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- 1 package of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare) - 2 cups peppermint-flavored whipped topping - 2 cups vanilla pudding (instant) - 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (divided) - 1 cup milk - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup crushed chocolate cookies (optional for layer) - Fresh mint leaves for garnish You can swap the chocolate cake mix for a gluten-free option. Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free choice. If you can’t find peppermint-flavored whipped topping, regular whipped cream works well. You may also try using crushed Oreo cookies instead of chocolate cookies for a fun twist. When measuring ingredients, use dry measuring cups for solids and liquid measuring cups for liquids. Level off dry ingredients with a straight edge for accuracy. For sticky items like whipped topping, use a rubber spatula to scrape it out completely. Always double-check your measurements to ensure the best results in your trifle. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bake the chocolate cake mix as the package says. Once baked, let it cool completely. This is key! Once cool, cut the cake into small cubes. Make sure the pieces are even for nice layers. In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and 1 cup of milk. Whisk the mix for about two minutes. You want it thick, so keep whisking! After it thickens, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This gives the pudding a nice flavor boost. Now comes the fun part—layering! In a large trifle dish or individual cups, add 1/3 of the cake cubes. Spread them evenly. Next, pour half of the vanilla pudding over the cake. Smooth it out gently. Spoon half of the peppermint-flavored whipped topping on top of the pudding. Make sure to spread it evenly, too! Then, sprinkle half of the crushed peppermint candies over the whipped topping. This adds a nice crunch. Repeat these layers. Start with more cake cubes, then the remaining pudding, followed by the rest of the whipped topping. For the final touch, add the last of the crushed peppermint candies. If you want, sprinkle some crushed chocolate cookies on top. Cover your trifle with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least four hours. If you have time, letting it chill overnight is even better! This helps all the flavors blend. When ready to serve, add fresh mint leaves on top for a festive look. Enjoy your Peppermint Christmas Trifle! Layering is key to a great trifle. Start with the cake cubes. Use about one-third of the chocolate cake. Make sure to cut it into even pieces. This helps each bite taste amazing. After the cake, add vanilla pudding. Spread the pudding evenly. Then, add the peppermint whipped topping. Use a spatula to smooth it out gently. Next, sprinkle half of the crushed peppermint candies. Repeat this process until you reach the top. For a final touch, add crushed chocolate cookies if you like. A beautiful trifle looks great on any table. Use a clear trifle dish for the best view. It shows off all the colorful layers. You can also use individual glasses for a fun twist. This makes it easy for guests to serve themselves. Just before serving, add fresh mint leaves on top. They add a pop of green and look festive. You can also sprinkle more crushed peppermint candies for extra color and crunch. Avoid cutting the cake too small or too big. If the pieces are too small, they will mush together. If they are too big, they won’t fit well. Also, don’t rush the chilling process. It’s important to chill the trifle for at least four hours. This helps the layers meld together. Lastly, be careful with the toppings. Too many toppings can make it messy. Stick to the recipe for the best results. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow your eggs and milk to reach room temperature before incorporating them into the batter for a better rise and texture. Don’t Rush the Cooling Process: Make sure your chocolate cake is completely cooled before cutting it into cubes to prevent it from crumbling. Customize Your Layers: Feel free to add additional layers of fruits like raspberries or strawberries for a refreshing twist on the classic trifle. Chill Longer for Best Flavor: Refrigerating the trifle overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cake for a new taste. Try a red velvet cake mix for a festive touch. Vanilla cake mix also works well and gives a light flavor. You may also use spiced cake for warmth in winter. Each choice adds a unique twist to your trifle. If you want to change the whipped topping, consider using chocolate-flavored whipped topping. This adds rich flavor that pairs well with the cake. You can also use regular whipped cream for a classic taste. For a fun twist, try a berry-flavored topping to brighten the dish. Garnishing makes your trifle stand out. Use crushed peppermint candies for a sweet crunch on top. You might also sprinkle cocoa powder for a rich look. Fresh berries, like raspberries, can add a pop of color. Finally, mint leaves give a fresh, green touch that looks great. To store leftovers, cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap. You can also use a lid if your dish has one. Keep it in the fridge. The trifle stays fresh for up to three days. The layers may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be great. I do not recommend freezing the trifle. The whipped topping and pudding may separate. If you need to freeze it, try freezing the layers separately. You can freeze the cake and peppermint candies. Then, assemble it fresh later. That way, you keep the best texture. You do not need to reheat the trifle. It is best served cold. If you want to enjoy it warm, you can warm the cake slightly. Place it on a plate and microwave for about 10 seconds. Then add the cold layers back on top. This will keep your dessert tasty and fun. Yes, you can make this trifle a day in advance. It tastes even better when chilled overnight. Just layer it up, cover it, and store it in the fridge. This way, the flavors meld together nicely. If you can't find peppermint-flavored whipped topping, use regular whipped cream. Add a few drops of peppermint extract for flavor. You can also crush some peppermint candies and mix them in for extra crunch and taste. The trifle can last in the fridge for about 3 days. Make sure it is covered to keep it fresh. If it starts to look watery, it’s best to eat it sooner. Yes, you can make a gluten-free version. Use gluten-free chocolate cake mix instead of regular. Check the labels on your whipped topping and pudding to ensure they are gluten-free. Enjoy your festive treat without worry! You now have all you need to make a perfect Peppermint Christmas Trifle. We covered the key ingredients, your options for swaps, and tips for measuring. The step-by-step guide helps you create layers with ease. Plus, we shared helpful tips and tricks to present your dessert beautifully. Consider the variations to match your taste. Don’t forget proper storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. With this knowledge, you can impress everyone this holiday season with a delicious trifle that shines on your table. Enjoy making it!

Peppermint Christmas Trifle

A festive layered dessert featuring chocolate cake, vanilla pudding, and peppermint whipped topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients needed to prepare)
  • 2 cups peppermint-flavored whipped topping
  • 2 cups vanilla pudding (instant)
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candies (divided)
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup crushed chocolate cookies (optional for layer)
  • to taste fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cake: Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions. Allow to cool completely before cutting into cubes.
  • Make the Pudding: In a mixing bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Layer the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, start by adding a layer of chocolate cake cubes (about 1/3 of the cake).
  • Add Pudding: Pour half of the prepared vanilla pudding over the cake layer, spreading it evenly.
  • Incorporate Whipped Topping: Spoon half of the peppermint-flavored whipped topping over the pudding layer, smoothing it out gently.
  • Peppermint Crunch: Sprinkle half of the crushed peppermint candies over the whipped topping.
  • Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining chocolate cake cubes, followed by the rest of the vanilla pudding, another layer of whipped topping, and finish with the remaining crushed peppermint candies. If using crushed chocolate cookies, sprinkle them on top of the last layer before adding candies.
  • Chill: Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the layers to meld together.
  • Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with fresh mint leaves for a festive touch.

Notes

Chill for at least 4 hours for best flavor.
Keyword chocolate, Christmas, dessert, peppermint, trifle