Chocolate Trifle Recipe will make you want to skip straight to dessert. This is an easy recipe with decadent layers of chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, whipped cream and more.
Don’t you just love an easy and delicious trifle recipe? I’m a huge fan of chocolate so this chocolate trifle is pretty high on my list. Plus, it is an easy cake recipe because it uses a cake mix instead of from scratch.
If you love making trifle desserts recipes as much as I do, try our Red Velvet Trifle, Strawberry Trifle Recipe, or Red, White, Blue Trifle. Trifle desserts are easy to make and they a perfect for a fancy dinner to an easy weeknight dinner. You might also like it for the perfect Father’s Day Dessert.
We also make Oreo Trifle and Lemon Strawberry Trifle and it’s always a hit!
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
A trifle dessert is usually made into layers and displayed in a clear glass bowl or trifle bowl. It has layers of cake, angel food cake, fruit and a pudding. It may even contain custard and whipped cream.
There are many ways to make it but we like to keep things easy and use a cake mix and other simple ingredients. Chocolate Lovers dream dessert. They will love this layered dessert.
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix. You can use any brand you love.
- Oil. I suggest either Canola or Vegetable Oil.
- Buttermilk. You can also use milk or water, but buttermilk is recommended. What is Buttermilk?
- Instant Chocolate Pudding. Make sure that you do not buy cook and serve pudding.
- Whipped Topping. This should be thawed before using.
- Toppings. This is optional but we love Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe, candy pieces, such as Heath Candy Bars or toffee bits, and fresh fruit.
Find the complete list of trifle ingredients at the bottom of the page.
Variations and Additions
- Cakes – Try different types of cake mix. Devil’s food, red velvet, strawberry, lemon, or anything you like.
- Brownie – Use a brownie mix instead of cake. Yum!
- Pudding – You can use other types of pudding such as vanilla, butterscotch, or banana. The ideas are endless.
- Large Size – Make a big trifle instead of small individual ones.
How to Make a Chocolate Trifle
Step 1. Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions on the box.
Step 2. Bake in a 13×9 pan according to the directions on the box. Then allow to cool completely.
Step 3. While the cake cools, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk in a large bowl. Then refrigerate to allow to set.
Step 4. Start to assemble trifles by layering the cake layer in each dish.
Step 5. Next, add the pudding.
Step 6. Top with whipped cream. Try using homemade whipped cream.
Step 7. Drizzle caramel on top if desired.
Step 8. Top with candy bar pieces.
Topping Ideas
- Syrup or Hot Fudge – You might also want to drizzle a little Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe or caramel sauce.
- Chopped Nuts – You can also sprinkle chopped nuts on top. We love pecans and walnuts.
- Fresh Fruit – Fresh fruit is delicious on top. Try strawberries and blueberries.
- Crushed Candy Bars – My kids love to top the trifle with candy. This is a great way to use leftover candy. Some ideas include heath bars, M&M’s, Butterfinger, Reese’s Cup, and more.
- Chocolate Chips – Mini chocolate chips look amazing and taste delicious too.
- Cookies – Cookies always taste great and are a great option. You can crush Oreo cookies, chocolate chip, or anything you prefer. The ideas are endless!
Expert Tips
- Homemade Whipped Cream – Since you are saving so much time using a cake mix, you will want to make homemade whipped cream. It only takes a few minutes and it is so delicious. Mix ingredients until peaks form.
- Cake – Make the cake in advance or use a store-bought cake.
- Pudding – You can also prepare pudding in advance. This way the assembly of the trifle is even easier.
FAQs
We recommend serving this Chocolate Trifle Recipe the same day you make it. But you can prepare the cake ahead of time or use a store-bought cake for an even easier dessert.
Typically, you can keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. Just keep in mind the ingredients will get soaked into the cake and the layers will not look as defined.
Place the Chocolate Trifle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, we recommend eating within a day and not extended storage.
Try These Other Easy Chocolate Desserts
- Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Balls Recipe
- Caramel Chocolate Microwave Fudge
- Rocky Road Fudge Recipe
- Amazing Chocolate Brownie Cookies Recipe
- The Best Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- One Bowl Brownies
Make this delicious Chocolate Trifle Recipe for a great dessert. Then please come back and leave a comment and star rating.
Chocolate Trifle
Ingredients
- Chocolate cake mix
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1/3 cup canola or vegetable oil
- 1 cup buttermilk milk or water
- 1 large 5.1 oz box instant chocolate pudding
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 8 oz tub whipped topping, thawed
- Toppings optional
- caramel sauce
- candy pieces
Instructions
- Prepare cake mix according to directions on box with eggs, oil and milk
- Bake in 13×9 pan according to directions on box
- Cool completely
- Meanwhile, whisk together pudding and milk until smooth in a large bowl and place in refrigerator to set
- To assemble trifles, layer cake, pudding and whipped topping
- Top with garnish if you like
- Serve immediately or place in refrigerator until ready to serve
- Should be served same day
