Chocolate Trifle

For chocolate lovers, this chocolate trifle recipe is a dream come true. Each bite offers a mix of rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding and crunchy toffee bar pieces—oh, and a hint of mocha. It’s a dessert that looks impressive yet is quite simple to make, so it’s a good one to keep on hand for both special occasions and plain old everyday indulgence. Whether you’re treating your family, your guests or yourself, this trifle is guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate cravings.

Ingredients for Chocolate Trifle

• Chocolate fudge cake mix: Store-bought chocolate cake mix creates a rich, chocolaty base for the trifle. You’ll bake it according to the package instructions and let it cool before crumbling.
• Instant chocolate pudding mix: Pudding adds a smooth and creamy layer to the trifle, perfectly complementing the cake’s texture.
• Coffee: Adding strong coffee enhances the chocolate flavor, giving the trifle a deeper, more complex taste with a subtle mocha hint.
• Frozen whipped topping: Thawed whipped topping brings a light and airy texture that contrasts nicely with the denser layers of cake and pudding. If you prefer, you can substitute it with fresh homemade whipped cream.
• Heath candy bars: These crushed candy bars provide a delightful crunch and a sweet, toffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.

Directions

Step 1: Make the cake

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Bake the chocolate fudge cake according to the package directions, and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Make the pudding

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While the cake cools, prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package directions, then set it aside.

Step 3: Layer the trifle

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Once the cake has cooled, crumble it, reserving 1/2 cup of crumbs for the topping. In a 4-1/2-  or 5-quart trifle dish or decorative glass bowl, layer half the remaining cake crumbs. Follow that with half the coffee, half the chocolate pudding, half the thawed whipped topping and half the crushed Heath bars.

Repeat the process with the remaining half of the cake crumbs, coffee, pudding and whipped topping (but not the Heath bars yet).

Step 4: Add the topping

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Finally, mix the remaining cake crumbs with the remaining crushed candy bars, and sprinkle this mixture over the top of the trifle. Cover the trifle and refrigerate it for four to five hours before serving.

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Chocolate Trifle Variations

• Swap your sweets: Replace the Heath bars with crushed Oreos to add a different kind of crunch and a rich, chocolaty twist to the trifle.
• Add fresh fruit: Layer in raspberries or strawberries between the pudding and whipped topping for a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Try some toppings: Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle on sea salt to create a salted caramel chocolate trifle.

How to Store Chocolate Trifle

You can store the trifle in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. This allows the flavors to develop and ensures the dessert remains fresh and delicious.

Chocolate Trifle Tips

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What can I use instead of Heath bars in this trifle?

If you don’t have Heath bars, it’s fine to use Skor bars or another toffee-flavored candy. Chopped chocolate-covered toffee bits also work well in chocolate trifle recipes.

How can I make this trifle even richer?

For an even more indulgent dessert, use homemade whipped cream instead of the whipped topping. You can also add a layer of chocolate mousse or a rich ganache for an extra touch of decadence.

Can I add fruit to this chocolate trifle?

Absolutely! Adding fresh strawberries or raspberries to chocolate trifle dessert recipes will provide a nice contrast to the rich chocolate and add a burst of freshness, not to mention pops of color.

What’s the best way to serve chocolate trifle?

Serve this trifle chilled, scooping out portions to reveal the beautiful layers. You can garnish each serving with a drizzle of chocolate syrup or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.