Bake the Red Velvet Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and red food coloring.
4. Add the Buttermilk and Vinegar: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in the vinegar.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before assembling the trifle.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

6. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
7. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
8. Fold Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and fluffy. Chill until ready to use.

Assemble the Trifle

9. Cut the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into cubes or crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
10. Layer the Ingredients: In a trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the ingredients as follows:
    • Start with a layer of red velvet cake pieces.
    • Add a layer of cheesecake filling, spreading it evenly.
    • Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips for added texture (optional).
    • Repeat the layers until the dish is full, ending with a layer of cheesecake filling on top.
11. Decorate the Top: Garnish with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh berries if desired.

Chill and Serve

12. Chill the Trifle: Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
13. Serve: Scoop into individual bowls or serve directly from the trifle dish. Enjoy!