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Death by Chocolate Trifle Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 55 reviews

Death by Chocolate is a decadent layered dessert featuring moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate pudding, airy whipped cream, and crunchy chocolate toffee or cookie pieces, assembled into an indulgent trifle that’s perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • Softened butter or nonstick baking spray for the pan
  • 2 cups/256 grams all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups/402 grams granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup/71 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup/240 milliliters hot coffee
  • 1 cup/240 milliliters buttermilk
  • 1 cup/240 milliliters vegetable oil
  • 2 large or medium eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Pudding

  • 1/2 cup/100 grams granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup/71 grams unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup/32 grams cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 cups/960 milliliters whole milk
  • 4 tablespoons/57 grams unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract

Whipped Cream

  • 1 pint/475 milliliters heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Crunch Layer

  • 1 cup chopped chocolate toffee bars (such as Skor or Heath) or 1 cup crumbled chocolate sandwich cookies (such as Oreo)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with softened butter or nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper and grease the paper as well. This ensures the cake won’t stick.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt until thoroughly combined.
  3. Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the hot coffee first, then add the buttermilk and vegetable oil. Mix well before folding in the beaten eggs and vanilla extract, ensuring a smooth batter.
  4. Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack, approximately 2 hours.
  5. Make the chocolate pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Heat over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 12 minutes. Remove from heat; immediately whisk in butter and vanilla extract until smooth. Transfer to a heat-proof bowl, cover with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the pudding surface to prevent skin formation, and refrigerate until chilled.
  6. Prepare the whipped cream: In a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until stiff peaks form. Chill until ready to assemble.
  7. Assemble the trifle: Cut the cooled cake into 2-inch squares. Place half of the cake pieces in a 4-quart trifle dish or large bowl, filling any gaps. Spread half of the chocolate pudding over the cake, pressing gently. Add half of the whipped cream on top, then evenly sprinkle half of the chopped toffee bars or cookie crumbs. Repeat the layers one more time—cake, pudding, whipped cream, and crunch. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to let flavors meld.
  8. Serve: Serve the trifle chilled directly from the refrigerator. Scoop portions into individual bowls or plates and enjoy a rich chocolate delight.

Notes

  • You can substitute coffee with hot water if you prefer a less intense coffee flavor.
  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil substitutes.
  • Make sure to press the plastic wrap directly onto the pudding to avoid skin formation.
  • The crunch layer can be customized with your favorite chocolate candies or cookies.
  • Letting the trifle chill overnight enhances the fusion of flavors and texture.

Keywords: death by chocolate, chocolate trifle, chocolate cake dessert, layered chocolate dessert, chocolate pudding, whipped cream dessert

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/death-by-chocolate-trifle-recipe/