Preheat the oven and prepare the cake batter according to the instructions on the cake mix box.
Bake the cake in an 8×8-inch pan or 9×9-inch pan, or use any size that fits your trifle dish. (You can also use a store-bought pound cake or angel food cake as an alternative if you prefer to skip baking.)
Once baked, let the cake cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
Prepare the Peach Layer:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the peaches. If using fresh peaches, peel, pit, and slice them into thin wedges.
If you like your peaches a bit sweeter, toss them with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and set aside to macerate for 10-15 minutes. This will bring out the juices from the peaches and create a syrupy consistency.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the 1/2 cup powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined, creating a smooth, fluffy cream.
Assemble the Trifle:
In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by placing a layer of cake cubes at the bottom.
Top the cake with a layer of peach slices, spooning some of the peach syrup over the cake to soak it slightly.
Add a layer of the cream cheese whipped cream mixture over the peaches. Smooth it out with a spatula.
Repeat the layers, starting with cake, then peaches, and finishing with the cream layer until you run out of ingredients. Typically, you’ll have about 2-3 layers, depending on the size of your trifle dish.
Chill the Trifle:
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the cake time to soak up some of the peach juices.
Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, garnish the top with fresh peach slices, a dollop of whipped cream, and a few mint leaves for added color and freshness.
