Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Trifle
This Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is the ultimate indulgent dessert perfect for any gathering. Layered with rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter pudding, and a generous topping of Cool Whip, this trifle is not only easy to prepare but will also impress your guests with its beautiful presentation and delightful flavors. Each bite combines the lusciousness of chocolate, the nuttiness of peanut butter, and the lightness of whipped cream, making it a balanced treat that kids and adults alike will cherish. Whether it's a family reunion, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, this dessert is sure to become a favorite at any event!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baked chocolate cake
1 (Baked in a 13x9 inch pan and crumbled)
Chocolate chips
1 cup (Semi-sweet or dark, for layering)
Instant vanilla pudding mix
2 (3 ounce) packages (For the pudding layer)
Milk
3 cups (Used to prepare the pudding)
Peanut butter
3/4 cup (Smooth or crunchy, depending on preference)
Cool Whip
16 ounces (For layering and topping)
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
4 bars (Chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by crumbling the baked chocolate cake into small pieces and set aside.
2
In a mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the milk. Beat on medium-low speed until fully blended and smooth.
3
Next, add the peanut butter to the pudding mixture, and beat until completely smooth and well combined.
4
Gently fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip into the peanut butter mixture to create a lighter texture.
5
In a large trifle bowl, create the first layer by adding half of the crumbled chocolate cake.
6
Next, add half of the peanut butter pudding mixture over the cake and sprinkle with half of the chocolate chips.
7
Smooth 1 cup of Cool Whip over the chocolate chip layer, then sprinkle with half of the chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
8
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: another layer of crumbled cake, the remaining peanut butter mixture, the remaining chocolate chips, another cup of Cool Whip, and finish with the additional chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups on top.
9
Once assembled, cover the trifle and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Decadent Peanut Butter Cup Trifle?
It is a rich, layered dessert made with chocolate cake, peanut butter pudding, chocolate chips, Cool Whip, and chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What kind of cake is used in this recipe?
A standard chocolate cake baked in a 13x9 inch pan is used and then crumbled for layering.
Can I use store-bought chocolate cake?
Yes, you can use a pre-baked store-bought chocolate cake to save time; just ensure it is crumbled before assembly.
What type of pudding mix is required?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce packages of instant vanilla pudding mix.
How much milk is needed for the pudding?
You will need 3 cups of milk to prepare the pudding mixture.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
You can use either smooth or crunchy peanut butter depending on your personal preference.
How much peanut butter is included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of peanut butter.
What is the role of Cool Whip in this trifle?
Cool Whip is used both to lighten the pudding mixture and as a standalone layer for a creamy texture.
How much Cool Whip do I need in total?
You will need 16 ounces of Cool Whip.
What kind of chocolate chips are recommended?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are recommended for the layers.
How many Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are needed?
The recipe calls for 4 bars of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.
How should the Reese's Peanut Butter Cups be prepared?
They should be chopped into small pieces to be used as a garnish and within the layers.
How do I prepare the pudding layer?
Combine the pudding mix with milk, beat until smooth, then add peanut butter and fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip.
What is the first layer of the trifle?
The assembly starts with half of the crumbled chocolate cake at the bottom of the trifle bowl.
How many times are the layers repeated?
The layering process is performed twice, using half of the ingredients for each set of layers.
What equipment is needed for assembly?
You will need a mixing bowl, an electric mixer, and a large glass trifle bowl.
How long does the trifle need to chill?
The trifle should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 4-6 hours or overnight.
Why must the trifle be chilled before serving?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and helps the dessert set for a better consistency.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, making it the day before is ideal as it gives the trifle plenty of time to set in the fridge.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Absolutely, its beautiful presentation and high serving count make it perfect for gatherings and reunions.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, though Cool Whip is recommended for its stability in layered desserts, stabilized whipped cream can be a substitute.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
While the assembly is no-bake, the chocolate cake itself must be baked beforehand.
What size pan should I use to bake the cake?
A 13x9 inch pan is the standard size suggested for the cake component.
What is the texture of this dessert?
It is a combination of moist cake, creamy pudding, crunchy chocolate chips, and airy whipped cream.
Can I add extra toppings?
Yes, you can add extra chocolate drizzle or more chopped nuts if desired.
Is there a specific order for the layers?
Yes: crumbled cake, then peanut butter pudding, then chocolate chips, then Cool Whip, then chopped Reese's.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept covered and stored in the refrigerator.
How many grams of protein are in this dish?
The specific nutritional breakdown for protein is not provided in this recipe data.
Can I use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla?
Yes, you can swap for chocolate pudding if you prefer an even more intense chocolate flavor.