The Ultimate English Trifle Cheesecake: Layers of Sherry-Kissed Cake, Raspberry & Creamy Delight
Prepare to be enchanted by a dessert that elegantly marries two beloved classics: the sophisticated English Trifle and the creamy, dreamy Cheesecake. This English Trifle Cheesecake is an absolute showstopper, boasting decadent layers of delicate yellow cake, generously brushed with aromatic sherry, luscious raspberry preserves, and a velvety-smooth cheesecake filling. Crowned with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream and a vibrant raspberry drizzle, it’s a creation that promises an unforgettable experience for both the eyes and the palate.
Why This English Trifle Cheesecake Recipe is a Must-Try
This English Trifle Cheesecake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the best attributes of three distinct treats: the classic English trifle, a moist yellow cake, and a rich, creamy cheesecake. The magic lies in the symphony of textures and flavors. You get the subtle boozy hint from the sherry-soaked cake, the bright tang of raspberry preserves, and the smooth, satisfying richness of cheesecake, all culminating in a light and airy whipped cream topping. It’s a dessert that captivates from the first glance to the last bite, making it an ideal centerpiece for holidays, celebrations, or any occasion where you want to impress. The layered presentation alone is enough to turn heads, but the harmonious combination of traditional and contemporary flavors ensures it’s a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Your English Trifle Cheesecake
Crafting this magnificent dessert requires a selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its iconic flavor and texture. From the foundational yellow cake to the final decorative flourish, every component contributes to the overall decadence. For precise measurements, detailed instructions, and a convenient printable version of this recipe, please refer to the dedicated recipe card located at the conclusion of this post.
Ingredient Insights and Smart Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role is key to mastering this recipe and confidently exploring variations:
- CRUST (Cake Base) –
- FRUIT LAYER – For the vibrant fruit layer, seedless raspberry preserves are specified. The “seedless” aspect contributes to a smoother texture within the cheesecake. However, feel free to substitute with regular raspberry jam or even other berry preserves like blueberry, blackberry, or strawberry, depending on your preference and what’s in season. The goal is a bright, fruity counterpoint to the rich cake and cheesecake.
- FILLING – The heart of this dessert is its creamy cheesecake filling. It’s a classic combination of full-fat cream cheese, granulated sugar, large eggs, and a touch of vanilla extract.
- Cream Cheese: Always use full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature, for the smoothest, creamiest texture. Low-fat alternatives can affect the setting and richness.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar provides the essential sweetness and helps with the cheesecake’s structure.
- Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, giving the cheesecake its characteristic custardy texture and helping it set properly. Ensure they are at room temperature for better incorporation.
- Vanilla Extract: A good quality vanilla extract enhances all the flavors, adding warmth and depth to the creamy filling.
- DECORATION – The final touches involve a simple yet elegant whipped cream topping and an additional raspberry drizzle. Heavy whipping cream is whipped with powdered sugar to create a stable and airy topping that beautifully complements the richness below. The warm raspberry preserves provide a stunning visual and a burst of concentrated fruit flavor.
Crafting Your English Trifle Cheesecake: A Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through the process, helping you visualize each stage of making this exquisite dessert. You can Jump to Recipe to access the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and condensed instructions at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature from the start. Take your 9-inch springform pan and generously butter both the bottom and sides. This crucial step prevents the cheesecake from sticking and ensures a clean release once it’s chilled.
- First Cake and Raspberry Layer: Carefully press one half of your yellow cake into the prepared springform pan, forming the bottom crust. Using a pastry brush, generously brush half of the cream sherry evenly over the cake layer. This infuses the cake with moisture and the signature trifle flavor. Next, spread half of the seedless raspberry preserves over the sherry-brushed cake. Set this layered base aside while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together on medium-high speed until the mixture is exceptionally smooth and creamy, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition until just combined. Overmixing eggs can introduce too much air, leading to cracks, so be gentle. Finally, mix in the vanilla extract until just incorporated.
- Assemble the Layers: Pour half of the prepared cheesecake batter evenly over the raspberry preserves and cake layer in the springform pan. Use a spatula to gently smooth the batter out to the sides. Carefully place the second yellow cake layer on top of the cheesecake batter. Brush this cake layer with the remaining sherry, ensuring it’s well absorbed. Finish this layer by spreading the remaining raspberry preserves over the sherry-soaked cake. Finally, pour the rest of the cheesecake batter over the top, spreading it evenly to fill the pan right to the top edge.
