The Layered Fruit and Chocolate Trifle is the kind of dessert that leaves people speechless—and going back for seconds. It’s built in dramatic layers of moist cake or brownies, silky chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or bananas.
A trifle is the perfect make-ahead dessert: elegant enough for special occasions but simple enough to make on a weeknight. It’s also easily adaptable—swap fruits, use different puddings, or try flavored whipped cream to suit your mood or pantry.
In this recipe, we’ll walk through each component in detail, from the rich chocolate pudding to the best fruit choices and tips for assembling the perfect trifle that holds its shape and flavor.
🍽 Ingredients (Serves 10–12)
For the Chocolate Base:
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1 box fudge brownies (or use chocolate cake or sponge cake)
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Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, water)
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
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1 package (5.1 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
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3 cups cold milk (whole or 2% for creaminess)
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Optional: ½ teaspoon espresso powder (intensifies chocolate flavor)
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
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2 cups heavy whipping cream
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¼ cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Fruit Layers:
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2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 cup raspberries or blueberries
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2 bananas, sliced (optional, but adds creaminess)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (to keep bananas from browning)
Optional Garnishes:
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Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
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Extra berries
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Crushed chocolate cookies or wafers
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Mint leaves
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
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Trifle bowl or large glass bowl (to showcase layers)
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Mixing bowls
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Electric mixer or whisk
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Rubber spatula
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Knife and cutting board
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Spoons for layering
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Base
You can use boxed fudge brownies, chocolate cake, or make your own from scratch. Here’s the quick version:
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Preheat the oven as per box instructions (typically 350°F).
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Prepare the brownie mix: Combine the mix with eggs, oil, and water. Stir until smooth.
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Pour into a greased pan and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
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Let it cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
💡 Tip: Make the brownie or cake the day before—it’s easier to cut and assemble when chilled.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
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1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
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3 cups cold milk
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Optional: espresso powder
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Whisk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it chill in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to set.
If using stovetop pudding, make it ahead and cool completely before assembling the trifle.
Step 3: Prepare the Whipped Cream
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In a chilled bowl, combine:
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2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
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¼ cup powdered sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Use a hand or stand mixer to beat on high speed until soft peaks form (about 3–4 minutes).
🥄 Don’t overbeat! You want soft, billowy whipped cream—not butter.
Step 4: Prep the Fruits
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Strawberries: Wash, hull, and slice them.
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Raspberries/Blueberries: Wash and pat dry.
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Bananas: Peel and slice, toss in lemon juice to prevent browning.
You can mix and match fruits. Strawberries and raspberries pair wonderfully with chocolate, while bananas add a creamy contrast.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
This is where the magic happens! You’ll repeat these layers:
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First Layer – Brownie Cubes
Start with a generous layer of brownie pieces at the bottom. Press gently to create a solid base. -
Second Layer – Chocolate Pudding
Spoon 1/3 of the chocolate pudding over the brownies. Smooth out with a spatula. -
Third Layer – Fresh Fruit
Add a layer of sliced strawberries and a handful of raspberries. Arrange them for a beautiful visual effect if using a glass bowl. -
Fourth Layer – Whipped Cream
Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the fruit. -
Repeat the layers:
Continue layering in the same order: brownies → pudding → fruit → cream. Aim for 2–3 full cycles, depending on your bowl height. -
Final Layer – Whipped Cream and Toppings
End with a layer of whipped cream. Garnish with more fruit, shaved chocolate, crushed cookies, or mint leaves for a finished look.
❄️ Chill Time
Refrigerate your assembled trifle for at least 2–4 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
You can also refrigerate it overnight, making it perfect for make-ahead preparation.
🍴 How to Serve
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Use a large spoon to scoop all the way down, ensuring each serving includes all the layers.
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Serve in bowls, cups, or dessert glasses for individual portions.
🌟 Mini trifles are also adorable in mason jars or small cups!
🍓 Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Tips:
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Use a clear glass bowl: The beauty of this dessert is in the layers!
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Balance textures: Soft pudding + chewy brownie + juicy fruit + fluffy cream = perfection.
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Avoid overly juicy fruits like watermelon or pineapple that may make the trifle soggy.
Variations:
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Tropical Trifle: Use vanilla pudding, coconut whipped cream, and tropical fruits like mango and pineapple.
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Oreo-Chocolate Trifle: Add crushed Oreos between layers for crunch.
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Peanut Butter Twist: Mix a spoonful of peanut butter into the pudding layer.
Substitutions:
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and almond milk with dairy-free pudding.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free brownies or cake.
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Sugar-Free: Use sugar-free pudding mix and whipped topping.
🧊 Storage Instructions
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Fridge: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing Not Recommended: Whipped cream and fresh fruit don’t freeze well in this context.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Dessert
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Easy to make with simple ingredients
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No baking skills required (especially with boxed mix & instant pudding)
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Make-ahead friendly
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Visually stunning
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Customizable to any occasion or fruit season
📖 Final Thoughts
The Layered Fruit and Chocolate Trifle is more than just a dessert—it’s a showpiece. With its decadent chocolate layers and bursts of fresh fruit, it satisfies every craving in one spoonful. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a summer BBQ, or just because you need a pick-me-up, this dessert never fails to impress.
It’s the kind of sweet that becomes tradition. Once you make it, you’ll be asked to bring it again and again. And with how simple it is, you’ll never mind saying yes.
