Description
Decadent Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle featuring layers of fudgy brownie, creamy Baileys cheesecake filling, rich chocolate mousse, and a Baileys-infused whipped cream topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Baileys Irish Cream liqueur
- Chocolate shavings, for garnish
- Optional: Fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparing the Chocolate Brownie Base:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Melt the Butter: In a large bowl, melt the butter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Stir in the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs: Stir in the vanilla extract. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Incorporate the Flour: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Brownie: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Completely: Let the brownie cool completely in the pan before cutting it into bite-sized pieces.
- Making the Baileys Cheesecake Filling:
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened before you start.
- Cream the Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Add Baileys and Vanilla: Stir in the Baileys Irish Cream liqueur and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Incorporate the Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Preparing the Chocolate Mousse Layer:
- Heat the Cream: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not boil!
- Melt the Chocolate: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to soften.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Whisk the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Sugar: Stir in the granulated sugar.
- Cool Slightly: Let the chocolate mousse cool slightly before using.
- Making the Baileys Whipped Cream Topping:
- Chill the Bowl and Whisk: Place your mixing bowl and whisk (or beaters) in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes before you start.
- Whip the Cream: Pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl and beat with the chilled whisk (or beaters) until soft peaks form.
- Add Sugar and Baileys: Gradually add the powdered sugar and Baileys Irish Cream liqueur. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Assembling the Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle:
- Choose Your Vessel: You can assemble the trifle in a large trifle bowl or in individual serving glasses.
- Layer 1: Brownie Base: Start by placing a layer of the brownie pieces at the bottom of the bowl or glasses.
- Layer 2: Cheesecake Filling: Spoon a layer of the Baileys cheesecake filling over the brownie pieces. Spread it evenly.
- Layer 3: Chocolate Mousse: Pour a layer of the chocolate mousse over the cheesecake filling.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layers of brownie, cheesecake filling, and chocolate mousse until you reach the top of the bowl or glasses.
- Top with Whipped Cream: Finish with a generous layer of the Baileys whipped cream topping.
- Garnish: Garnish with chocolate shavings and, if desired, fresh raspberries or strawberries.
- Chill: Cover the trifle and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Ideally, chill it for 4 hours or even overnight for the best results.
Notes
- Feel free to use store-bought brownies if you’re short on time. You can also add chocolate chips or nuts to the brownie batter for extra flavor and texture.
- If you don’t have Baileys, you can substitute another Irish cream liqueur or even a coffee liqueur.
- Besides raspberries and strawberries, other berries like blueberries or blackberries would also be delicious in this trifle.
- This trifle is a great make-ahead dessert. You can assemble it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Adjust the amount of chocolate in the mousse to your liking. Use dark chocolate for a richer flavor or milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
- For extra insurance against sticking, use parchment paper in the baking pan for the brownie base.
- Chilling the bowl and whisk is crucial for getting stiff peaks in the whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes