Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble Recipe
The Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble is the ultimate dessert mashup for anyone who adores creamy cheesecake, bursts of juicy cherries, and the cozy, toasty comfort of a homemade crumble. This dish layers spoonfuls of tangy Greek yogurt and rich cream cheese with bright cherries and a crumble that’s fragrant with ginger and brown sugar, all arranged artfully in a glass so you can admire each delicious tier. Whether you’re making it for a gathering or craving something indulgent on a quiet night in, this trifle is just as easy as it is impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it calls for simple, familiar ingredients that work together in perfect harmony. Each one brings something special—be it creamy richness, juicy brightness, or irresistible crunch—which means every spoonful of this Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble is truly unforgettable.
- Cream Cheese (⅔ of an 8 oz block): The base of our cheesecake layer, providing luscious creaminess and that classic tang.
- Frozen Cherries (2 cups): Sweet, slightly tart, and bursting with flavor, they offer gorgeous color and a juicy bite in each layer.
- Fresh Ginger Root (2 one-inch pieces): Lends warming spice to the crumble, balancing the sweetness and adding a fresh kick.
- Lemon (1): Zest and juice brighten up the cheesecake mixture, making the flavors pop.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (2 cups): Adds tang and creaminess, keeping things light yet rich.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps form the perfect crumbly, golden topping.
- Brown Sugar: For a caramelly sweetness and deep molasses notes in the crumble.
- Unsalted Butter: Grated in for a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumble topping.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the brown sugar-ginger mixture.
- Quick Cooking Oats: Give the crumble a satisfying chew and rustic texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweet and bring out all the flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the cheesecake filling with aromatic sweetness.
How to Make Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This ensures it’s ready for our crumble later. While the oven heats, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, it’ll make cleanup a breeze and prevent your crumble from sticking or burning.
Step 2: Thaw and Drain the Cherries
Place the frozen cherries in a colander and run them under cold water. This quick thawing method not only brings them to the perfect temperature but also helps prevent excess moisture in the layers. Once thawed, set the cherries aside to drain while you prep the other components.
Step 3: Prepare the Ginger
Peel your ginger using the edge of a spoon, then mince it as finely as possible. Fresh ginger infuses your brown sugar crumble with a zingy warmth that really elevates the whole trifle. Don’t worry about measuring perfectly—just aim for about two one-inch pieces.
Step 4: Make the Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble
In a medium bowl, combine your minced ginger, oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a small pinch of salt. This blend forms the base of our crunchy, fragrant topping and fills the kitchen with the most tempting aroma as it bakes.
Step 5: Grate in the Butter and Combine
Grab your box grater and coarsely grate the cold butter right into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Using your hands, rub the butter and flour mixture between your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step ensures every bite of the Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble has those dreamy pockets of sweet crunch.
Step 6: Bake the Crumble
Spread the crumble mixture evenly over the lined baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until golden and fragrant—watch closely, as it can go from perfect to overdone quickly. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely; this cooling step keeps it extra crisp.
Step 7: Zest and Juice the Lemon
While your crumble cools, zest and juice your lemon directly into the (now empty) bowl you used for the crumble. This makes cleanup easy and infuses your cheesecake mixture with ultra-fresh citrus flavor.
Step 8: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Take your cream cheese and (yes, really!) grate it with a box grater into the bowl with the lemon zest and juice. Add brown sugar and vanilla extract, then use a silicone spatula or fork to blend everything until you have a smooth, creamy base. This shortcut keeps the layer light, fluffy, and easy to mix.
Step 9: Chop the Cherries
Give the drained cherries a rough chop. This way, every spoonful is loaded with cherry goodness and their gorgeous juices swirl naturally into the cheesecake layer.
Step 10: Combine Cherries and Yogurt with the Cheesecake Mix
Now, add your chopped cherries (reserving a handful for garnish) and Greek yogurt to the bowl with your cream cheese mixture. Gently fold everything together—don’t overmix or you’ll lose those pretty cherry ribbons.
Step 11: Layer and Serve Your Trifles
Time for the fun part! Divide the cheesecake mixture and crumble evenly between glass jars, cups, or bowls, layering them so every bite offers creamy, crunchy, and fruity sensations. Top off each trifle with reserved cherries. Enjoy right away, or let them chill for a little firmer set.
How to Serve Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble
Garnishes
A little extra freshness goes a long way! Sprinkle each trifle with a few reserved cherries, a quick scatter of crumble, and if you’re feeling fancy, a light zesting of lemon or a sprig of mint for color. The finishing touches not only look stunning but also brighten up the flavors.
Side Dishes
These trifles are absolutely showstopping on their own, but if you’d like to round out your dessert table, a few crisp butter cookies or a platter of chocolate-dipped strawberries make for perfect partners. Their lightness and clean flavors don’t overshadow the main event—a classic Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble.
Creative Ways to Present
While clear individual glasses make for gorgeous, jewel-toned presentation, you can also make this in a large trifle bowl for a classic, dramatic effect. Try serving them picnic-style in mason jars with lids, or spoon into mini dessert cups for a party. No matter the vessel, the layers of Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), transfer individual portions to airtight containers and refrigerate. The crumble may soften slightly, but the flavors stay bright and delicious for up to three days. This Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble actually gets a little dreamier as it rests, letting the flavors meld together.
Freezing
While the assembled trifles don’t freeze well (the creamy and crunchy layers can become watery or mushy), you can freeze the brown sugar-ginger crumble separately for up to a month. Allow it to cool completely, stash it in a zip-top bag, and use it to top future batches of Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble on demand!
Reheating
No reheating needed for the trifles themselves, but if your crumble has softened, you can refresh it: just spread it on a sheet pan and bake at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp. Cool before sprinkling back onto your trifle for that signature crunch.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries work beautifully in this recipe. Just pit and halve them—no need to thaw, but you might want to add a tiny bit more sugar if they’re especially tart.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can swap the Greek yogurt for regular full-fat yogurt, mascarpone, or even lightly whipped cream for a richer dessert. Each substitute will change the texture slightly but keeps the Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble delicious.
Can I make this gluten free?
Definitely—use a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble and make sure your oats are certified gluten free. The rest of the ingredients in Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble are naturally gluten free already!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Kids love helping to layer the trifles and the sweet-tangy flavors are a hit with all ages. For very young kids, consider reducing the amount of ginger if they are sensitive to a little warmth.
How far ahead can I assemble the trifles?
You can layer the components a few hours ahead of time and chill them in the fridge—they’ll firm up a bit but still taste fresh. For the crunchiest texture, add the last layer of crumble just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your family or impress at your next gathering, give this Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble a try. Every spoonful is a celebration of creamy, tangy, crunchy, and fruit-forward flavor. Once you’ve tasted it, I’m sure it’ll become a fast favorite in your dessert rotation—just don’t be surprised by how quickly it disappears!
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Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Cherry Cheesecake Trifle with a delectable Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble. This recipe combines creamy cheesecake filling with sweet cherries and a crunchy crumble topping for a delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cheesecake Filling:
- ⅔ (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 lemon
Cherry Layer:
- 2 cups frozen cherries
Brown Sugar-Ginger Crumble:
- 1 (1 inch) piece ginger root
- all-purpose flour
- brown sugar
- butter, unsalted
- cinnamon, ground
- oats, quick cooking
- salt
- vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Thaw Cherries: Place cherries in a colander and run under cold water to thaw; set aside to drain.
- Prepare Ginger: Wash, dry, peel, and mince ginger.
- Make Crumble: Combine ginger, oats, flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly. Bake until golden brown.
- Zest Lemon: Wash, dry, zest, and juice lemon into a bowl.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: Grate cream cheese, add sugar and vanilla. Combine until smooth.
- Chop Cherries: Roughly chop cherries.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cherries and yogurt with the cream cheese mixture.
- Assemble Trifles: Alternate layers of cheesecake mixture and crumble in bowls. Top with cherries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Cherry Cheesecake Trifle, Dessert Recipe, Cheesecake Crumble, Easy Dessert
