Mint Chocolate Trifle

A refreshing and indulgent layered dessert, this Mint Chocolate Trifle combines moist chocolate cake, cool peppermint whipped cream, rich chocolate pudding, and a crunchy mint cookie topping. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you want a sweet treat with that cool chocolate-mint twist. Quick to assemble and easy to customize!

What Is a Mint Chocolate Trifle?

A trifle is a layered dessert traditionally made with cake, pudding, and whipped cream. This mint chocolate version takes it up a notch: rich chocolate cake meets fluffy peppermint cream, cool chocolate pudding, mint chocolate chips, and crunchy crushed cookies.

No baking (besides the cake prep), no stress—just layers of chocolate-mint heaven in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Trifle

• So simple—perfect for beginners or last-minute party prep.
• Customizable—use homemade or store-bought elements.
• Great for feeding a crowd—makes a big bowl of goodness!
• No fancy tools—just layer and chill.

this RECIPE

What Does It Taste Like?

Each bite is rich, cool, and incredibly satisfying. You get:

• Moist chocolate cake
• Creamy peppermint whipped layer
• Silky smooth pudding
• Pockets of mint chocolate chips
• Crunchy cookie topping

It’s a chocolate-mint lover’s dream—like a peppermint patty in dessert form, but fluffier and more decadent!

Benefits of This Dessert

• Easy to prep in advance
• Kid- and adult-approved
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Customizable layers to suit your flavor mood

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate cake mix (prepared as directed, cooled and cubed)
• 1 cup whipped cream (or Cool Whip)
• ½ cup mint chocolate chips
• 1 cup chocolate pudding (store-bought or homemade)
• ¼ cup chocolate syrup
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• Green food coloring (optional, for that minty look)
• Crushed mint cookies (for garnish – like Mint Oreos or Grasshoppers)
• Fresh mint sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the cake
   Bake chocolate cake according to package instructions. Let cool completely and cut into small cubes.
2. Make mint whipped cream
   In a bowl, fold peppermint extract and a few drops of green food coloring (if using) into whipped cream until smooth and minty.
3. Start layering
   In a trifle dish or clear bowl, layer half the chocolate cake cubes. Top with half the pudding, then half the mint whipped cream. Drizzle some chocolate syrup and sprinkle with mint chocolate chips.
4. Repeat
   Repeat layers with remaining cake, pudding, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and chips.
5. Garnish
   Top with crushed mint cookies, extra chocolate chips, a drizzle of syrup, and fresh mint sprigs.
6. Chill & serve
   Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.

Notes

• You can use brownies instead of cake for a richer version.
• Stabilize homemade whipped cream with powdered sugar if making ahead.
• Adjust peppermint extract to your taste—1 tsp gives a gentle mint flavor.
• Want a color pop? Use green food coloring in just the whipped layer!

Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (for cake, inactive)
Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 10–12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: No-bake assembly
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: mint chocolate trifle, no-bake trifle, chocolate pudding dessert, peppermint dessert, layered holiday dessert

Equipment

• 9×13 baking pan (for cake)
• Trifle dish or clear glass bowl
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula
• Whisk or mixer
• Measuring spoons
• Knife for cubing cake

Nutrition (per serving, approx.)

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 26g
Sodium: 240mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Helpful Tips

• Make the cake a day ahead to speed up assembly.
• Want more texture? Add a layer of chopped Andes mints or peppermint bark.
• To keep layers defined, refrigerate after each layer for 10 minutes before adding the next.

Conservation and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended once fully assembled. However, individual components like cake can be frozen.

Substitutions and Variations

• Cake: Try chocolate brownies, chocolate pound cake, or even chocolate muffins.
• Pudding: Use mint chocolate, vanilla, or white chocolate pudding for a twist.
• Whipped Cream: Sub in dairy-free whipped topping for a vegan-friendly option.
• Cookies: Use candy cane pieces or peppermint bark in place of mint cookies for a holiday version.

Storage Instructions

• Cover with plastic wrap or airtight lid and keep in the fridge.
• Best eaten within 2 days for optimal texture.
• Garnishes like cookies or mint leaves are best added just before serving to maintain crunch and freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this trifle the night before?
Yes! It’s even better when chilled overnight—just add the cookie topping before serving.

Is it overly minty?
Nope! The peppermint is just enough to be refreshing without overpowering the chocolate.

Can I make individual portions?
Absolutely. Layer into jars, cups, or parfait glasses for a fun single-serve presentation.

Can I use homemade pudding?
Yes! Homemade chocolate pudding gives an ultra-creamy texture, but store-bought works great too.

Conclusion

This Mint Chocolate Trifle is everything a dessert should be—layered, luscious, light-hearted, and loved by all ages. It’s the perfect blend of festive and fuss-free, ready to brighten up your table whether it’s a winter holiday, a summer BBQ, or a just-because treat.

If you love mint and chocolate, this one’s your new go-to. And if you don’t? Well, this dessert might just change your mind.

Want more no-bake dessert ideas?

• Cookies & Cream Icebox Cake
• Peppermint Mocha Mousse Cups
• Chocolate Chip Brownie Trifle

Tried this recipe?
Leave a review, rate it below, and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram @cookingtaste1—I love seeing what you’re making in your kitchen!

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