Description
This Pecan Pie Cheesecake Trifle is the ultimate no-bake holiday dessert! Creamy cheesecake filling, buttery pecan pie, and crunchy shortbread cookies are layered to sweet perfection. Make-ahead friendly, crowd-pleasing, and irresistibly Southern.
Ingredients
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups whipped topping (or stabilized whipped cream)
For the Pecan Pie Layer:
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1½ cups chopped pecan pie (store-bought or homemade)
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OR 1½ cups pecan pie filling (see notes)
For the Cookie Layer:
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2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (or graham crackers/vanilla wafers)
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2 tbsp melted butter (optional, for extra crunch)
Optional Toppings:
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Caramel sauce
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Extra chopped pecans
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Whipped cream for garnish
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Dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
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Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until fully combined. Gently fold in whipped topping until fluffy and well blended. -
Crush the Cookies:
Use a food processor or zip-top bag to crush cookies. Mix with melted butter if desired for added richness. -
Assemble the Trifle:
In a large glass trifle bowl (or individual jars), layer as follows:-
A layer of cookie crumbs
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A layer of cheesecake filling
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A layer of chopped pecan pie or filling
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Repeat until full, ending with cheesecake and toppings.
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Chill:
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results. -
Garnish & Serve:
Drizzle caramel sauce on top, add chopped pecans and whipped cream before serving.
Notes
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Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and chill. Add toppings right before serving to preserve texture.
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Pecan Pie Filling Shortcut: Mix 1 cup chopped pecans, ¾ cup brown sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla, and ½ cup corn syrup. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, cool, and use in layers.
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Jar Option: For parties, layer in 8 oz mason jars for easy serving.
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Stability Tip: Use stabilized whipped cream if making more than 24 hours ahead.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using store-bought pie)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1 cup
- Calories: ~485 kcal
- Sugar: ~32 g
- Sodium: ~210 mg
- Fat: ~31 g
- Saturated Fat: ~14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~14 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~45 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~5 g
- Cholesterol: ~65 mg