Chocolate Trifle with Layers of Cake, Pudding, and Candy Cookies Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and love chocolate in all its glorious forms, the Chocolate Trifle with Layers of Cake, Pudding, and Candy Cookies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This dessert is a beautiful medley of moist chocolate cake, luscious chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy candy cookies, all stacked in tantalizing layers. It’s like having every decadent chocolate treat you love, but together in one stunning, show-stopping dish that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or whenever you just want to indulge yourself with something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such a rich and textured dessert. Each component plays an important role, whether it’s the moistness from the cake, the creamy comfort from the pudding, or the delightful crunch from the candy cookies.
- Frozen whipped topping (8 ounces): Provides a light, airy creaminess that balances the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.
- Chocolate cake mix or fudge brownie mix (1 box): Forms the moist chocolate base, essential for that deep, indulgent chocolate taste.
- Eggs (1 to 3 large): Needed for binding the cake or brownie batter; follow the package instructions for the best results.
- Water (1/4 to 3/4 cup): Adds moisture to the cake or brownie mix as recommended, ensuring the right texture.
- Vegetable oil (about 1/3 cup): Keeps the cake or brownies tender and moist.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (2 boxes, 3.9 ounces each): This is the silky, chocolaty filling that adds a creamy lusciousness between the layers.
- Cold whole milk (4 cups): Mix with the pudding powder to create that smooth, rich pudding.
- Chocolate crème sandwich cookies (25 cookies) or English toffee candy bars (8 bars): Chopped into chunks, these add a much-wanted crunch and burst of flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the softness of the pudding and cake.
How to Make Chocolate Trifle with Layers of Cake, Pudding, and Candy Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cake or Brownies
Start by baking the chocolate cake or brownies according to the package directions. Using a parchment-lined 9×13-inch pan, bake until a toothpick inserted about an inch inside comes out with moist crumbs. This takes roughly 20-25 minutes for cake or 25-30 minutes for brownies. The key here is to avoid overbaking so you get moist, tender pieces that soak up the pudding beautifully.
Step 2: Cool and Cube the Cake
Let your baked cake or brownies cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Having uniform pieces helps create balanced layers and makes assembling the trifle a breeze.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Pudding
Whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mixes and cold whole milk until smooth. Usually two minutes of whisking does the trick. Then, allow it to set at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This pudding will be luscious and thick, providing that velvety texture between the layers.
Step 4: Chop the Candy Cookies
Choose your favorite candy cookies—classic chocolate crème sandwich cookies or toffee candy bars, or even a fun combo of both—and chop them coarsely. You want those chunks big enough to have a satisfying crunch in every bite but small enough to mix evenly in the trifle.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
Grab a large trifle dish or a glass bowl between 2 1/2 to 4 quarts in size. Layer half of the cake or brownie cubes on the bottom. Next, spread half of the chocolate pudding over the cake. Sprinkle half of your chopped candy cookies over the pudding, then dollop on half of the whipped topping. Repeat these layers with your remaining ingredients. The layering gives that spectacular visual appeal and ensures each spoonful is the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Step 6: Chill and Garnish
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better. Before serving, spread the reserved whipped topping on top and garnish with the leftover crumbs from the cake, cookies, or candy bars for a delightful finishing touch that invites you in for that first bite.
How to Serve Chocolate Trifle with Layers of Cake, Pudding, and Candy Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this trifle even further, dust the top with a little cocoa powder or grated chocolate curls. Fresh berries can also add a subtle tartness and a pop of color that complements the deep chocolate flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines brightly on its own, but if you want to pair it, consider fresh fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The light, fresh elements contrast wonderfully with the dense, creamy trifle.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the trifle in individual clear glasses to highlight the beautiful layers or in a large glass bowl to share family-style. You can even make mini trifles using small mason jars for a charming party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and improve, making it an even more indulgent treat the next day.
Freezing
Because of the pudding and whipped topping, freezing is not recommended. It could alter the creamy texture and cause separation when thawed, which would take away from the luscious mouthfeel that makes this dish so special.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be enjoyed chilled. Reheating will compromise the pudding and whipped topping layers, so keep it cool and serve straight from the fridge for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cake instead of a boxed mix for the Chocolate Trifle with Layers of Cake, Pudding, and Candy Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Using homemade chocolate cake or brownies not only works but adds a personal touch to the trifle. Just make sure the cake is fully cooled and cut into uniform pieces for the best layering.
