Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

This Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is a showstopping no-bake dessert made with layers of fudgy chocolate cake, creamy Baileys chocolate cheesecake, crushed Oreos and topped with luscious soft whipped cream. Perfect for holidays or dinner parties!

If you’re looking for an easy dessert that says “I came to impress”—this Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle is it. We’re talking layers upon layers of silky Baileys-spiked chocolate cheesecake filling, fluffy whipped cream tied together with chocolate cake and crushed Oreo cookies.

It’s rich, decadent, and super easy to put together—no baking required! Perfect for the holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you’re in the mood to treat friends and family to something extra special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent layers of creamy chocolate cheesecake laced with Baileys Irish Cream for a grown-up twist
• Perfect for the holidays, birthdays and dinner parties
• No fuss, no baking and super easy to make
• Layer in a trifle bowl or small dishesfor individual servings

What’s a Trifle?

Trifle is a classic British dessert with roots dating back to the 16th century, originally made with sherry-soaked sponge cake, custard, jelly and fruit. This version is a far cry from tradition, in the best way possible. Inspired by my and Baileys Irish Cream cheesecake, this boozy no-bake trifle is a mashup of indulgent favorites that work beautifully layered together. It’s rich, festive and totally unforgettable.

Here’s What You Will Need

• Chocolate Cake: The bottom trifle layer is made up of store-bought swiss roll (such as Little Debbies) or chocolate sponge cake cut into cubes and drizzled with Baileys (I am going to be saying that quite a bit…). If you bake a lot (guilty!), save cake offcuts in the freezer to use in this recipe.
• Rich chocolate ganache: We will be using semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream to create a silky ganache that is folded into the cream cheese.
• Powdered sugar (icing sugar): adds just the right level of sweetness.
• Cream Cheese or Mascarpone: Full-fat cream cheese for that tangy cheesecake flavor or mascarpone for a more mellow sweetness that works great in desserts.
• Baileys Irish Cream: Adds a hint of sweetness with its signature notes of vanilla, chocolate and cream and creates a sophisticated grown-up dessert that’s sure to impress!
• Whipped Cream: Softly whipped cream (with Baileys of course) is our trifle’s crowning glory.
• Vanilla bean paste with real flecks of vanilla adds a touch of luxury.
• Optional Extras: Chocolate shavings, chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or even crushed cookies on top if you are really feeling extra!

How to Make Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

Make the Cheesecake Layer and Whipped Cream

1. Place the chocolate chips in a bowl and cover with the cream. Heat in the microwave, in short 30 second bursts, until the cream is hot. Leave to stand for a few minutes then stir well until you have a glossy ganache. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Add the cream cheese, vanilla and a pinch sea salt to the ganache. Use a hand mixer to beat together until you have soft peaks. Add the Baileys and beat again until the cheesecake mixture is just shy of stiff peaks.
3. Place heavy whipping cream, vanilla and Baileys in a separate mixing bowl. Whisk on medium speed until you have soft peaks.

Assemble the Baileys Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

1. Cover the bottom of a large trifle bowl with the cake cubes, packing them down to an even layer. Drizzle with some Baileys to keep the cake moist.
2. Spoon over the cake in the bowl and spread to level. Top with a layer of crushed oreos and drizzle with some Baileys – no point in being sensible now!
3. Top the trifle with the whipped cream. You can pipe it over the top or simply swirl it with a spoon. Chill the trifle in the fridge until ready to serve.
4. Sprinkle with chocolate shards or chopped chocolate truffles. Dust with cocoa powder and treat yourself!

Recipe Notes and Tips

• Skip the cake and simply use two layers of crushed Oreos in this trifle. In fact, I think I prefer them! Different types of chocolate cookies or even graham crackers can be used if you like.
• If you don’t have a large trifle dish, you can assemble this dessert in large glasses or jars for a pretty presentation. Simply layer the ingredients in your containers and don’t forget to make plenty of space in your fridge to chill them!
• Always use full-fat dairy products in no-bake desserts. Heavy cream, heavy whipping cream and full-fat cream cheese are a must. After all indulgence is the name of the game!
• Make ahead: The trifle can be made up to a day ahead to allow time for it to chill. You don’t have to worry about it getting soggy overnight – we want the Baileys to soak through the cake and cookie layers. This makes it the ideal dessert for Chrismas Day and most holidays – just throw it together the day before.

Trifle Variations

• You can play around with the flavors here to create different variations of this easy trifle. Kalhua, Tia Maria and Disaronno Velvet Cream Liqueur are all good options!
• Want to ditch the alcohol altogether? Replace with freshly brewed sweetened coffee (decaf if preferred) or hot chocolate.

Storing Instructions

This trifle is a dream for making ahead. Assemble and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible to give the flavors time to mingle and the layers to firm up. You can hold off adding the whipped cream until just before serving if you like.

Got leftovers? Cover the trifle and store in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It is best consumed 8-12 hours after assembling.

Trifle is not ideal for freezing due to the whipped cream and soft layers, but you can freeze individual portions tightly wrapped for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.