- Bake and Chill: Bake the cheesecake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown and there’s just a slight jiggle in the very center when you gently shake the pan. This slight jiggle indicates it’s cooked through but will firm up perfectly as it cools. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for a minimum of 2 hours. Once it’s at room temperature, cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap and transfer it to the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling is essential for the cheesecake to fully set and for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Whipped Cream Topping: Just before serving, prepare the light and airy whipped cream topping. In a clean, cold mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and powdered sugar with a whisk attachment on medium-high speed until firm peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it might turn grainy. Gently spread this luscious whipped cream evenly over the chilled cheesecake, creating a beautiful, soft crown.
- Decorate with Raspberry Drizzle: For a final, elegant touch, warm 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, then stir until smooth and slightly runny. For easier drizzling, transfer the warmed preserves into a small Ziploc bag, snip off a tiny corner, and artfully drizzle it over the whipped cream. This creates a beautiful contrast and adds another layer of delightful raspberry flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesecake
To maintain its freshness and deliciousness, store your English trifle cheesecake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cheesecake (without the whipped cream topping) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before adding fresh whipped cream and serving.
Absolutely! Cheesecake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire cheesecake, including baking and the initial 6-hour chilling period, up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, tightly covered. Add the whipped cream topping and raspberry drizzle just before serving for the best presentation and texture.
Cheesecake cracks are often caused by rapid temperature changes. To minimize cracking:
- Ensure all cold ingredients (cream cheese, eggs) are at room temperature.
- Do not overmix the batter, especially after adding eggs, as this incorporates too much air.
- Avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. After baking, turn off the oven, prop the door open slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside the oven for 1 hour before transferring it to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Avoid chilling a warm cheesecake; always let it come to room temperature first.
The recipe specifies “cream sherry,” which is a sweet, dark, and rich style of sherry, perfect for desserts. It offers a wonderful depth of flavor without being overwhelmingly alcoholic. If you can’t find cream sherry, a sweet Madeira wine or even a small amount of brandy could be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will subtly change.
Elegant Serving Suggestions for Your Trifle Cheesecake
The presentation of your English Trifle Cheesecake is almost as important as its taste. The simple yet elegant drizzle of raspberry preserves and a generous layer of homemade whipped cream already create a stunning visual. To elevate it further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh raspberries, a few delicate mint leaves, or even some shaved white chocolate for an extra touch of sophistication. This dessert is quite rich and satisfying, making it perfect for serving after a lighter main course or as the star attraction at any festive gathering or party. Serve it chilled for a refreshing bite, or allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy texture.
Explore More Decadent Cheesecake Recipes
If you’re a fan of the creamy, indulgent world of cheesecakes, be sure to explore these other fantastic recipes. Each offers a unique twist on this classic dessert, perfect for any craving or occasion:
- Oreo Cheesecake
- Cherry Cheesecake
- Tiramisu Cheesecake
- Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
- Salted Caramel Cheesecake
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English Trifle Cheesecake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
Crust & Fruit Layer
- 9 inch round yellow cake sliced horizontally in half (one layer for the base, one for the middle)
- ¼ cup cream sherry divided
- ½ cup seedless red raspberry preserves divided, plus 2 tbsp for drizzle
Cheesecake Filling
- 32 oz cream cheese softened, 4 8-oz pkgs (full-fat recommended)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 5 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Decoration
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream cold
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Things You’ll Need
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9 inch springform pan
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Hand mixer
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Pastry brush
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Rubber spatula
Before You Begin
- For easy and beautiful decorating, warm 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves in the microwave for a few seconds until smooth and slightly runny. Drizzle it over the whipped cream on the cheesecake just before serving. A small Ziploc bag with a snipped corner works perfectly as a makeshift piping bag for the drizzle.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan.
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Press half of the yellow cake into the bottom of the pan. Brush with ½ of the cream sherry. Spread ½ of the raspberry preserves over the cake. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-high speed until very smooth (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
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Pour half the cheesecake batter over the cake layer, smoothing it. Place the second cake layer on top, brush with remaining sherry, and spread with remaining raspberry preserves. Pour the rest of the batter over, spreading to the edges.
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Bake for 50-55 minutes until the top is light brown and the center has a slight jiggle. Cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
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Before serving, prepare whipped cream: beat heavy cream and powdered sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled cheesecake.
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For decoration, warm 2 tablespoons of raspberry preserves in the microwave and stir until smooth. Drizzle artistically over the whipped cream.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This delectable recipe is adapted from The Cheesecake Bible. This post originally appeared here on July 10, 2011, and has since been thoughtfully updated with new photos, expanded details, and expert tips to ensure your baking success.