Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups crushed vanilla wafers or graham crackers
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for pecan sauce)
- Extra pecans (optional, for garnish)
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Crust
- 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 of the mixture firmly into the bottom of your trifle dish or into the base of individual serving cups for a beautiful presentation.
- Create the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of 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.
- Make the Pecan Pie Layer
- Combine brown sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, and 2 tablespoons of 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 of vanilla extract into the warm caramel. Allow the mixture to cool slightly so it thickens further but is still pourable.
- Assemble the 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.
- Chill to Set
- Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for extra flavor) to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve
- Just before serving, top with swirls of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra pecans for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is completely softened to avoid lumps in your cheesecake layer.
- The trifle can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for convenience.
- For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the caramel mixture.
- Individual serving cups make for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of trifle
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 55mg