Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and the pressure to impress is on! But don't worry, I've got you covered with a recipe that's not only incredibly delicious but also surprisingly easy: Death by Chocolate Trifle. This dessert is guaranteed to win hearts (and taste buds!) without requiring you to spend all day in the kitchen.
Now, I love a good from-scratch recipe as much as the next person. Handmade cake, pudding, whipped cream, toffee – the whole shebang! But let's be realistic, sometimes time is of the essence. That's why I'm sharing a semi-homemade version that utilizes some delicious shortcuts without sacrificing any flavor. After all, it’s the taste that counts!
This Death by Chocolate Trifle is rich, decadent, and practically foolproof. It's the kind of dessert that makes everyone swoon. And the secret ingredient? Our homemade toffee (the same recipe my mom used for the holidays!). It adds that special touch that brings the homemade flavor factor without all the fuss.
Why This Trifle is Your Valentine's Day MVP:
-
Easy as Pie (or Trifle!): This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just pure chocolate bliss in every bite.
-
Presentation Powerhouse: The presentation options are endless! Go romantic with individual wine glasses or ramekins, create a show-stopping centerpiece with a trifle bowl, or keep it casual in a 9x13 pan. No matter how you serve it, it's going to look amazing.
-
Customization King: Personalize this trifle to your loved one's tastes. Add a layer of their favorite jam, a sprinkle of espresso powder, or even swap out the pudding flavor. And don't forget the toffee! Choose from our six delicious varieties to add the perfect finishing touch. It shows you know them and you care.
-
Impressive Without the Stress: Despite being so easy, this dessert looks and tastes like you slaved away for hours. Your Valentine will be seriously impressed (and you'll have plenty of time to relax!).
-
Sweet Layers of Love: Just like the layers of this trifle, relationships are built on layers of shared experiences, laughter, and love. Each layer adds depth and richness to the overall connection. This Valentine's Day, appreciate all the "ingredients" that make your relationship so special.
Building Your Trifle Masterpiece:
Death by Chocolate Trifle
Yields: 8-10 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Chill time: At least 4 hours (preferably overnight)
Ingredients:
-
Cake: 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
-
Pudding: 2 (3.9 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix1
-
Coffee: 1 cup strongly brewed coffee, cooled
-
Toffee: 1 (8 oz) Tonja’s Toffee - Milk Chocolate Almond Toffee (Or customize with your favorite Tonja’s Toffee variety)
-
Whipped Cream: 2 cups heavy cream, 2 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 (8 oz) tub of whipped topping)
Equipment:
-
3-quart trifle dish, bowl, ramekins, or 9X13
-
Mixing bowls
-
Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
-
Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
-
Prepare and bake the chocolate cake according to the package directions. Let cool completely. Once cooled, crumble the cake into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Pudding:
-
In a large bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mixes according to the package directions. Let stand to set.
3. Make the Whipped Cream (if not using pre-made):
*You'll notice - I used canned whipped cream on top because it snowed and I didn't want to run back to the store!
-
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
-
Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
4. Assemble the Trifle:
-
Layer 1: Spread a layer of about 1/3 of the crumbled chocolate cake in the bottom of the trifle dish.3
-
Layer 2: Moisten cake with cooled coffee.
-
Layer 3: Pour about 1/3 of the chocolate pudding over the cake layer.
-
Layer 4: Sprinkle about 1/3 of the toffee bits over the pudding.
-
Repeat layers 1-4 two more times, ending with a final layer of whipped cream. You can adjust the layering slightly to fit your dish and preference.
-
Top with a layer of whipped cream.
-
For a prettier presentation, you can reserve some toffee bits to sprinkle on top at the very end.
5. Chill:
-
Cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to soften.
Serve and Enjoy!
The Toffee Touch:
Our homemade toffee is the star of the show! It adds a buttery, crunchy element that perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavors. Simply crumble your favorite variety and layer it throughout the trifle.
Choose from any of our six varieties!
Don't Trifle with Love:
This Valentine's Day, show your loved ones how much you care with a dessert that's both delicious and meaningful. Don't trifle with love – appreciate the layers, savor the sweetness, and enjoy every moment.
Take Care,
Aubrey
Checkout the quick video link of this recipe on our socials! https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1CFGgsEk6Y/