January 10, 2024
Review RecipeChocolate Trifle
This easy chocolate trifle has three kinds of chocolate — cake, pudding, and candy bars — that are layered with whipped topping for a decadent dessert.
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Table of Contents
This classic rich chocolate trifle is made from layers of decadent chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy candy bars. With three kinds of delicious chocolate, it’s the ultimate triple threat.
Chocolate Trifle Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box of chocolate cake mix (baked according to package directions for a 9 x 13-inch pan)
- 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix
- 4 cups of milk
- 1 (12-ounce) tub of frozen Cool Whip whipped topping, slightly thawed
- 5-6 Heath candy bars, crushed into small pieces, and divided in half
Substitutions And Additions
BROWNIES: If you prefer chocolate brownies, try substituting a boxed brownie mix instead of the chocolate cake in this easy recipe (or our amazing brownie cake).
This will add a delicious fudgy element to your trifle.
OREOS: Oreo cookies are a popular substitution for Heath bars in this recipe. Crumble up 10-12 Oreos and add them in place of the Heath bars (and don’t forget to add some on top, too)!
Or you could customize this trifle by using another chocolate bar on top, such as Reese’s peanut butter cups or Skor bars.
TOPPING: Add caramel sauce or hot fudge sauce to put this dessert right over the top. Of course, toffee bits and chocolate chips are never a bad idea, either!
How To Make This Chocolate Trifle Recipe
STEP ONE: Cut the baked cake into small cubes, about 1 to 1½ inches in size.
STEP TWO: Add the dry instant pudding to a medium-sized bowl and add the milk. Mix with a mixer for two minutes or whisk by hand until thick.
STEP THREE: Add half of the pieces of chocolate cake to the trifle bowl. Gently press them together to fill in any gaps.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If you don’t have an actual trifle bowl, any large glass bowl or even individual glass bowls will work fine for this fantastic dessert.
STEP FOUR: Next, take half of the pudding mixture and spread it over the cake layer.
PRO TIP:
For extra crunch, sprinkle candy bar chunks between each layer. Just be sure to save a handful for your trifle topping.
STEP FIVE: Spread half of the whipped topping on top of the pudding layer.
STEP SIX: Sprinkle with half of the crushed Heath candy bars.
STEP SEVEN: Repeat adding your layers of cake, pudding, and a final layer of whipped topping with candy bar chunks on top.
STEP EIGHT: Chill for one to two hours before serving.
PRO TIP:
You can also chill this dessert overnight to allow the flavors more time to blend together and soak into the cake.
How To Serve
This layered dessert will impress your guests, and they will be eager to have a taste.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra rich treat and a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate to drink.
And if you’re craving more chocolate dessert recipes, we love this easy mayo cake and our Southern classic busy day chocolate cake.
MORE DESSERT RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: You can make trifle a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Assemble the trifle according to the instructions, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve it.
Leftovers will keep for two to three days.
IN THE FREEZER: Freezing your chocolate trifle isn’t recommended because the texture will change as you freeze and then thaw it.
This perfect chocolate trifle dessert has layers of chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, and whipped cream that will delight your senses. It’s so easy to make, and the result is a stunning dessert that tastes amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a trifle bowl?
A trifle bowl is a large bowl that is usually on a pedestal. It displays all of the lovely layers of this dessert through the clear glass.
Can I make a trifle the day before?
This easy chocolate trifle recipe can be made a day ahead, and, in fact, it should be made ahead of time so that the flavors are able to blend together and soak into the cake.
Can I freeze chocolate trifle?
We don’t recommend freezing this no-bake dessert. The creamy texture will change once thawed. This treat is best made fresh.
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Chocolate Trifle
This easy chocolate trifle has three kinds of chocolate — cake, pudding, and candy bars — that are layered with whipped topping for a decadent dessert.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the baked cake into small cubes about 1 to 1½ inches in size.
- Place the dry pudding in a medium-sized bowl and add the milk. Mix with a mixer for two minutes or whisk by hand until thick.
- In the trifle bowl, place half of the pieces of chocolate cake, pressing gently to fill in any gaps.
- Next, take half of the pudding and spread it over the cake layer.
- Then spread half of the whipped topping on top of the pudding layer.
- Sprinkle with half of the crushed candy bars.
- Repeat adding your layers of cake, pudding, and a final layer of whipped topping with candy bar chunks on top.
