Decadent Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Cuisine: American Dessert
Course: Dessert / Party Trifle

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✨ Introduction

If you’re looking for the ultimate show-stopping dessert — one that combines rich brownies, creamy cheesecake filling, fluffy whipped cream, and ribbons of golden salted caramel — you’ve found it.

This Decadent Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle is indulgence in a glass (or a bowl). It’s a perfect fusion of gooey chocolate, silky cheesecake, and buttery caramel, layered beautifully for maximum flavor and presentation.

Each spoonful gives you a bite of everything: fudgy brownie chunks, smooth cream cheese filling, sweet whipped cream, and the irresistible contrast of sweet and salty caramel drizzle. Whether you’re serving it for a dinner party, a birthday, or a holiday gathering, this dessert is guaranteed to impress.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 box (18–20 oz) fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
  or use your favorite homemade brownie recipe

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes

• ½ cup heavy cream, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for garnish)

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream, chilled

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

• ¼ cup crushed toffee bits (optional)

• Extra caramel drizzle for layering and garnish

• Pinch of sea salt flakes (optional, for top)

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🔥 Cooking Intensity & Timing Breakdown

Total Time: ~2 hours 55 minutes
Overall Intensity: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 — Moderate)

This trifle is simple to assemble, but each layer brings its own rich texture and flavor — making it a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Brownies

1. Preheat your oven according to the directions on your brownie mix (usually 350°F / 175°C).

2. Prepare the brownie batter as directed and pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.

3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.

4. Allow brownies to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into small 1-inch cubes.

Tip: Slightly underbaked brownies add a fudgy texture that works beautifully in the trifle.

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Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 1 cup sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or whisk.

2. As the sugar melts and turns amber, add the butter carefully (it will bubble vigorously). Stir until combined.

3. Slowly pour in ½ cup cream, whisking continuously. The caramel will bubble, then smooth out.

4. Stir in sea salt and remove from heat.

5. Let the caramel cool to room temperature before layering.

Shortcut: You can use store-bought caramel sauce if you’re in a rush, but homemade salted caramel adds a deeper, richer flavor.

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Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 1 minute).

2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy.

3. In a separate bowl, whip 1½ cups heavy cream to stiff peaks.

4. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.

5. Chill while you prepare the next components.

Tip: Don’t overmix — you want the filling to stay light and airy.

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Step 4: Whip the Cream Topping

1. In a cold bowl, whip 1 cup heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

2. Keep chilled until ready to use.

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Step 5: Assemble the Trifle

You can use a large glass trifle bowl, a deep clear dish, or individual dessert cups for presentation.

1. Layer 1: Add a base of brownie cubes to the bottom of your dish.

2. Layer 2: Spoon a layer of cheesecake filling over the brownies.

3. Layer 3: Drizzle a generous amount of salted caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer.

4. Layer 4: Add a thin layer of whipped cream.

5. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with whipped cream.

Decorate the top with caramel drizzle, toffee bits, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Presentation tip: For a striking look, use a clear trifle bowl so you can see the gorgeous caramel and brownie layers.

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Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight if possible).
This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up slightly, making for perfect spoonfuls.

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🍮 Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Do Not Freeze: Due to the cream cheese and whipped cream layers, freezing isn’t recommended.

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can bake the brownies and make the caramel a day in advance for quicker assembly.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

This trifle is already rich and luxurious, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve in mini dessert cups for parties or weddings.

• Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

• Add chocolate shavings or crushed pretzels for extra texture.

• Pair with a cup of dark roast coffee or a glass of port wine for a truly indulgent experience.

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🧁 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the brownie mix and caramel used. For a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese and less caramel per layer.

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🧂 Tips for Perfection

1. Temperature matters: Let the caramel cool before layering — warm caramel can melt the cheesecake filling.

2. Don’t overbake the brownies: Slightly gooey brownies create the best texture.

3. Use quality chocolate and butter: Premium ingredients make the caramel and brownie layers shine.

4. Add crunch: Sprinkle toffee bits or crushed cookies between layers for texture contrast.

5. Make it your own: Swap brownies for chocolate cake cubes or use crushed Oreos for an extra-decadent twist.

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💬 The Story Behind the Dessert

The trifle — originally an English dessert — was traditionally made with sponge cake, custard, and fruit. Over time, this layered dessert evolved across the world, with variations featuring pudding, whipped cream, and chocolate.

This Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle takes that tradition and gives it a modern American twist. Instead of sponge cake, we use rich brownies; instead of fruit, we add buttery caramel and velvety cheesecake. The result? A dessert that’s as indulgent as it is visually stunning.

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🕯️ Final Thoughts

The Decadent Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Trifle isn’t just a dessert — it’s an experience. Every spoonful is a symphony of flavors and textures: the deep chocolate of the brownies, the silky smoothness of the cheesecake filling, the cloud-like whipped cream, and the golden drizzle of salted caramel tying it all together.

This trifle looks elegant, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating the holidays, or just treating yourself, this dessert will make you feel like a pastry chef without ever touching a piping bag.

Rich. Creamy. Sweet. Salty. Irresistible.
Once you make it, it might just become your new signature dessert. 🍫✨