A lusciously creamy dessert that combines cheesecake and pecan pie in irresistible layers.
Prep Time30 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time2 minutesmins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy, No-Bake
Servings: 8servings
Equipment
Trifle Dish
Mixing Bowl
Saucepan
Ingredients
Crust
2cupscrushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
1/4cupmelted butter
Cheesecake Filling
8ouncescream cheese, softened
1/2cuppowdered sugar
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1tub (8 ounces)whipped topping, thawed
Pecan Pie Layer
1cupchopped pecans
1/2cupbrown sugar
1/2cupcorn syrup
1/4cupheavy cream
2tablespoonsbutter
1teaspoonvanilla extract (for pecan sauce)
Garnish
extra pecans (optional)for garnish
whipped cream (optional)for garnish
Instructions
Mix the crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are well-coated and resemble wet sand. Press a small layer firmly into the bottom of your trifle dish or into the base of individual serving cups for easy presentation.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping, mixing just until everything is light, fluffy, and fully combined. Set aside.
For the pecan pie layer, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and butter in a medium saucepan. Place over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is bubbly and thickened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir the chopped pecans and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into the warm caramel. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it thickens further but is still pourable.
Assemble your trifle: layer the buttery crust crumbs, then half the cheesecake filling, followed by a generous spoonful of the pecan pie mixture. Repeat layers until you fill your dish, ending with a pretty layer of pecan caramel on top.
Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for extra flavor) to allow the layers to set. Just before serving, garnish with swirls of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra pecans, if desired.
Notes
Leftover trifle can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add whipped cream just before serving for best results.