- Chill for 1 to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- If you don’t have an actual trifle bowl, any large glass bowl or even individual bowls will work fine for this fantastic dessert.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle candy bar chunks between each layer. Just be sure to save a handful for your trifle topping.
- You can also chill this dessert overnight to allow the flavors more time to blend together and soak into the cake.
Nutrition
Calories: 495kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 874mg | Potassium: 439mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 54g | Vitamin A: 229IU | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 3mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
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Comments
joan Turbeville says
Getting ready try some in yur delicious looking recipes. I want to compliment how helpful it is the way you lay how all of the ingredients in a recipe. Your page is very user friendly. Thank you. Joan Turbeville
NANCY WAITES says
I would use brownies in this recipe & add hot fudge sauce.
Archi says
I want chocolate turflle icceing recipe
Rick Salzsauler says
Looks yummy
Terri King says
Going to try making it this coming week for my friends at the pantry
Emily Early says
I would try the caramel sauce. But it sounds delish just like it is. Will definitely try it.
Mary says
Tried it everyone loved it !!
Laura says
Oh… this looks delicious! However, my family wouldn’t eat it as they don’t like pudding and it would be too sweet.
Laura Yarzebinski says
This sounds good. Both brownies and cake sound great, but I’must leaning towards brownies. I think I would use a vanilla type pudding just to break up the flavors rhough.
Charmaine Hart says
I think this would be really good with brownies!
Marion says
I made this several times using the heath bars, also with Twix, hersheys, and kit Kat bars. All super delicious.
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
Yummy! I think I would add BOTH hot fudge and caramel sauce to put this right over the top…
Bradley Meers says
I’ll be making the trifle with brownies. It looks so good! So many recipes to choose from! Thanks
Paula Wiser says
Very good recipe love chocolate
Flofrommo says
I have this same recipe. I serve with a small scoop chocolate chip ice cream or vanilla. Hersheys syrup on top of ice cream and trifle make this a very rich dish. Yummy
Bobbi says
I’m going to try this with brownie mix today
Karen says
I think this would be really good served with caramel sauce!
Chris says
This looks delicious! Definitely want to make this. For your suggestion of using brownies instead of cake, I thought use brownies on the bottom layer and cake for the middle layer!!
Bianca says
Oh my goodness, this has my mouth watering! Would definitely try with Oreos. Cant wait to try this recipe!
Joan says
I would definitely try it with Oreos and maybe even Reese’s cups!
Heidi Garrity says
I like to use Skor bars. I also add kahlua for my adult version.
Linda Carr says
Looks like it would be easy to make and put together
Linda Carr says
Looks Yummy
Lori Letulle says
I have made this recipe and I would not change a thing.
It’s absolutely delicious!
Kelly Kardos says
I think a warm salted caramel sauce for serving world be divine.
Donna Leverett says
I would definitely use brownie instead of cake to make the trifle richer. I’m not a fan of heath bars so I would use the Oreos. I would keep the chocolate pudding because, well, it’s chocolate. I would ABSOLUTELY incorporate STRAWBERRIES into this recipe. They would lighten the dessert and add a little tartness. Yes. I’m going to make it today with strawberries.
Linda W. says
Really no need to make this dessert richer— it’s rich enough! I’ve made this trifle quite often for gatherings, and it’s always a hit. I do add just a couple of tablespoons of instant vanilla pudding to the cool whip and beat it till it firms up a bit. Adds a little extra flavor and consistency.
Julie says
NO to adding Oreos!
TeAuna Drayton says
I would definitely make this with brownies instead of cake! Yummy! 😋
Patty Colton says
YES I would definitely add Oreos to this recipe! 😀
Debbie says
How about trying Reece’s peanut butter cups with this recipe! Yummy 😋
Jenifer Morgan says
I would probably add Oreo’s
Mike Sanfilippo says
I would not make this. Just doesn’t appeal to me.
Diane says
Plan on making this- looks like a chocolate lovers dream!! Your recommendation of using your chocolate brownie cake…..will that recipe fit in a 9×13 pan? It’s written for a Bundt pan. Just want to check before I potentially make a mess in my oven. Thanks.
Carol says
I love the idea of using a brownie, and I would definitely add caramel to this recipe 🥰
KatherineMac says
I haven’t tried this with Oreos but will next time! My crew would love that!
