Chocolate Trifle Recipe
Introduction
This Chocolate Trifle is a decadent layered dessert perfect for chocoholics and special occasions alike. Combining fluffy chocolate cake, rich pudding, creamy whipped topping, and crunchy candy bars, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Best served chilled, it’s sure to impress your guests with its effortless elegance.
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (baked according to package directions for a 9 x 13-inch pan)
- 7.8 ounces instant chocolate pudding (two 3.9 ounces boxes)
- 4 cups milk
- 12 ounces frozen Cool Whip whipped topping
- 5 to 6 Heath candy bars, crushed into small chunks and divided
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the baked chocolate cake into small cubes about 1 to 1½ inches in size.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the dry pudding mix with the milk. Whisk or use a mixer for two minutes until the pudding thickens.
- Step 3: In a trifle bowl, layer half of the cake cubes, pressing gently to fill any gaps.
- Step 4: Spread half of the prepared pudding evenly over the cake layer.
- Step 5: Spread half of the whipped topping over the pudding layer.
- Step 6: Sprinkle half of the crushed Heath candy bars on top.
- Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, pudding, whipped topping, and crushed candy bars.
- Step 8: Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a lighter texture and fresher flavor.
- Substitute Heath bars with crushed toffee or your favorite chocolate candies for a different crunch.
- For added moisture, drizzle a little chocolate syrup or coffee over the cake cubes before layering.
Storage
Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Serve chilled. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving to soften the whipped topping slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes, making the trifle a few hours or even the day before allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until serving.
Can I use a different cake flavor?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake complements the pudding best, you can try vanilla, brownies, or even a spicy gingerbread cake for a unique twist.
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Chocolate Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This decadent Chocolate Trifle is a layered dessert featuring moist chocolate cake cubes, rich chocolate pudding, creamy whipped topping, and crunchy Heath candy bar pieces. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, it combines various textures and flavors in a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake
- 15.25 ounces chocolate cake mix (baked according to package directions for a 9 x 13-inch pan)
Chocolate Pudding
- 7.8 ounces instant chocolate pudding (two 3.9 ounces boxes)
- 4 cups milk
Other Ingredients
- 12 ounces frozen Cool Whip whipped topping
- 5 to 6 Heath candy bars (crushed into small chunks and divided)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake: Cut the baked chocolate cake into small cubes about 1 to 1½ inches in size for easy layering.
- Make the Pudding: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the dry instant chocolate pudding mix with 4 cups of milk. Whisk by hand or use a mixer for two minutes until the pudding thickens.
- Layer the Cake: In a trifle bowl, place half of the chocolate cake pieces, pressing gently to fill any gaps evenly.
- Layer the Pudding: Spread half of the prepared pudding evenly over the cake layer.
- Add Whipped Topping: Spread half of the frozen Cool Whip whipped topping on top of the pudding layer.
- Sprinkle Candy: Evenly sprinkle half of the crushed Heath candy bars over the whipped topping.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining cake cubes, followed by the remaining pudding, then the remaining whipped topping. Top with the rest of the crushed candy bars.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for 1 to 2 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For best results, bake the cake fresh or use a high-quality boxed mix and ensure it cools completely before cubing.
- If you prefer, substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream.
- Heath candy bar pieces add a delightful crunch; you can substitute with toffee bits or other crunchy candy bars if desired.
- Chilling the dessert helps the pudding thicken and the flavors combine harmoniously.
- Make the trifle a day ahead for even better flavor integration.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (for cake baking)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate trifle, layered dessert, chocolate pudding trifle, Heath bar dessert, no-bake dessert, party dessert, chocolate cake dessert
