Get ready to spook and delight your guests this Halloween! Halloween Trifle is a Spooky Layered Dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy pudding, and festive toppings for a chocolate layered treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Perfect for Halloween parties or family gatherings, this festive trifle comes together quickly and invites creativity. Let’s whip up this Halloween Trifle and make your spooky season unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Festive Trifle
- Quick Prep: This Halloween Trifle takes just 35 minutes to assemble, ideal for busy nights.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Decorating this spooky dessert is a blast for the whole family.
- Rich Flavors: Chocolate cake and creamy pudding make a delicious chocolate layered treat.
- Festive Look: Vibrant layers and spooky toppings create a show-stopping festive trifle.
- Customizable: Add your favorite candies or flavors to this spooky dessert.
Ingredients for Festive Trifle
Here’s what you’ll need for this chocolate layered treat (serves ~8–10):
Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup (240ml) water
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Pudding:
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz/96g each) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups (960ml) full-fat milk (or plant-based milk)
- Orange food coloring (optional, for Halloween vibe)
Topping:
- 8 oz (226g) Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
- ¼ cup Halloween-themed sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate eyeball candies
- ½ cup gummy body parts (e.g., brains, fingers)
- Optional: edible glitter or spooky-shaped cookies
Equipment
- Small rimmed baking sheet (or 9×13-inch pan)
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Clear trifle dish (or large glass bowl)
- Pastry bag or ziplock bag (for piping)
- Spatula
Ingredient Tips
- Cake Mix: Any chocolate cake mix works for this Halloween Trifle; check the box for exact liquid amounts.
- Milk: Full-fat milk creates a creamy spooky dessert, but almond or oat milk works for plant-based options.
- Food Coloring: Gel-based orange coloring adds a festive pop to this chocolate layered treat.
- Toppings: Choose gummy candies or sprinkles to match your spooky dessert theme.
- Cool Whip: Substitute with whipped heavy cream for a homemade festive trifle.
Directions for Festive Trifle
Let’s create this Halloween Trifle—a vibrant chocolate layered treat!
Preheat and Prepare
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a small rimmed baking sheet (or 9×13-inch pan) with cooking spray to prevent sticking for this spooky dessert.
Bake the Cake
In a large bowl, I mix 1 box chocolate cake mix, 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs until smooth. I spread the batter evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. I let the cake cool completely for a perfect festive trifle base.
Prepare the Pudding
In a medium bowl, I whisk 2 boxes vanilla pudding mix with 4 cups milk until smooth, adding a few drops of orange food coloring for a Halloween vibe, if desired. I chill the pudding in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to set for this chocolate layered treat.
Assemble the Trifle
Once cooled, I cut a circle from the cake using the trifle dish rim as a guide, trimming as needed. I layer the cake at the bottom of a clear trifle dish, pipe or spoon the pudding over it, and top with 8 oz Cool Whip for a creamy spooky dessert.
Decorate and Serve
I sprinkle ¼ cup Halloween-themed sprinkles, ½ cup chocolate eyeball candies, and ½ cup gummy body parts on top, adding edible glitter or cookies for extra flair. I serve immediately or chill for up to 1 day for a stunning festive trifle.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes (plus cooling)
- Servings: 8–10
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 50g carbs, 5g protein, 15g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Festive Trifle
Try these twists on this chocolate layered treat:
- Mint Chocolate: Use peppermint chocolate cake and mint pudding for a refreshing spooky dessert, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Lemon Lavender Cookies.
- Vegan: Swap for plant-based cake mix, coconut milk, and coconut whipped cream for a vegan festive trifle.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cake mix for a dietary-friendly chocolate layered treat.
- Fruit Layers: Add blackberries or orange slices for a fruity spooky dessert.
- Cheesecake Twist: Replace pudding with cheesecake filling for a creamy festive trifle.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh contrast.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a sweet pairing.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a festive dessert duo.
Storage
I store leftover festive trifle in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, as layers may soften over time. For best texture, I assemble and serve the same day for this chocolate layered treat.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Show off this Halloween Trifle in a clear glass dish to highlight its layers.
- Garnish: Add gummy candies, sprinkles, or edible glitter for a spooky dessert vibe.
- Pairing: Serve with spiced apple cider or LaylaCooks’ Coconut Cooler for balance.
- Portion Size: 1 scoop per person for a sweet treat.
- Occasions: Perfect for Halloween parties, family gatherings, or themed events.
FAQs About Festive Trifle
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I make it a day ahead?
Yes, assemble this Halloween Trifle a day in advance and refrigerate, decorating before serving for a fresh spooky dessert.
What can I use instead of Cool Whip?
Whip heavy cream with sugar for a homemade alternative to this chocolate layered treat.
Can I customize the decorations?
Absolutely, use any Halloween candies like gummy worms or chopped chocolate for a festive trifle.
Is it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free cake mix for a dietary-friendly spooky dessert.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for up to 1 day, covered, for a fresh chocolate layered treat.
More Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Halloween Trifle is a fun, flavorful dessert that brings spooky charm to any Halloween celebration. This festive trifle, with its rich layers and playful toppings, is sure to delight. Create this chocolate layered treat, share with loved ones, and enjoy its spooky sweetness!
Halloween Trifle
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box 15.25 oz/432g chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup 240ml water
- ½ cup 120ml vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs room temperature
For the Pudding:
- 2 boxes 3.4 oz/96g each instant vanilla pudding mix
- 4 cups 960ml full-fat milk (or plant-based milk)
- Orange food coloring optional, for Halloween vibe
For the Topping:
- 8 oz 226g Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
- ¼ cup Halloween-themed sprinkles
- ½ cup chocolate eyeball candies
- ½ cup gummy body parts e.g., brains, fingers
- Optional: edible glitter or spooky-shaped cookies
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a small rimmed baking sheet (or 9x13-inch pan) with cooking spray to prevent sticking for this spooky dessert.
Bake the Cake
- In a large bowl, I mix 1 box chocolate cake mix, 1 cup water, ½ cup vegetable oil, and 3 eggs until smooth. I spread the batter evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. I let the cake cool completely for a perfect festive trifle base.
Prepare the Pudding
- In a medium bowl, I whisk 2 boxes vanilla pudding mix with 4 cups milk until smooth, adding a few drops of orange food coloring for a Halloween vibe, if desired. I chill the pudding in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to set for this chocolate layered treat.
Assemble the Trifle
- Once cooled, I cut a circle from the cake using the trifle dish rim as a guide, trimming as needed. I layer the cake at the bottom of a clear trifle dish, pipe or spoon the pudding over it, and top with 8 oz Cool Whip for a creamy spooky dessert.
Decorate and Serve
- I sprinkle ¼ cup Halloween-themed sprinkles, ½ cup chocolate eyeball candies, and ½ cup gummy body parts on top, adding edible glitter or cookies for extra flair. I serve immediately or chill for up to 1 day for a stunning festive trifle.
Notes
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before assembling the trifle.
- Feel free to customize decorations to fit your Halloween theme.
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