What other candies can I use in this trifle?
You can experiment with peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, or even crushed peppermint candies. Just keep an eye on flavors to keep a harmonious chocolatey balance.
How long does the trifle need to chill before serving?
Chilling for at least 4 hours is important to let the pudding set and the flavors blend, but overnight chilling will enhance the taste and texture even more.
Can I make this trifle vegan or dairy-free?
Modifications can be made by using dairy-free whipped toppings, pudding mixes, and milk alternatives. However, ensure the substitutions set properly to maintain the trifle’s layers and creaminess.
Is it possible to prepare this trifle for a large party?
Definitely! This recipe scales up beautifully. Use a bigger trifle bowl or layered serving dishes to accommodate more servings without losing any of the delicious charm.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Chocolate Trifle with Layers of Cake, Pudding, and Candy Cookies Recipe. The way crunchy, creamy, and cakey textures come together in one dish is pure dessert bliss. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a chocolate craving fix, this trifle is bound to bring smiles and happy sighs from everyone lucky enough to dig in. So, gather your ingredients and dive into this crowd-pleaser—you’ll be so glad you did.
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Chocolate Trifle with Layers of Cake, Pudding, and Candy Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings 1x
Description
This decadent Chocolate Trifle combines layers of moist chocolate cake or fudgy brownies, rich instant chocolate pudding, creamy whipped topping, and crunchy chocolate crème sandwich cookies or English toffee candy bars. Perfect for a crowd, this no-fuss dessert is assembled in a large trifle dish and chilled to meld flavors, making it an irresistible showstopper for parties and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Whipped Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
Cake or Brownies
- 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
- 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix
- 4 cups cold whole milk
Mix-ins
- 25 chocolate crème sandwich cookies (such as Oreos) OR 8 (1.4-ounce) English toffee candy bars (such as Heath bars), or a combination
Instructions
- Thaw Whipped Topping: Place the frozen whipped topping in the refrigerator to thaw for about 4 hours or preferably overnight to ensure it is ready for layering.
- Prepare Cake or Brownies: Follow the package directions to prepare the chocolate cake or brownie batter. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal and bake at 350°F. Bake cake for 20 to 25 minutes or brownies for 25 to 30 minutes until a toothpick inserted about an inch from the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Cake/Brownies: Remove the cake or brownies from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack to ensure it doesn’t melt the pudding or whipped topping layers during assembly.
- Make the Chocolate Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 boxes of instant chocolate pudding mix and 4 cups of cold whole milk until fully combined and smooth, approximately 2 minutes. Let the pudding sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes to thicken.
- Prepare Mix-ins: Coarsely chop 25 chocolate crème sandwich cookies or 8 English toffee candy bars (or a combination) to yield about 3 cups of mix-ins with crunchy texture.
- Cut Cake/Brownies: Slice the cooled cake or brownies into 1-inch cubes to create even layers within your trifle dish.
- Layer the Trifle – First Half: In a 2 1/2 to 4-quart trifle dish or large glass bowl, start by spreading half of the cake or brownie cubes as the base layer. Spread half of the prepared pudding evenly over the cake. Sprinkle half of the chopped candy bars or cookies on top, then spread half of the thawed whipped topping to finish the first layer.
- Layer the Trifle – Second Half: Repeat the layering process with the remaining cake or brownie cubes, pudding, chopped candy or cookies, and whipped topping to complete the trifle assembly.
- Reserve Garnish: Save any leftover whipped topping and crumbs from the candy bars, cookies, cake, or brownies in a small separate dish for garnish.
- Chill the Trifle: Cover the assembled trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set firmly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, spread the reserved whipped topping evenly over the top layer of the trifle and sprinkle with the reserved crumbs for added texture and decoration.
Notes
- Use either chocolate cake mix or fudge brownie mix depending on your preferred texture; brownies provide a denser, fudgier base.
- For a mix of textures, combine crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with toffee candy bars.
- Ensure the cake or brownies are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting the pudding layer.
- Chilling the trifle overnight intensifies flavors and improves sliceability.
- Can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, covered.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
