Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

An Indulgent Dessert for Every Celebration

Some desserts whisper comfort, but this one sings celebration. Rich, chocolatey, and laced with the smooth creaminess of Baileys Irish Cream, this trifle is everything you want in a show-stopping dessert. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of moist chocolate cake, velvety cheesecake, creamy pudding, and a light cloud of whipped cream.

Whether you’re entertaining guests, celebrating a holiday, or simply treating yourself after a long week, this Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is the dessert that makes any moment feel extraordinary. It’s indulgence layered in a bowl — simple to make, yet stunning to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Trifle

  • Decadent layers. Chocolate cake, pudding, cheesecake, and whipped cream in one bite.
  • No stress. Uses easy shortcuts like boxed cake and instant pudding.
  • Crowd-pleaser. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or holiday tables.
  • Make-ahead friendly. Chills beautifully, which makes hosting easier.
  • Elegant yet easy. Looks impressive but comes together quickly.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 box chocolate cake (baked & cubed) 🍫
  • 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream 🥃
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍬
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder 🍫
  • 1 cup whipped cream (plus extra for layering) 🍦
  • 2 cups prepared chocolate pudding 🍫
  • Chocolate shavings or chips (for topping) 🍫

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the cheesecake layer. In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and Baileys until smooth and creamy.
  2. Fold in the whipped cream. Gently stir 1 cup whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until light and fluffy.
  3. Layer the trifle. In a large trifle dish (or glass bowl), start with half the chocolate cake cubes.
  4. Add pudding. Spoon half the chocolate pudding evenly over the cake.
  5. Add cheesecake mixture. Spread half the Baileys cheesecake layer over the pudding.
  6. Top with whipped cream. Spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
  7. Repeat layers. Add the remaining cake, pudding, cheesecake, and whipped cream.
  8. Finish beautifully. Sprinkle chocolate shavings or chips over the top.
  9. Chill. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | ❄️ Chill Time: 2 hours | ⏳ Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
🍴 Servings: 12 | ⚖️ Calories: Approx. 420 per serving

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Trifle Dish or Glass Bowl – For creating those gorgeous, visible layers.
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – Makes the cheesecake layer perfectly smooth.
  • Mixing Bowls – For pudding, cheesecake, and whipped cream.
  • Spatula – For folding and spreading layers evenly.
  • Grater or Peeler – To create elegant chocolate shavings.

The Benefits of Each Ingredient

  • Chocolate Cake – Rich and moist, it’s the foundation of the trifle’s indulgence.
  • Baileys Irish Cream – Adds a luxurious, velvety flavor that elevates the dessert.
  • Cream Cheese – Creates a tangy, creamy cheesecake layer for balance.
  • Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake filling without heaviness.
  • Cocoa Powder – Enhances the chocolate depth and richness.
  • Whipped Cream – Adds lightness and keeps the dessert from being too heavy.
  • Chocolate Pudding – Smooth, creamy, and irresistible in the layers.
  • Chocolate Shavings – The perfect finishing touch, adding texture and elegance.

What to Serve With This Trifle

This indulgent dessert can stand proudly on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

  • After-dinner coffee or espresso – Complements the Baileys flavor.
  • A glass of Baileys on the rocks – For those who love a boozy pairing.
  • Fresh berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast.
  • Light savory appetizers – Keeps the meal balanced before this rich finale.

Final Thoughts

Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is not just a dessert — it’s an experience. Every spoonful is indulgent, creamy, and full of joy. It’s a recipe that requires little effort but delivers maximum wow factor, making it perfect for holidays, parties, or those nights when you want something extra special.

One bite, and you’ll understand why trifles are timeless — they bring comfort, elegance, and happiness all at once.


Print
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Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

A decadent and indulgent layered trifle featuring chocolate cake, Baileys-infused cheesecake, creamy pudding, and whipped cream, topped with chocolate shavings.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake (baked & cubed) 🍫
  • 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream 🥃
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar 🍬
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder 🍫
  • 1 cup whipped cream (plus extra for layering) 🍦
  • 2 cups prepared chocolate pudding 🍫
  • Chocolate shavings or chips (for topping) 🍫

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheesecake layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and Baileys until smooth and creamy.
  2. Fold in the whipped cream: Gently stir 1 cup whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until light and fluffy.
  3. Layer the trifle: In a large trifle dish (or glass bowl), start with half the chocolate cake cubes.
  4. Add pudding: Spoon half the chocolate pudding evenly over the cake.
  5. Add cheesecake mixture: Spread half the Baileys cheesecake layer over the pudding.
  6. Top with whipped cream: Spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
  7. Repeat layers: Add the remaining cake, pudding, cheesecake, and whipped cream.
  8. Finish beautifully: Sprinkle chocolate shavings or chips over the top.
  9. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

  • You can prepare this dessert a day in advance—the flavors get even better overnight.
  • For a kid-friendly version, omit the Baileys and replace with extra whipped cream or milk.
  • Individual servings can be made in dessert cups or mason jars for a party.
  • Author: Sandra
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake, Layering
  • Cuisine: Irish-Inspired
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: baileys trifle, chocolate cheesecake trifle, layered dessert, holiday dessert

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