Death by Chocolate Trifle is a dessert with layers of fudgy brownies, chocolate pudding, toffee and cool whip. A chocolate lovers dream.
"Death by chocolate" can take on many meanings. For me, it means tall layers of fudgy brownies, decadent chocolate pudding, small pieces of toffee, and whipped cream just waiting for me to dig in.
Why We Love this Chocolate Recipe
This has been and always will be one of my favorite chocolate desserts for a few reasons.
- It is very simple to make, especially when using brownie mix and instant pudding mix.
- It beholds a lovely presentation, with beautiful layers showing through the glass bowl and a decorated whipped topping.
- It is full of yummy chocolate goodness and serves a crowd.
Ingredients & Instructions
(full printable recipe at end of post)
It doesn't take much to make this layered dessert. Use the following items for the simplest instant method, or if you prefer all layers from scratch, I've linked to my favorite recipes in each bullet point.
Here's what you need:
- Brownie mix -- Bake according to package directions, cool and cut into bite sized pieces. Or, try my homemade brownie recipe. You can also use the pre-made brownie bites from Costco and Sam's Club.
- Cool Whip -- Or, you can whip heavy whipping cream into stiff peaks for homemade whipped cream.
- Instant pudding or instant mousse -- I've always made this trifle using the instant boxed mixes, but you can use my favorite homemade mousse if you have the time!
- Toffee pieces -- I just buy a bag of Heath toffee bits to sprinkle over the layers, no need to do this from scratch. But, if you want, you can click here for a toffee recipe.
Here's how you make it:
This is the EASIEST recipe. Just layer the brownie bites, then half the pudding, then half the Cool Whip, then half the toffee bits. Repeat layers, ending with a garnish of the toffee bits. Let chill in the fridge and serve cold. SO delicious!
Instant Pudding Mix
The first few years I made this, I always used a package of instant mousse. But, after we moved, I searched high and low in our grocery stores for instant mousse and could not find it. Reluctantly, I resorted to using instant chocolate pudding mix and I was very pleased with the results. Of course, I could always use my favorite homemade mousse which might send this dessert straight from heaven. But, to keep it quick in preparation, I'll stick with the instant versions.
Recipe Variations
There are many ways you can change up this recipe to make it your own. For example, switch out the toffee bits with reese's peanut butter cups or your favorite candy. Add a sprinkling of chocolate chips or drizzle chocolate fudge and caramel sauce between the layers. You can try chocolate cake mix instead of brownies, or make a fruit version with vanilla pound cake layered with strawberries and whipped cream. The ideas are endless!
Make-Ahead
You need to make this dessert at least 4 hours before you plan to serve it, but I wouldn't make it more than 24 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator.
Tried and True Recipe
This recipe is one of the first that graced its presence here back in February of 2007. I can't believe it's been that long! Those of you that have been with me from the beginning, thank you! I like digging out these older recipes and giving them a little facelift with a new picture and better voice. This one really needed updating as I embarrassingly described it as a "truffle" rather than a "trifle." Yes, I've come a long way in my food blogging journey. 🙂
More Favorite Layered Dessert Recipes:
- Banana Pudding
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Lasagna
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream Bar Cake
Made this recipe?
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This recipe was originally published February 2007 and updated October 2022.
Recipe Card
Death by Chocolate Trifle
Ingredients
- 6 oz. package instant chocolate pudding
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 family size brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on box to make brownies , prepared according to package directions, cooled and cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup toffee bits , or Heath bars crushed into bits (more to taste)
- 16 ounces whipped topping , such as Cool Whip
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry pudding mix with 2 cups of milk; set aside.
- Place half of the brownie bites on the bottom of a clear trifle bowl, in a single layer. Evenly pour half of the pudding on top of the brownies in the trifle bowl. Layer with half of the whipped cream, then half of the toffee bits. Repeat layers one more time.
- Chill 4 hours before serving.
Notes
- Nutrition information is an estimate only.
- For homemade brownies, use this recipe.
- For homemade whipped cream, use this recipe.
Nutrition
Danielle says
Is the amount of milk in addition to the package directions or just what the pudding mix calls for? It reads like it’s extra.
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Danielle,
Instead of using the ingredients listed on the package, use the milk measurement listed in my recipe.
Thanks!
Connie says
I have to make this the day before and am worried that it will get soggy. Should I wait and assemble it at night, or wait until the morning?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Connie,
You should be fine assembling at night if you plan to eat it the very next day. I would not prepare it more in advance than that, though. 🙂
d says
Are you using real heavy whipped cream or cool whip?
Nikki Gladd says
Either will work (as long as you first whip the heavy cream)
Sonia says
I love how easy it is to make this dessert gluten free. Just use a gluten free brownie box and you're good to go.
Barb says
I was wondering if it was ok to let this sit overnight in the fridge
Nikki Gladd says
Hi Barb,
I'm sorry! My answer is probably too late as I took the weekend off. Yes, this should be fine over night.
phyllis says
I make this with store bought brownies and a layer of cherry pie filling!
laura says
Love this recipe! Making it this weekend for our family Christmas party. Debating on whether to use brownies or chocolate cake. But I am sure I will add my own little signature on it. Not exactly sure what that is yet but will let you know how it turns out and if it's a hit at the party!!
Nikki says
Thanks, Laura! Can't wait to hear about your own twist!
Susanne Bushey says
I had it with brownie was a big hit it was really good everyone was asking for recipy you will love it
Cheryl says
Thanks for a recipe my kids can eat just about every other chocolate trifle has kahlua I like the caramel syrup idea too.
Tammi Jensen says
Hello!
