Name: Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Trifle Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Easter
Ingredients: 1 box carrot cake mix (or homemade 9 carrot cake recipe); Ingredients required for the cake mix (eggs, oil, water); ½ cup crushed pineapple (carrot cake trifle with pineapple); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 box (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix (carrot cake trifle with cheesecake pudding); 1 ½ cups cold milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups heavy cream; ¼ cup powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Caramel drizzle (carrot cake trifle with caramel); Toasted pecans or walnuts; Crushed ginger cookies; Shredded coconut

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This Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Trifle is a delightful layered dessert featuring moist carrot cake, creamy cheesecake pudding, and fresh whipped cream. Perfect for Easter, potlucks, or as a unique spin on a classic, this trifle combines all the best flavors of traditional carrot cake in a beautiful presentation. Whether you’re looking for a carrot cake trifle with cream cheese, an easy carrot cake trifle, or a carrot cake trifle with pineapple, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Uses store-bought or homemade carrot cake for a quick assembly.
Creamy & Flavorful – Layers of cream cheese and pudding add rich flavor.
Perfect for Easter – A fun twist on carrot cake Easter trifle that’s ideal for spring celebrations.
Customizable – Add pineapple, caramel, or even jelly for a personalized touch.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Carrot Cake:

1 box carrot cake mix (or use your favorite 9 carrot cake recipe)
3 large eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup grated carrots
½ cup crushed pineapple (optional, for carrot cake trifle with pineapple)
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Layer:

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (3.4 oz) box instant cheesecake pudding mix (carrot cake trifle with cheesecake pudding)
2 cups cold milk

Whipped Cream Layer:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings:

Caramel sauce (carrot cake trifle with caramel)
Toasted coconut flakes
Chopped pecans

Directions

Prepare the Carrot Cake:

Bake the Carrot Cake: Follow the package instructions or use your favorite 8 carrot cake recipe. Add grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and walnuts if desired.
Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely before assembling the trifle.

Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk the cheesecake pudding mix with cold milk until thickened.
Fold the pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

Prepare the Whipped Cream:

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Assemble the Trifle:

Layer the Cake: Crumble half of the carrot cake into the bottom of a trifle bowl or individual cups (carrot cake trifle cups).
Add the Cream Cheese Layer: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the cake layer.
Whipped Cream: Add a layer of whipped cream.
Repeat Layers: Add another layer of crumbled carrot cake, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture and whipped cream.
Garnish: Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes, and top with chopped pecans.

Chill & Serve:

Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes (if baking cake)
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

Carrot Cake Trifle Pioneer Woman – Add jelly or marmalade layers for a touch of sweetness inspired by Ree Drummond carrot cake trifle.
Brazilian Carrot Cake vs Carrot Cake – Use Brazilian carrot cake for a moist, rich base.
Carrot Cake Trifle with Jelly – Add a layer of strawberry or raspberry jelly for a fruity twist.
Mini Carrot Cake Trifle – Use small glasses or jars for individual servings.
Carrot Cake Trifle with Pudding – Substitute cheesecake pudding with vanilla or butterscotch pudding for different flavors.
Carrot Cake Truffles Recipe – Use leftover cake to make bite-sized carrot cake truffles.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended due to the cream layers.
Serving Tip: Assemble just before serving for the freshest taste.

FAQs

What is a cake trifle?

A trifle is a layered dessert made with cake, cream, and fruit or pudding. This trifle with carrot cake features moist carrot cake and creamy layers.

Can you use pound cake in a trifle?

Yes! Pound cake can be used as a base in a trifle for a firmer texture.

What cream goes well with carrot cake?

Cream cheese pairs perfectly with carrot cake, providing a tangy contrast to the sweetness.

Is carrot cake a Thanksgiving dessert?

While traditionally an Easter dessert, carrot cake is also popular for Thanksgiving.

How do I make carrot cake trifle with cream cheese?

Simply layer crumbled carrot cake with a mixture of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and pudding.

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Yes, assemble a few hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.

What’s the difference between carrot cake and Brazilian carrot cake?

Brazilian carrot cake is denser and typically glazed with chocolate, offering a different flavor profile.

Can I use leftover carrot cake for a trifle?

Yes! This leftover carrot cake trifle is a great way to repurpose cake.

What cake is best for a trifle?

Moist cakes like carrot cake, pound cake, or sponge cake work best for trifles.

Can I make this trifle without pineapple?

Absolutely! The pineapple adds moisture but can be omitted if desired.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Carrot Cake Trifle (also known as trifle carrot cake) is a creamy, flavorful twist on classic carrot cake. With layers of moist cake, rich cream cheese pudding, and whipped cream, it’s perfect for Easter or any special occasion. Whether you’re inspired by the Pioneer Woman carrot cake trifle, the Food Network carrot cake trifle, or just looking for the best carrot cake trifle recipe, this dessert is sure to impress. Enjoy this easy carrot cake trifle and elevate your carrot cake game!