Oh, boy! Do I have a sweet treat for you today! I’m talking about a heavenly, dreamy, and oh-so-decadent Toasted Marshmallow Cheesecake Trifle. Picture this: layers of velvety cheesecake filling, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy graham cracker crumbs, all topped with golden-brown, toasted marshmallows. Can you say “s’mores in a cup”? What makes this dessert unique is that it combines two classic treats — cheesecake and s’mores — into one absolutely stunning dish.
This trifle is not just for special occasions, though! I love whipping this up for BBQs, potlucks, or just because it’s Tuesday and I need a little pick-me-up. It was actually inspired by a recent campfire night I had with friends, where the idea of combining cheesecake with s’mores had us all in a brainstorming frenzy. Well, let me tell you, it took several trials to get it just right, but it was totally worth it! Trust me; your taste buds will be thanking you.
What’s in Toasted Marshmallow Cheesecake Trifle?
Graham Crackers: These are the classic base for my trifle. I prefer using crushed either store-bought or homemade graham crackers because they add that signature crunch and sweetness.
Cream Cheese: The star of this show! Room-temperature cream cheese makes the cheesecake layer dreamy and smooth. I always go for Philadelphia — it’s the brand I trust for any creamy creation.
Sour Cream: This gives the cheesecake a nice tang and helps balance the sweetness. You can opt for low-fat sour cream if you want to lighten it up a bit.
Powdered Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness in the cheesecake filling. It blends easier than granulated sugar, making the filling silky.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract makes everything taste richer. Always use pure when you can; it’s a game changer!
Heavy Cream: Used for whipping into fluffy cloud-like whipped cream. It’s what makes each bite of the trifle incredibly luscious.
Mini Marshmallows: These cuties get toasted to golden perfection for a toasted marshmallow effect that mimics the campfire experience. Fun fact: You can toast them in the oven or over a flame if you’re feeling adventurous!
Is Toasted Marshmallow Cheesecake Trifle Good for You?
You may be thinking, “This sounds too good to be true; surely it can’t be good for me!” Well, here’s the scoop.
Cream Cheese: It does have some protein and calcium, but keep in mind it’s also high in fat, so moderation is key.
Sour Cream: Adds probiotics, which can be beneficial for gut health, but again, stick to smaller portions.
Heavy Cream: This creates that delicious whipped topping we all love, but it’s calorie dense. If you’re watching your intake, maybe skip the extra helpings or enjoy it occasionally.
In short, while this trifle is definitely a treat, it’s more about balancing your desserts and savoring them fully rather than indulging every day!
Ingredients for Toasted Marshmallow Cheesecake Trifle
– Serves: 8-10
– 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups mini marshmallows
How to Make Toasted Marshmallow Cheesecake Trifle?
1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay your mini marshmallows out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
2. Toast the marshmallows in the oven for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Keep a close eye on them! They can go from perfect to charred in seconds!
3. While your marshmallows are toasting, combine the crushed graham crackers with melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until crumbly and set aside.
4. In another large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy. Add the sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla, and mix until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
6. Now, it’s assembly time! Start with a layer of the graham cracker mixture at the bottom of your trifle dish or individual cups.
7. Add a layer of the cheesecake filling, followed by a layer of toasted marshmallows. Repeat the layers until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of marshmallows.
8. Chill your trifle in the fridge for at least an hour to let everything set beautifully.
Tips for This Sweet Delight
– For a chocolate kick, feel free to drizzle some melted chocolate sauce or sprinkle chocolate chips between the layers.
– You can swap out mini marshmallows for larger ones if you want a more dramatic look; just adjust the toasting time accordingly.
– If you want to make this ahead of time, assemble until the last layer of marshmallows, then add them right before serving to keep them fresh and fluffy!
I’m telling you, you absolutely must give this Toasted Marshmallow Cheesecake Trifle a try! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to indulge in a moment of sweetness, this dessert is bound to delight and impress. I’d love to hear how yours turned out, so feel free to share your experience or any tips you discovered along the way! Happy indulging!
