Description
Death by Chocolate Trifle is a rich and decadent layered dessert made with moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. It is easy to assemble, perfect for make-ahead entertaining, and serves a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 prepared 9-inch chocolate cake or devil’s food cake, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 5.1 oz (1 large box) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 3 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries or strawberries, optional
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce, optional
Instructions
- Bake or prepare the chocolate cake according to the package or recipe directions. Allow it to cool completely, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
- In a large bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Let it stand for a few minutes to fully set.
- Place about half of the chocolate cake cubes in the bottom of a large clear trifle dish.
- Spoon half of the chocolate pudding over the cake and spread it into an even layer.
- Add half of the whipped cream and gently smooth it over the pudding.
- If using, sprinkle some chopped nuts, berries, chocolate chips, or drizzle a little caramel sauce over the whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining chocolate cake, pudding, and whipped cream.
- Finish with chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips and any desired toppings.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. For the best flavor and texture, the trifle can be prepared the day before.
- Serve chilled with a large spoon, making sure each serving includes all the layers.
Notes
- Use a rich, moist chocolate cake or brownies for the best texture.
- Stabilized whipped cream can be used if making the trifle more than a few hours ahead.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free chocolate cake and gluten-free pudding.
- For a vegan version, use vegan chocolate cake, plant-based chocolate pudding, dairy-free milk, and coconut whipped cream.
- Add raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts add a pleasant crunchy texture.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. The best texture is usually within the first 24–36 hours.
- Freezing is not recommended because the pudding and whipped cream can become watery or grainy after thawing.
- Nutrition is an estimate and will vary depending on the cake, pudding, whipped cream, and toppings used.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering / No-Bake Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of trifle
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Death by Chocolate Trifle, chocolate trifle, chocolate dessert, chocolate cake trifle, chocolate pudding dessert, layered dessert,