  5. Drizzle the gingerbread layer lightly with caramel sauce.
  6. Spread half of the cheesecake filling evenly over the gingerbread layer.
  7. Create the next layer using the remaining whole or cubed gingerbread pieces. Drizzle lightly with more caramel sauce.
  8. Top with the remaining cheesecake filling. Smooth the top surface.
  9. Chill the trifle for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert.
  10. Before serving, garnish the top with the reserved gingerbread crumble, extra caramel sauce drizzles, and chopped toffee bits, if using.

Notes

  • For an eggnog variation, substitute 1/2 cup of the heavy whipping cream with cold eggnog when making the whipped topping, and add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the cheesecake mixture.
  • If you prefer a softer cake layer, briefly dip the gingerbread cookie pieces in a small amount of milk or coffee before layering.
  • This layered dessert is excellent for Christmas potlucks because it travels well when kept chilled.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/gingerbread-trifle-easy-no-bake-cheesecake-recipe/