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This Chocolate Trifle is the ultimate layered dessert—rich brownies, creamy chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and shaved chocolate come together in one indulgent treat. Perfect for entertaining, this no-fuss recipe delivers a show-stopping presentation and unbeatable flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chocolate lovers will adore this decadent trifle. With layers of fudgy brownies, smooth pudding, and pillowy whipped cream, every bite is a mix of textures and flavors. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to assemble, making it ideal for parties, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Chocolate Trifle

Chocolate trifle is one of those desserts that looks elegant and complex but is surprisingly simple to make. Its layered structure creates a stunning visual effect, while the combination of flavors makes it universally appealing. At its core, this recipe relies on just a few components—brownies, pudding, and whipped cream—but when combined, they create something truly magical.

The beauty of a trifle lies in its adaptability. You can use homemade brownies or boxed mix, depending on your time and preference. The pudding layer can be customized with different flavors, and the topping can be dressed up with anything from chocolate shavings to fresh fruit. Each version is delicious in its own right, and the basic method leaves plenty of room for creativity.

One of the greatest strengths of this dessert is its ability to serve a crowd. A single trifle bowl holds generous layers that can be scooped into individual servings, making it perfect for gatherings. It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert, as the flavors meld beautifully when chilled for several hours or overnight.

The contrast of textures is what makes this trifle so delightful. The dense, chewy brownie pieces provide substance, while the creamy pudding adds richness. The whipped topping lightens the entire dish, keeping it from feeling too heavy despite its decadent ingredients.

Serving this dessert is always a moment of delight. As soon as the spoon dives into the bowl, revealing the layered cross-section, guests can’t help but be impressed. The glossy pudding, soft whipped cream, and dark brownie chunks create a visual and sensory feast.

Another reason this recipe is a favorite is how forgiving it is. Even if your brownies turn out a little crumbly or your pudding isn’t perfectly smooth, once everything is layered, the trifle still looks and tastes amazing. It’s practically foolproof.

Chocolate trifle also adapts to different occasions. For a holiday version, you can add crushed peppermint candies. For summer gatherings, layer in fresh berries for a burst of freshness. For an adult twist, a splash of coffee liqueur in the pudding adds a sophisticated note.

Making this trifle is an enjoyable process. Cutting brownies into squares, whipping pudding until smooth, and layering each component feels creative and satisfying. By the time you reach the final garnish of chocolate shavings, you’ll have a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Storage is another advantage of this recipe. Trifles keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making them an excellent choice for prepping ahead of a busy event. In fact, the flavor improves as the layers sit, creating a more cohesive dessert.

This recipe also scales easily. You can make a full-sized trifle for a crowd or divide the ingredients into smaller glasses or jars for individual servings. Mini trifles make an adorable addition to dinner parties or dessert buffets.

The combination of ease, beauty, and indulgence makes chocolate trifle a recipe worth keeping on repeat. It’s one of those desserts that never fails to impress and always leaves guests asking for seconds.

Servings

Serves 12–14 people

Time

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 8 hours
• Total Time: ~9 hours

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25-ounce) package brownie mix
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup water, divided
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (1.5-ounce) bar chocolate candy, shaved

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square glass baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, egg, 1/4 cup water, and vegetable oil. Stir until smooth, about 50 strokes. Spread batter into prepared pan.
3. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. Let brownies cool completely, about 30 minutes. Cut into 1-inch squares and set aside.
4. In another bowl, whisk together condensed milk, remaining 1/2 cup water, and pudding mix until smooth. Fold in the 8-ounce container of whipped topping until fully blended.
5. In a trifle bowl or large glass serving dish, layer half the brownie squares, half the pudding mixture, and half the 12-ounce whipped topping. Repeat layers.
6. Garnish the top with chocolate shavings.
7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight, before serving.

Tips

• For richer flavor, use espresso powder or coffee in the brownie batter.
• Homemade whipped cream can be substituted for frozen topping if preferred.
• Add fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity twist.
• Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
• Serve in individual jars for a fun and portable option.