Oh my goodness, you guys! If you’re looking for a dessert that will impress your friends and family, the Butterfinger Cheesecake Trifle is your ticket to sweet glory! I first stumbled upon this decadent treat at a potluck many years ago. The host was my aunt, who had an unmatched flair for desserts. I still remember sneaking into the kitchen for seconds and being utterly blown away by the creamy cheesecake paired with crunchy Butterfingers. I decided that day I would recreate this masterpiece!
What I love about this trifle is the beautiful layers that not only make it eye-catching but also offer a combination of textures and flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make! Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual get-together, this trifle is sure to steal the spotlight. So, let’s dive into what makes this dessert so special!
What’s in Butterfinger Cheesecake Trifle?
Butterfinger Bars: The star of the show! These chocolate-covered peanut butter candy bars bring that sweet and crunchy texture that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake filling. I usually buy the fun-sized bars so I don’t feel guilty snagging a few while prepping!
cream cheese: You can’t have cheesecake without this! The cream cheese is what gives the trifle its creamy, rich base. I often use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor, but low-fat works in a pinch if you’re watching the calories.
powdered sugar: A must-have for sweetness! This sugar dissolves easily into the cream cheese, making for a smoother mixture than granulated sugar.
whipping cream: Heavy whipping cream is ideal because it adds that light and airy texture when whipped. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
vanilla extract: This yummy flavor really pulls everything together—it’s a simple yet essential ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
chocolate pudding mix: This adds an extra layer of chocolaty goodness. You can make it from scratch if you’re feeling fancy, but using a mix saves time without sacrificing flavor.
milk: Needed to make that chocolate pudding come to life! I prefer whole milk for a richer taste, but any milk you have on hand will do.
Is Butterfinger Cheesecake Trifle Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health perks of indulging in this trifle! While it might not be a traditional health food, there are some benefits to note.
Butterfinger Bars: These provide a delightful crunch and satisfy your sweet tooth, but keep in mind they are high in sugar and fat. Moderation is key here!
Cream Cheese: It offers calcium and phosphorus, which are great for bone health, but too much can lead to excess calories.
Whipping Cream: While it’s delightful and luxurious, it’s also high in calories and fat. If you’re aiming for a lighter option, consider reducing the amount or using whipped topping.
Overall, while this trifle is a treat, it’s also all about balance. Enjoying a small serving will let you satisfy your cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals!
Ingredients for Butterfinger Cheesecake Trifle
– 4 Butterfinger Bars
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 cups heavy whipping cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 package chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz)
– 2 cups milk
This recipe serves about 8-10 people, depending on how generous you are with the servings (and trust me, you’ll want to be generous!).
How to Make Butterfinger Cheesecake Trifle?
1. **Prepare the Pudding:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk. Put it in the fridge to chill for about 5 minutes until it’s set.
2. **Make the Cheesecake Layer:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until completely combined.
3. **Whip the Cream:** In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated—this makes the cheesecake super fluffy!
4. **Crush the Butterfingers:** Get those Butterfinger bars and crush them into small bits. You can use a bag and a rolling pin or a food processor; whatever works for you!
5. **Assemble the Trifle:** Start layering in a trifle dish or large bowl. Begin with a layer of the cheesecake mixture, followed by a layer of chocolate pudding, and then a layer of crushed Butterfinger. Repeat layers until you reach the top, finishing with a generous sprinkle of Butterfinger crumbs.
6. **Chill and Serve:** Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—to let all those fab flavors meld together.
Craving More? Here Are My Tips!
– **Make it Gluten-Free:** If you want to cater to gluten-free friends, you can substitute traditional pudding mix with a gluten-free brand and be sure to check your Butterfinger bars for gluten-free labeling.
– **Add Different Layers:** Feel free to get creative! You can include layers of crushed Oreos, different candy bars, or fresh fruits to mix it up a bit.
– **Garnish:** Top off your trifle with whipped cream, more crushed Butterfingers, or even chocolate shavings for that extra special touch!
I may be a bit biased, but I truly believe every sweet tooth deserves to try this Butterfinger Cheesecake Trifle at least once! It’s creamy, crunchy, and downright divine. So, the next time you’re scrambling for a show-stopping dessert, whip up this trifle, and I promise you’ll have everyone raving!
Give it a try, and I’d love to hear your thoughts! Did you add a special twist? Drop your comments below—I can’t wait to see how it turns out for you!
