If you’re a chocolate lover looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy to assemble as it is decadent, you must try this Death By Chocolate Trifle Recipe. Layer upon layer of rich chocolate cake, luscious pudding, gooey hot fudge, crunchy candy pieces, and fluffy whipped cream come together in one unforgettable dish. This trifle not only satisfies your deepest chocolate cravings but also delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every spoonful. Trust me, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Death By Chocolate Trifle Recipe lies in how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect chocolate experience. From the moist chocolate cake base to the creamy pudding and crunchy candy bars, every component adds a unique touch that makes this dessert irresistibly delicious.
- Chocolate cake mix (1 box): Provides a moist and tender crumb that forms the hearty foundation of the trifle.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (2 boxes): Adds a smooth, rich layer of chocolate flavor with a creamy texture.
- Hot fudge sauce (1/2 cup): Brings gooey, chocolaty decadence that seeps into the cake for extra indulgence.
- Oreo cookies, crushed (1/2 cup): Offers a delightful crunch and a touch of creamy cookie goodness.
- Whipped cream (16 ounces): Lightens the recipe with airy sweetness and beautiful white contrast.
- Heath candy bars (4-5 bars): Adds a buttery toffee crunch on top, elevating the texture profile with every bite.
How to Make Death By Chocolate Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake and Crumble the Cake
Start by baking your chocolate cake following the package instructions exactly—that way, you get the perfect moistness and crumb. Once cooled completely, crumble the cake into bite-sized pieces, which will make layering easier and ensure every spoonful delivers chocolate-packed delight.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
Next, whisk up the instant chocolate pudding according to the directions on the box. This pudding adds a luscious, creamy layer with a deep chocolate flavor that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s texture.
Step 3: Crush the Heath Bars
While your pudding chills, crush the Heath candy bars into small chunks. These pieces will bring a wonderful crunch and a buttery-toffee surprise that complements the other chocolate layers wonderfully.
Step 4: Begin Layering Your Trifle
Grab a large 4 to 5-quart glass trifle bowl so you can see all the gorgeous layers. Start with half of the cake crumbles on the bottom, then spread half of the hot fudge sauce evenly over the cake. Follow that with half of the freshly prepared pudding, then sprinkle half of the crushed Oreos. Finish the first round with half of the whipped cream for a light, airy finish.
Step 5: Repeat Layers and Chill
Simply repeat the exact layering sequence: cake, fudge, pudding, Oreos, and whipped cream. Once done, cover the trifle and refrigerate it for at least 1 to 2 hours—or better yet, refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just before serving, top with your reserved chopped Heath bars for extra texture and a stunning presentation.
How to Serve Death By Chocolate Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
To make your trifle even more irresistible, sprinkle additional crushed Oreos or mini chocolate chips on top along with the Heath bar pieces. You can also add a dusting of cocoa powder or a few fresh raspberries for a pop of color and a slight tartness that balances the sweet chocolate perfectly.
Side Dishes
This trifle pairs beautifully with simple vanilla ice cream or a light bowl of fresh berries, which add freshness to the richness of the dessert. If you want a hot and cold contrast, serve alongside a warm cup of espresso or a rich hot chocolate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching centerpiece, layer the trifle in individual clear glasses or mini mason jars—these are perfect for parties or elegant dessert bars. You can also create individual parfaits by alternating thinner layers for quick servings that look sophisticated and allow each guest to savor their own portion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, this Death By Chocolate Trifle keeps well in the refrigerator covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better with time, so enjoying leftovers is a genuine treat. Just be sure to add any crunchy toppings fresh right before serving so they stay crisp.
Freezing
While you can freeze chocolate cake and whipped cream separately, the trifle itself is not the best candidate for freezing because the whipped cream and pudding layer may separate when thawed. For best texture, avoid freezing the assembled dessert and instead prepare components in advance.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. If you find it too cold straight from the fridge, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to soften the pudding and cake layers slightly without losing the refreshing chill.
FAQs
Can I use homemade chocolate cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade chocolate cake will add a wonderful personal touch and may enhance the flavor and texture even more, but the box mix keeps things simple and still delivers fantastic results. Either way, it’s delicious.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free pudding mixes, coconut whipped cream, and milk alternatives to create a dairy-free version of this chocolate trifle that’s just as indulgent and satisfying.
How long does it take for the trifle to set?
Refrigerating the trifle for 1 to 2 hours is generally enough for the layers to meld together nicely, but leaving it overnight will deepen the flavors and make it even creamier.
Can I use other candy bars instead of Heath bars?
Certainly! Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate or toffee candy bars like Snickers, Butterfinger, or even chopped peanut butter cups to add a personal twist on the crunchy topping.
What size trifle bowl should I use?
A 4 to 5-quart glass trifle bowl is ideal because it allows for plenty of layers and makes for a beautiful presentation. If you don’t have one, a large clear glass bowl or clear deep casserole dish will work as well.
Final Thoughts
This Death By Chocolate Trifle Recipe is a celebration of everything chocolate, layered into a dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re serving it at a party or indulging in a sweet treat with family, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and satisfied chocolate cravings. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to dessert for any occasion!
Print
Death By Chocolate Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (cake baking time as per box; cooling not included)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including baking and chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This decadent Death By Chocolate Trifle is a luscious layered dessert featuring chocolate cake, instant chocolate pudding, hot fudge sauce, crushed Oreos, whipped cream, and chopped Heath candy bars. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it combines rich textures and flavors in an elegant glass trifle bowl, making it an impressive yet easy-to-prepare dessert for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 16.5 ounce chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients required by the box)
Pudding
- 2 3.9 ounce boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (plus milk as required by the box directions)
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce
- 1/2 cup Oreo cookies, crushed
- 1 16 ounce container whipped cream (Cool Whip, thawed can also be used)
- 4–5 Heath candy bars, chopped into small chunks
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely, then crumble it into small pieces.
- Prepare Pudding: Follow the directions on the instant chocolate pudding mix boxes to make the pudding, using the appropriate amount of milk.
- Chop Candy Bars: Crush or chop the Heath candy bars into small chunks to use as a topping later.
- Assemble the Trifle – First Layer: In a 4 to 5-quart glass trifle bowl, layer half of the cake crumbles, followed by half of the hot fudge sauce, then half of the prepared pudding, half of the crushed Oreos, and finally half of the whipped cream.
- Assemble the Trifle – Second Layer: Repeat the same layering sequence with the remaining ingredients: cake crumbles, hot fudge sauce, pudding, crushed Oreos, and whipped cream.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the assembled trifle for 1-2 hours, or overnight for best flavor meld and texture.
- Serve: Before serving, uncover the trifle and sprinkle the chopped Heath candy bar chunks on top. Enjoy this rich and creamy chocolate dessert!
Notes
- This trifle can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated overnight to enhance the flavors.
- For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat whipped topping.
- Feel free to substitute Heath bars with other chocolate candy bars or toffee pieces based on preference.
- If desired, add a splash of coffee or espresso to the cake crumbles for a mocha twist.
- Ensure the pudding is fully set before assembling for best layering consistency.
