Short Description
The Triple-Chocolate Trifle is an irresistible, layered dessert that brings together three types of chocolate indulgence in one glass. With layers of rich chocolate cake, fluffy chocolate mousse, and smooth chocolate pudding, each spoonful delivers a perfect combination of textures and deep cocoa flavor. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s the ultimate showstopper for any celebration or chocolate craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Combines three distinct chocolate elements in one dessert
Visually impressive and perfect for parties or holidays
Easy to assemble with minimal prep work
Can be made ahead and refrigerated until serving
Adaptable for both homemade and store-bought components
Delightfully rich yet balanced in texture
No baking skills required if using boxed mix and instant pudding
A crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike
Customizable with extra toppings or flavorings
Ideal for using leftover cake or chocolate products
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chocolate cake layer:
1 box chocolate cake mix (or 2 cups homemade chocolate cake, baked and cooled)
1 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
For the chocolate mousse layer:
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate pudding layer:
1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
For the topping:
1 cup whipped cream
Chocolate shavings or chips (for garnish)
Directions
1. Make the chocolate cake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Prepare the cake mix as directed on the package, using water, oil, and eggs. Pour into the pan and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the chocolate mousse:
Melt the semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold in the melted chocolate gently until fully incorporated.
3. Prepare the chocolate pudding:
Whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk in a medium bowl for 2–3 minutes until thick. Refrigerate for 5 minutes to set.
4. Assemble the trifle:
In a trifle dish or individual glasses, layer crumbled chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and chocolate pudding. Repeat until the container is full, finishing with a mousse layer on top.
5. Add topping:
Spoon whipped cream over the top and garnish with chocolate shavings or chips.
6. Chill and serve:
Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8–10 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Estimated Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Variations
Mint Chocolate Trifle: Add a drop of peppermint extract to the mousse for a refreshing twist.
Berry Chocolate Trifle: Include a layer of raspberries or strawberries between the chocolate layers.
Nutty Delight: Sprinkle chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds between the layers.
Caramel Drizzle: Add layers of caramel sauce for extra richness.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cake mix to accommodate dietary needs.
Mocha Trifle: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the pudding mix for a mocha flavor.
White Chocolate Swirl: Mix in some melted white chocolate to the mousse for a layered flavor profile.
Boozy Twist: Soak the cake crumbles in a splash of coffee liqueur or Irish cream.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep the trifle covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the mousse and pudding may separate upon thawing.
Reheating: This dessert is served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this trifle?
You can prepare this dessert up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until serving.
Can I use store-bought cake and pudding?
Yes, store-bought cake and pre-made pudding can save time and work well in this recipe.
What kind of chocolate works best for the mousse?
Semi-sweet chocolate provides the perfect balance, but dark or milk chocolate can be used depending on your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the cake mix or homemade cake with a certified gluten-free version.
Is there a dairy-free version of this trifle?
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free alternatives for the cream, pudding, and cake.
Can I make this in individual servings?
Absolutely. Use small dessert glasses or jars for individual portions.
Will the trifle get soggy if made too early?
No, the layers hold up well. In fact, the flavor improves after chilling for a few hours.
Can I add fruit to this trifle?
Yes, berries or sliced bananas add a fresh contrast to the chocolate layers.
What’s the best way to garnish the trifle?
Chocolate shavings, chips, or even a dusting of cocoa powder add a professional touch.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes, this recipe scales well. Use a larger trifle bowl or make two separate dishes.
Triple-Chocolate Trifle
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dive into chocolate heaven with this Triple-Chocolate Trifle—a decadent dessert that layers moist chocolate cake, creamy chocolate mousse, and luscious pudding, topped with whipped cream and rich chocolate shavings. Perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions!
Ingredients
For the chocolate cake layer:
-
1 box chocolate cake mix (or 2 cups homemade chocolate cake, baked and cooled)
-
1 cup water
-
1/2 cup vegetable oil
-
3 large eggs
For the chocolate mousse layer:
-
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
2 tbsp powdered sugar
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the chocolate pudding layer:
-
1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
-
2 cups cold milk
For the topping:
-
1 cup whipped cream
-
Chocolate shavings or chips (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Make the chocolate cake:
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
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Mix cake ingredients and bake for 25–30 minutes. Cool completely and crumble.
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-
Prepare the chocolate mousse:
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Melt chopped chocolate.
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Whip cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold in melted chocolate.
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Prepare the chocolate pudding:
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Whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2-3 minutes.
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Chill for 5 minutes.
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Assemble the trifle:
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Layer cake crumbles, mousse, and pudding in a trifle dish. Repeat layers, ending with mousse.
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Top and garnish:
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Spoon whipped cream on top and garnish with chocolate shavings or chips.
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Chill and serve:
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
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Notes
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For a richer taste, substitute dark chocolate in the mousse.
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You can use store-bought whipped topping for convenience.
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Great to make a day ahead for deeper flavor fusion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
