How to make the best chocolate trifle

 

This easy Chocolate trifle is a delicious and creative way to serve up your favourite brownies. Each layer of this dessert is a symphony of rich chocolate pudding and fluffy whipped cream, creating a perfect harmony of flavours. This simple and chocolatey dessert is easy to make and a must-try for any occasion.

If you're a fan of classic desserts, you can't go wrong with a chocolate trifle. In this recipe, we've taken things up a notch by using our rich and decadent Chummys brownies as the base and layering them with silky chocolate pudding and freshly whipped cream. The end result is a dessert that's not only indulgent and delicious, but also visually stunning and perfect for impressing your friends and family.

What we love about this recipe is the perfect balance of rich and sweet flavours, paired with light and fresh textures. The brownies give a dense and fudgy texture that complements the lightness of the whipped cream, while the chocolate pudding adds an extra layer of decadence. It's an irresistible combination that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

What is a Trifle?

A trifle is a layered dessert that often includes sponge cake crumbles, pudding or custard and whipped cream in a trifle dish. On occasion, these refined desserts also include berries. While sponge cake is traditional, there are also versions that utilize regular cake cubes or cubed brownies, such as this chocolate trifle recipe.

Why You'll Love It

Beautiful presentation- These individual chocolate brownie trifles are a feast for the eyes, with their striking presentation that highlights the layers of chocolate brownies, pudding, and cream. The rich flavor is elevated by the perfect balance of sweetness and texture in each layer. This dessert is sure to impress all dessert lovers making it the perfect addition to any special occasion.

Versatile- The versatility of chocolate trifles makes them a go-to dessert for any occasion because they can easily be customized. Whether you prefer a more fruity flavour, a different type of pudding, or a base that's not made of brownies, such as angel food cake, chocolate trifles can be tailored to your liking. You can even experiment with different combinations to create your own unique variation of this classic dish.

Easy to make- This crowd-pleasing dessert is a great choice for a casual family gathering or an elegant dinner party. And it takes less than 20 minutes to assemble from start to finish. Whether it's made in a in a large glass bowl or individual serving dishes, this trifle recipe requires minimal prep, leaving you with more time to socialize and entertain.

 

Ingredients

Brownies- Brownies provide a rich and chocolatey base for this decadent dessert. They pair well with a variety of ingredients and are also sturdy enough to hold up other layers without getting soggy. You can use premade brownies, homemade brownies or even leftover baked chocolate cake for this base.

Chocolate Pudding- Instant chocolate pudding adds a smooth, creamy texture to the trifle. It adds moisture to the brownies and pairs wonderfully with whipped cream and fruit. The pudding provides a contrast in texture to the other layers for a unique and indulgent dessert experience. Chocolate pudding is used in this recipe but feel free to experiment with other flavours such as vanilla pudding or cheesecake pudding. You may also use chocolate custard.

Whipped cream- Whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to this rich dessert. It complements the dense layers of brownie and pudding and helps make the entire dish taste more balanced. Feel free to make your own whipped cream from double cream, or use store-bought whipped topping if you are short on time.

Strawberries- Fresh strawberries are a fantastic addition to trifles due to their bright and refreshing flavour. They not only add a vibrant burst of color but a slightly tart taste that balances out the sweetness in other layers. Strawberries can be swapped for raspberries or your fruit of choice.

How to make a Chocolate Trifle

Ingredients

4 Chummys Brownies

1 5.9-ounce box Instant pudding mix, chocolate

3 cups cold milk

3 cups whipped cream

1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

Chocolate shavings, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the pudding according to package instructions. In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth, about 2 minutes.

2. Cover the pudding mixture and refrigerate until set, about 5-10 minutes.

3. Cut the brownies into small 1-inch squares. Begin building the trifle by placing a brownie layer at the bottom of the trifle dish.

4. Spread a layer of pudding over the brownies, then a layer of sliced strawberries. Repeat 2-3 times, depending on the size of the dish.

5. Finish the trifle with a layer of whipped cream. Top with chocolate shavings if desired.

How to make Homemade Whipped Cream

Making homemade fresh whipped cream is very simple and only takes a few minutes. For this recipe, stabilized whipped cream is ideal because it will better hold shape. It has an added ingredient, such as gelatin, which helps it maintain shape.

For best results, work with very cold heavy cream or double cream.

1. Place 1 tablespoon of water into a small microwave safe-bowl. Sprinkle 1 1/4 teaspoon of gelatin on top of the water but do not mix it in. Let it bloom for 5 minutes.

2. Microwave the gelatin mixture for 10 seconds until completely dissolved. Add 5-10 additional seconds if needed. Set aside.

3. Pour 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream into a large bowl. Add 4 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Use a whisk or beaters to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes.

4. While mixing, slowly add the gelatin mixture in a steady stream. Continue to whip until stiff peaks form, paying close attention. Overwhipped cream can begin to turn into butter quickly.

5. This recipe will make 3 cups of whipped cream. Use immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Tips and Substitutions

• Customize the flavours: Switch up the flavours in this recipe to fit your taste preference and occasion. Raspberries and white chocolate pudding can be a delicious alternative to milk chocolate pudding and complements brownies well. Just be sure to use flavours that mesh well together.

• Use a clear glass dish: A clear dish makes for a beautiful presentation, allowing you to see the different layers of your dessert. You can use a large trifle bowl or small individual dessert cups for easy serving.

• Make it ahead of time: Trifles taste best when the layers have had some time to soak up each other's flavours. This allows for a more cohesive dish. This recipe can be made up to 1 day in advance.

FAQ Chocolate Trifle

How to store leftover trifle?

To store leftover trifle, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If it's already been served and there is a small amount left, you can scoop it out and store in an airtight container.

Can you make chocolate trifle recipes ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be made up to 1 day in advance. For the best results, it should be made 2 -3 hours prior to serving. This will give it enough time to meld the flavours without the layers becoming soggy. Save the whipped cream until just before serving otherwise, it may deflate.

Can I use cook and serve pudding instead of instant chocolate pudding mix?

Sure! It will add a bit more prep time to your dessert but feel free to use cook and serve pudding as an alternative. Just be sure it's completely cooled before building your trifle.