Easy Chocolate Cake Trifle (Semi-Homemade Dessert)
This chocolate trifle recipe layers chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, crushed Oreos, and Cool Whip into a rich, no-bake layered dessert that’s perfect for any holiday party or family gathering.
- Total Time1 hour
- Yield12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- chocolate cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz)
+ ingredients called for on the box (usually oil, eggs, and water) - instant chocolate pudding mix (2 boxes, 5.9 oz each, family size)
- milk (6 cups)
- Cool Whip (2 containers, 8 oz each)
- Oreos (30 cookies, crushed)
- extra Oreos or chopped candy of choice (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Bake the chocolate cake in a 9x13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans according to the package instructions. Let it cool completely, then cut into small cubes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix (2 boxes, 5.9 oz each) and milk (6 cups) until smooth and thickened. Chill for 5–10 minutes.
- Crush the Oreos (30 cookies) in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin. Set aside.
- In a trifle bowl or large bowl, layer chocolate cake across the bottom.
- Spread chocolate pudding over the cubed cake. Top with Cool Whip, smoothing it into an even layer.
- Sprinkle crushed Oreos over the whipped topping.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining chocolate cake, chocolate pudding, and Cool Whip.
- Finish with the rest of the crushed Oreo cookies, plus chopped candy of choice (optional).
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day in advance.
Notes
You might not use every bit of pudding or Cool Whip—and that’s on purpose. Everyone has different opinions on the ideal ratio of cake to cream to crunch, and trifle bowls (or glasses) vary wildly in size. This recipe gives you enough to build two solid layers with a little extra, so you’re not scraping the bottom of a container mid-assembly. Leftover pudding? Eat it with a spoon. Extra Cool Whip? Pop it back in the freezer.
This layered dessert can be made up to a day in advance. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for 2–3 days. The texture softens slightly but still tastes great.
Not an Oreo fan? You can substitute peanut butter cups, Heath bars, Skor bars, M&Ms, or any chopped candy you love.
For a holiday party or large group of people, layer into clear cups or jars for easy individual portions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 384
- Sugar: 35.2 g
- Sodium: 225.7 mg
- Fat: 17.6 g
- Trans Fat:
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Protein: 8.4 g
- Cholesterol: 22.8 mg
