Description
This easy and indulgent Chocolate Trifle recipe layers rich chocolate cake or brownies, creamy chocolate pudding, crunchy chocolate crème sandwich cookies or English toffee candy bars, and fluffy whipped topping for a decadent dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake or Brownie Layer
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix or 1 (18-ounce) package fudge brownie mix
- 1 to 3 large eggs (per package instructions)
- 1/4 to 3/4 cup water (per package instructions)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (or amount per package instructions)
Pudding Layer
- 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (not cook-n-serve)
- 4 cups cold whole milk
Other Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping
- 25 chocolate crème sandwich cookies (e.g., Oreos) or 8 (1.4-ounce) English toffee candy bars (e.g., Heath bars), or a combination
Instructions
- Thaw Whipped Topping: Place the container of frozen whipped topping in the refrigerator to thaw for about 4 hours or up to overnight, ensuring it is soft and ready to layer.
- Prepare Cake or Brownies: Follow the package directions to prepare the chocolate cake mix or brownie mix batter. Pour into a parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan. If the package lacks 9×13-inch baking instructions, bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted about 1 inch from the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs—approximately 20 to 25 minutes for cake or 25 to 30 minutes for brownies. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Make Chocolate Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the two boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix and 4 cups of cold whole milk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Let the pudding sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Prepare Candy or Cookies: Coarsely chop 25 chocolate crème sandwich cookies or 8 English toffee candy bars until you have approximately 3 cups of chopped pieces.
- Assemble the Trifle — First Layer: Cut the cooled cake or brownies into 1-inch cubes. In a 2 1/2 to 4-quart trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the cake or brownie cubes evenly. Add half of the prepared pudding on top, then half of the chopped candy bars or cookies, followed by half of the thawed whipped topping.
- Assemble the Trifle — Second Layer: Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake or brownie cubes, pudding, and chopped candy bars or cookies. Refrigerate the remaining whipped topping separately.
- Refrigerate: Cover the assembled trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or up to overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Final Touch and Serve: Just before serving, spread the reserved whipped topping evenly over the top of the trifle. Garnish with the reserved crumbs from the cake, brownies, candy bars, or cookies for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by using either chocolate cake mix or fudge brownie mix based on your preference for texture and richness.
- For a crunchier texture, use a combination of crème sandwich cookies and English toffee bars.
- The trifle can be prepared up to one day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Ensure pudding mix is instant and not cook-and-serve to avoid additional cooking.
- Use a glass trifle dish to show off the beautiful layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate trifle, chocolate dessert, layered dessert, easy chocolate trifle, holiday dessert, trifle recipe, chocolate pudding dessert
