chocolate-trifle
Chocolate Trifle Recipe
Make this stunning chocolate trifle recipe with layers of cake, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. Perfect for potlucks and dessert.
The Dessert That Wins Every Potluck
I still remember the first time I brought a chocolate trifle to a family gathering—it disappeared in minutes, and I’ve been making it ever since. There’s something so impressive about layering this dessert right in front of everyone, watching their eyes light up as they see those gorgeous chocolate, cream, and cake stripes. It tastes like fancy bakery work, but honestly, it’s one of the easiest show-stoppers you can make at home.
A Few Things I Have Noticed
- Let your chocolate cake cool completely before cubing it. A warm cake will crumble and fall apart, making layering messy. I always bake mine the day before and refrigerate it overnight.
- Don’t skip the cooling step for the pudding. If you layer it while too warm, it can melt your whipped cream and create a soupy mess. Cool it to room temperature, and your layers will stay defined.
- For extra richness, replace half the milk in the pudding with heavy cream. This creates an ultra-luxurious pudding that rivals any bakery version.
- Make sure your cream is whipped to stiff peaks, not soft peaks. Soft whipped cream will weep and thin out over time, especially with the weight of the pudding and cake pressing down.
Variations
- Mint Chocolate Trifle: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the whipped cream and substitute with mint chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate in the pudding.
- Chocolate Trifle with Brownie Chunks: Replace the chocolate cake layer with chunks of homemade or store-bought brownies for an extra fudgy, decadent version.
For a simpler chocolate dessert, try my chocolate mousse recipe which uses similar ingredients but comes together even faster.
Ingredients
For the Cake
For the Filling and Topping
Instructions
- 1
Bake the Chocolate Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just blended. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch pan and bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, then cut into bite-sized cubes.
- 2
Make the Chocolate Pudding
Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until steaming (do not boil). Whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a small bowl. Slowly whisk the dry mixture into the hot milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in chopped chocolate and vanilla until smooth. Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- 3
Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- 4
Assemble the Trifle
In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, layer half of the cake cubes on the bottom. Pour half of the chocolate pudding over the cake. Spread half of the whipped cream over the pudding. Repeat layers with remaining cake, pudding, and whipped cream.
- 5
Garnish and Chill
Top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving. This allows flavors to meld and the dessert to set beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 12). Values are approximate.
| Calories | 285 calories |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 28g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chocolate trifle ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend assembling it the morning of or up to 24 hours before serving. This gives the layers time to meld together and the flavors deepen. Just cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. Add the chocolate shaving garnish right before serving for the prettiest presentation.
What if I don't have a trifle dish?
You can use any large clear glass bowl or even a deep 9x13 baking dish. The beauty of a trifle is seeing those gorgeous layers, so glass containers work best, but any clear dish will do. You can even serve it in individual mason jars for a personal touch.
Can I use store-bought cake or pudding to save time?
Yes! Use a boxed chocolate cake mix and instant chocolate pudding to cut down prep time significantly. The homemade versions give better flavor and texture, but this is a great option when you're short on time. The assembly and presentation are what make this dessert special.
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