Description
A decadent Chocolate Raspberry Trifle featuring layers of moist chocolate cake, rich chocolate pudding, fresh raspberries, and fluffy whipped topping. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, combining the deep flavors of chocolate with the bright sweetness of raspberries in an elegant layered presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
Chocolate Pudding
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Filling and Garnish
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
- 2 cups fresh raspberries (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup raspberry preserves
- 1 tablespoon raspberry liqueur (optional)
- Chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
Instructions
- Bake the Cake: Follow the package instructions to bake the chocolate cake. Once baked, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before assembling the trifle to prevent melting the pudding or whipped topping.
- Prepare the Pudding: In a bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of cold milk until smooth. Refrigerate the pudding for about 5 minutes to thicken properly.
- Mix Raspberry Filling: In a small bowl, combine the raspberry preserves with the optional raspberry liqueur, stirring well to blend the flavors evenly.
- Cut the Cake: Slice the cooled chocolate cake into 1-inch cubes, ready to be layered into the dish.
- Assemble the Trifle – First Layer: In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the chocolate cake cubes. Drizzle half of the raspberry preserve mixture evenly over the cake pieces, then spread half of the chilled chocolate pudding on top.
- Add Berries and Whipped Topping: Add a layer of fresh raspberries followed by a layer of whipped topping, smoothing it out gently with a spatula.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process using the remaining cake cubes, raspberry mixture, pudding, raspberries, and whipped topping.
- Garnish and Chill: Finish with the remaining whipped topping and garnish the top with additional fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant look. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Notes
- You can substitute the chocolate cake with store-bought chocolate pound cake or brownies for convenience.
- If fresh raspberries are not available, frozen raspberries can be used; just thaw and drain them well to prevent excess moisture in the trifle.
- Raspberry liqueur is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and enhances the raspberry notes.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before assembling to maintain the structure and texture of the trifle.
- Chilling the trifle for at least 2 hours allows it to set properly, making it easier to serve and more flavorful.