Don Throne says
I think this Chocolate Trifle dessert sounds amazing. I would like to try this recipe with brownies instead of the chocolate cake.
Charlene DeMaria says
I would try it with brownies for sure! I love the look of a trife for any gathering!
Yvonne Y says
Amazing! EVERYTHING looks good and the step by step process is great! Thank you all the great recipes cant wait to try them. Hugs! Love the layout as well!
Shelby Burkhart says
I would change this up with brownies instead of chocolate cake and use miniature reese cups or rolos
Carolyn Swank says
YES. YES. YES. I would definitely try all of the variations, in fact I have made the Brownie version for Bunco… it was a hit!!! Thanx for the reminder of these trifles… they are EZ to make… mistakes are EZ to hide and taste heavenly!!!
Jean Spooner says
I would use brownies for this and serve it with Carmel sauce. I love Carmel sauce
Dot says
I would use oreos and probably add a little cream cheese to the whipped topping
Cindy says
This is a delicious dessert. If you’re into changing up the flavors or texture, I would use a brownie of any variety (caramel or cheesecake swirl, nut, turtle); maybe try using the same or contrasting flavor syrup, or fruit topping directly on the cake either when assembling or serving; vanilla cake with chocolate pudding or vanilla pudding with the chocolate cake; mix a little cocoa powder or espresso into the whipped topping or dust it on top; use oreos, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers. Why not consider throwing some marshmallows or fluff in there somewhere, too? I always consider a recipe a jumping off point. You can still keep it easy while putting your stamp on it. Just look at what I came up with in a few minutes from only one of these great recipes!
Connie Winter says
I’d probably go with Oreos. This is similar to a dirt cake I’ve been making since late 80s for birthdays. This is a bit simpler. I’m going to try it for the next birthday!
Sue says
A sugar-free pudding would be a plus for lower calories with this dessert.
Kris says
I would try this with brownies instead of cake! 😋
Kathy McSparen says
Next time, I will use caramel ice cream topping and pecans. Call it a Turtle Trifle!
Pam says
I have made chocolate trifle b4 and they are delicious. I would most definitely try with Oreos or even Reece’s peanut butter cups would be yummy. Your dessert recipes are always mouthwatering sounding and make me want to try them.
Penny says
Not only does this look delicious, but super easy. Plus who doesn’t love some heath bars? In answer to your questions —
Would you serve with a different flavor of pudding? No, but I might try making it even simpler and purchasing a pound cake (i.e. SaraLee) and chunking that up. I think it would be delish with the chocolate pudding and heath bars. Yum!
Would you serve with a different candy? No — what is better than a Heath bar? Thanks for the recipe and love your column.
Kimberly Newsom says
I would make this with brownies instead of cake.
Meredith Leonard says
I make this with Betty Crocker Super Moist Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix and a mixture of crushed Heath bars and crushed Snickers.
Lorinda Raymond says
I would try this recipe instead of regular cake but chocolate and caramel added to this recipe would make it taste much interesting dessert.
Stephanie says
I would try making this with carrot cake & butterscotch pudding. 😋
Lorinda Raymond says
I would try this recipe instead of regular cake. It looks tasty!
Kelly says
I haven’t tried this using cake, but I would definately recommend it using brownies! I have made it that way many times for holiday gatherings, and I never have any leftover! Such a yummy dessert!
Teresa Gerber says
I would definitely like to try caramel sauce on this….you yum!!!
Carri Rucker says
No I’ve not made this delicious looking treat but i will and very soon
Joanne says
This looks amazing! The only thing I would change would be the chocolate bar as I don’t think we have that one up here. I have to make sure there is no nuts or coconut.
Stacey Atkins says
I would try to use brownies instead of cake! Wonderful!!
James Rice says
I would use brownie with chopped nuts instead of just plain chocolate cake.
Gabriela B. says
Oreos are a must.
Rachel says
This sounds absolutely delicious! I would not add Oreo cookies to the recipe.😊
Ginnie C says
O.M.G. Totally amazing! I want to try this with brownies next time. And maybe some caramel sauce.
Jasmin says
How did it turn out with brownies?! Going to try this recipe with brownie this upcoming weekend. No candy bits.
susan says
Delicious. Would not change a thing.
Cheryl says
I would love to add both hot fudge and caramel toppings only I would add it at the serving portion not the whole dish.
Cynthia Anderson says
I loved the chew brittle I’m going to try the others except I don’t care for strawberries