This yummy No Bake Cheesecake Trifle Recipe utilizes ready-made chocolate cupcakes along with a simple homemade cheesecake filling to layer into a cute and portion controlled dessert ideal for any party or special event! We made this right after a fresh batch of chocolate cupcakes but you can use any cupcakes or cake pieces you have around. A store bought angel cake would do as well if you are in a time crunch.
For those looking for an easy and fast dessert to make, this is a perfect semi-homemade treat that displays well on any party table!
No Bake Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
While there are lots of desserts on our blog, this one is one of our favorites. This sprinkle packed trifle is the perfect recipe to change up sprinkles to match any upcoming event theme you have. Cartoons, superheroes, and holiday themes, you know we have it in the shop! You can use as little or as much as you want putting them in the middle or top and bottom, whatever works for you!
This cute dessert is a perfect no bake cheesecake recipe that can be dressed up and down for any need. This presentation is a perfect option for a little girls unicorn birthday party, but you can easily make it upscale by placing the ingredients into a glass dessert bowl and topping with a fruit syrup rather than sprinkles.
Check out our list of Unicorn Party Ideas and Supplies that pair wonderfully with this trifle recipe!
How to Make Perfect Cheesecake Filling
This is such an easy recipe to make. If you want it to turn out perfectly, the key is to have your cream cheese at room temperature before blending with the sugar. Using a stand mixer will help make it even creamier and ensure you have no lumps in the mixture.
Note: Make sure your cream cheese and sugar mixture is smooth before folding in the whipped cream
Flavor Combinations for a Trifle
Cheesecake is the focus flavor in this dessert. The great thing about a traditional cheesecake filling is that it is so versatile with a multitude of flavors. You can mix and match your favorite cake flavor in this recipe and create a number of unique desserts with the same easy process.
Flavors that pair well with cheesecake:
- Vanilla cake with a reduced fruit syrup {Use our from scratch Vanilla Cupcake recipe for this combination}
- Lemon cake with crumbled cookies {Use our Lemon Cake Mix Cookies recipe for this combination}
- Carrot cake and golden raisins
- Spice cake with caramelized apples
- Red velvet cake with red sprinkles
- German chocolate cake with cherry pie filling
How to Serve a No Bake Cheesecake Trifle
When preparing for a party, you want to give yourself as little work as possible during the event. By having dessert already in portions that are easy to distribute, you can set up a dessert buffet with little tending required.
Trifles are great when made in individual cups like this. There are a variety of methods of preparation.
- Use clear plastic cups for kids parties so they are easy to dispose and pose no breaking danger
- Make in small mason jars with lids to store in the refrigerator until serving time for smaller dinner parties
- Glass cups or dessert bowls work great for more upscale events or parties
Can I Add Flavor to My Cheesecake Filling?
Yes, you can! While classic cheesecake is always a favorite, you can easily mix in things like reduced fruit syrups, melted chocolate, fruit compote, or even a bit of pumpkin pie filling for added flavor. Mixing up flavors is always a hit and gives you more versatility in your dessert making regimen.
Tips for Keeping Cake Moist in a Trifle
One of the worst things to have is a dry cake! In a trifle, you know that the cheesecake filling will add moisture, but you still want to make sure your cake is moist. Some tips below are ideal for keeping that cupcake crumble or chunk moist until serving time.
- Always cover the trifle well if made ahead of serving time. Plastic wrap or a lid over the bowl/glass works best.
- When making homemade cake or using a cake mix, add in extra butter or oil
- Use real butter instead of margarine in recipes
- Add in a package of instant pudding mix in a complementary flavor when making the cake mix
And of course, if this is an adult only party, you can always soak the cake in a bit of liquor for flavor and moisture.
Keep this easy cheesecake dessert in mind for your next party or event. It’s one of our very favorite and the prettiest of all! Ready in 15 minutes or less when using ready-made cupcakes, this will fast become a dessert favorite! For another fun sprinkle dessert, check out our Fairy Bread tutorial!

No Bake Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
This yummy No Bake Cheesecake Trifle Recipe utilizes ready-made chocolate cupcakes along with a simple homemade cheesecake filling to layer into a cute and portion controlled dessert. Use any made cupcakes or cake pieces for a fast, easy dessert. Pair with our sprinkles for a themed dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz) Cream Cheese, softened
- ¾ sugar, white granulated
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, plus some for garnish if desired
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- Sprinkles - Cotton Candy
Instructions
- Bake and cool cupcakes
- For cheesecake - cream together cream cheese and sugar until fluffy
- Fold in whipped topping and combine until smooth
- Fill a decorator bag with cheesecake - this makes filling the jars super easy and quick
- Cut cupcakes into small chunks
- Add a single layer of cupcake pieces to bottom of jar
- Add a layer of cheesecake. We like to pipe our using a piping bag but you could spoon scoops into the jars as well.
- Add sprinkles
- Repeat layers until jar is almost full
- Add whipped topping to a decorator bag fitted with a #2D tip, add swirl and more sprinkles
- Cheesecake can be made 1-2 days ahead, Cupcakes can be made 1-2 days ahead. Store both in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the day of serving, store in refrigerator until ready to serve, no longer than 4 hours.
Notes
- Chocolate Cupcakes Recipe
- Sprinkles: Cotton Candy
- Recipe can easily be doubled depending on how many you are serving
- We used 9.8 oz jars but any clear canning jar would do.