Description
A luscious and easy-to-make Chocolate Trifle featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy instant chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and crunchy chocolate cookie crumbles. Perfect for parties or special occasions, this classic American dessert combines rich chocolate flavors with a light, creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Layer
- 1 box (18.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients as per package instructions)
Pudding Layer
- 1 (5.1 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Whipped Topping & Garnish
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate shavings
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream and berries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box to bake the cake. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. Then, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes to prepare for layering.
- Make Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Let it rest for 5 minutes to fully set the pudding.
- Assemble Layers: Using a trifle dish or a large glass bowl, start by layering a portion of chocolate cake cubes evenly at the bottom. Next, spread a layer of chocolate pudding over the cake. Follow this with a layer of whipped topping, smoothing it evenly. Then sprinkle a layer of crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or chocolate shavings. Repeat these layers—cake, pudding, whipped topping, and cookie crumbs—until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of whipped topping.
- Garnish and Chill: Decorate the top with extra crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, whipped cream, or fresh berries as desired. Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and to chill thoroughly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brownies for the chocolate cake to create a richer texture and flavor.
- Add fresh fruit layers such as raspberries or strawberries for added freshness and color contrast.
- The trifle tastes even better when made a day ahead as the flavors blend beautifully overnight.