I used the cooked chocolate pudding, and at the end at add about 1 cup of semi sweet chocolate chips. It gives the pudding a rich flavor. Even better then mousse! 🙂
Anonymous says
i love using a KozyShack pudding tub. makes this even easier!!
Casey says
This looks wonderful! Where can you buy instant mousse?
Nikki says
I have found it in my local grocery store (like Kroger, Walmart, Safeway, etc). Sometimes found in the international food aisle, sometimes in baking aisle or jello/pudding aisle. If you can't find it, instant pudding works well, too. 🙂
peggy says
I follow your recipe, but instead of the mouse I buy 2 cans of Thank you pudding it's much easier(Choc) I also use the Kuhula on top of the cake but am going to try your fudge browie ix next time. This is such an easy recipe and looks so pretty.
Mel says
I have a recipe very similar. I pour 1/4 cup of kahula over the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven. Then I stick them back in for a few minutes to make sure the alcohol bakes off. I also cannot find mousse at the store, so to get that layer I add one cup of cool whip to the pudding. I like to drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of mine.
Susan Lopez says
I make this exact recipe, except I drizzle some caramel ice cream topping over the brownies. This is always a crowd favorite.
Sabrina says
Can you make this the night before or will it get to soggy?
Nikki says
Yes, you can! I have many times. 🙂
Jeri Dunlap says
I make this but drizzle the brownies with Kahula and make the mousse from scratch---it's easy. I also add chopped pecans as one of the layers. I make this on my birthday each year...the best!
Betsy says
This is better than the recipe I have, where you soak chocolate cake overnight in Kahlua. I'm going to use this recipe with Ghiradelli brownies. It can't get much better!!
Kelly Smith says
Made this for a church lunch, it was all gone by the time I got to the dessert table! Everyone loved it.
Meg says
Sooo good!!! but definitely poke holes in brownies and pour over 1/4 cup kahlua!!! Brings out the rich flavor of chocolate. It's divine
Anonymous says
I too have this version of recipe.......yum!
Barb says
Try using those great mini brownies from Costco or Pillsbury already made from Sams,,,they are both great and fudgy and make this a super treat!
Nikki says
Oh yes, I love the brownie bites from Costco! Great idea, Barb!
Batsheva says
This looks yuuuumy!! and sooo easy!!! 🙂
Just one thing-have you, by any chance, got a real good recipe for the brownies, with fudge or without...?
Thanks from Israel!!
Nikki says
Hi Batsheva! I have a confession... I love boxed brownies, so I haven't had much of a push to find a homemade brownie recipe. But, lately I've been thinking about making the plunge and trying out a few that I've bookmarked. If I end up with one that is a keeper, I'll post it on here for you. 🙂
Batsheva says
Hi Nikki!
just got my son a great book of baking for kids and found an amazing racipe. And its so easy... 🙂
This is how it works:
200 g butter
200 g dark chocolate
1 1/2 cups of sugar(we used brown sugar)
4 eggs
1 cup of flour(we used 1/3 whole wheat flour)
1/4 tsp of salt
You put the butter and chocolate in a bowl and into the microwave for about 2 min and than mix into a smooth mixture.
Add eggs and sugar into the mixture and mix. Than add flour and salt and mix until the mixture is smooth.
We added a cup of chopped walnut to the mixture.
(At this point, if you're making just the brownies, you can add 20 Milk toffees, flattened, and put them after pouring half the amount of the mixture into a pan, in one layer, and than pour the other half of the amount)
Bake 30 min in a pre-heated oven on 180 C°. Let cool and put in a fridge 4 hours. Cut and eat cold.
Yummy!!! 🙂
Nikki says
Thank you, sounds great!
Nikki Gladd says
I'm back years later to tell you I finally published my favorite homemade brownies recipe. 🙂
https://www.seededatthetable.com/brownie-recipe/
Katie says
This is a standard dessert for us, I make it every father's day 🙂 I have always used chocolate cake- box or homemde, either is good- but now i think I will try brownies next time!
CJ says
Can you make this a day ahead?
Nikki Gladd says
Hi CJ, The version listed (using brownies) can be made a day in advance, but I wouldn't recommend more than one day ahead. Hope this helps!
Melissa says
***This is just an update of my attempt on making this dessert. In one word....WOW!!!! I think my husband has fallen in love with me all over again. Lol. It was so easy to make and ridiculously delicious. The birthday boy was thrilled to pieces about his birthday "cake". Thanks again
Sue Gladd says
Oh my; thank you, Nikki. This reminds me of the chocolate pudding torte I made when all the "boys" were growing up. But better.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
Oh, this looks lovely!! Perfect for a party. I think I might just have to make some this weekend. 🙂
Sylvia says
Is to die for indeed
Melissa says
My youngest son just turned 5 yesterday and we are having a small family birthday party today. We were already toying with the idea of doing something other than a traditional cake. When I saw this recipe this morning, I knew it would be perfect! I went to the store and got all the ingredients and just took the brownies out of the oven. Can't wait to put it all together! Thanks for the recipe.
Nicole says
I do something very similar too!! I also use chocolate cake instead of brownies BUT really want to try using brownies now!!!
I also use andies mints (in the baking aisle) and mini chocolate chips instead of heath bar. I love the mint flavoring it gives the dessert!!
Meg L. says
I have a recipe almost identical to this and it is DELICIOUS! The only differences are that I use chocolate cake instead of brownies (but you are enticing me to try fudgy brownies next time) and over each layer of cake (or brownies) I sprinkle a few tablespoons of kahlua. I might have to go bake this tonight. Thanks!
carrie says
yum! i have a very similar recipe that adds some warm water and instant coffee to give that mocha flavor- SO GOOD