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    Home » Dessert » Death by Chocolate Trifle

    Published: Aug 1, 2013 · Modified: Jun 5, 2020 by Lisa Johnson

    Death by Chocolate Trifle

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    This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, please visit my disclosure page.

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    Everyone loves this creamy and delicious Death by Chocolate Trifle!! cookingwithcurls

    I have never made anything quite like this Death by Chocolate Trifle before! It is so rich, and creamy, and insanely chocolaty that you need to wash it down with a tall glass of milk! As you probably know, I can't do that 🙁  Okay, so a few weeks ago Jamie from Love Bakes Good Cakes shared her Death by Chocolate Poke Cake, and I could not get it out of my head! I went to the store to buy the ingredients to make it myself, but there was a problem with that concept.

    Everyone loves this creamy and delicious Death by Chocolate Trifle!! cookingwithcurls

    First, chocolate ice cream toppings all contain dairy. Fine, I will just make my own. Second, Cool Whip contains dairy. Did you know that? I did not know that! I honestly thought that it was a non-dairy topping. This is not going at all as I had planned 🙁

    I knew I was going to have to get very creative now! So...cake mix...dairy-free. Pudding mix...dairy-free. Chocolate syrup...make from scratch. Chocolate whipped topping...coconut cream...perfect!

    How to make Death by Chocolate Trifle:

    Chocolate Cake Base:

    Bake your chocolate cake according to the package directions. Set aside to cool.

    Chocolate Pudding:

    In a large bowl, beat together pudding mix and milk. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.

    Chocolate Syrup:

    Melt bittersweet chocolate, coconut milk, and shortening in the microwave for 1 minutes on HIGH. Stir together until smooth. Heat in 15 second intervals if chocolate is not melted. Set aside.

    Chocolate Whipped Topping:

    Beat chocolate pudding mix and milk together as directed on package. Set aside.
    In a separate bowl, beat the solid coconut cream until fluffy and smooth. Add the chocolate pudding mixture and beat to combine.
    Cut cooled cake into chunks and place in a glass or jar.
    Using a spoon, add a layer of chocolate pudding on top of cake chunks.
    Add a layer of chocolate syrup.
    Cover with chocolate whipped topping.
    Garnish with chopped/grated chocolate bar.
    Serve.
    Grab your spoons, this Death by Chocolate Trifle is insanely delicious! cookingwithcurls

    Oh, you're probably wondering about the jars. I have never made a dessert in jars before...crazy right? I had also never made a poke cake before...yes, I do feel deprived. All of the stores are selling jars for canning and I just couldn't resist! I bought a couple of different sizes and decided to make trifle. I am going to tell you right now, the pint jars are WAY TOO BIG for this trifle!

    Rich and creamy Death by Chocolate Trifle is easy to make and loved by everyone! cookingwithcurls.com

    Notes:

    • That is an insane amount of chocolate for one serving! My suggestion, is to use the 1/2 pint jars or a small glass. This recipe will make (12) 1/2 pint jars and still leave you with some cake left over.
    • The exact proportions will depend on the size of your jar/glass, so just eyeball it. I may need to post all salads next week to make up for this one dessert!!!
    • Did you notice that I used a cake mix for this recipe? If that terrifies you, just substitute this Chocolate Cake recipe and use water instead of espresso. 🙂

    More delicious chocolate recipes:

    Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cakes

    Mini Chocolate Bundt Cake

    Chocolate Spoon Fudge in a Jar

    Old-Fashioned Chocolate Fudge Cake

    Double Chocolate Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Skillet Brownies for Two

    Enjoy!!

    Everyone loves this creamy and delicious Death by Chocolate Trifle!! cookingwithcurls

    Death by Chocolate Trifle

    Rich and creamy Death by Chocolate Trifle is easy to make and loved by everyone!
    No ratings yet
    Print Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: chocolate, recipe, dessert, cake, whipped, cream
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 12 Servings
    Calories: 545kcal
    Author: Lisa Johnson

    Ingredients

    Chocolate Cake Base

    • 1 Package dark chocolate cake mix
    • 1 Tablespoon espresso powder optional, to enhance chocolate flavor
    • ingredients listed on the box to make the cake oil, water, eggs

    Chocolate Pudding Layer

    • 3.4 ounce package devil's food instant pudding
    • 1 ¾ cup milk coconut, soy, almond

    Chocolate Syrup

    • 1 cup full fat coconut milk shake well before opening - can substitute heavy cream
    • 12 ounces bittersweet chocolate
    • 2 Tablespoons Crisco shortening

    Chocolate Whipped Topping

    • 1 cup solid full-fat coconut cream from the top of a cold can of coconut milk
    • 3.4 ounce package devil's food instant pudding
    • 1 ¾ cups milk coconut, soy, almond
    • dark chocolate candy bar chopped or grated
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    Instructions

    Chocolate Cake Base:

    • Bake your chocolate cake according to the package directions. Set aside to cool.

    Chocolate Pudding:

    • In a large bowl, beat together pudding mix and milk. Place in refrigerator until ready to use.

    Chocolate Syrup:

    • Melt bittersweet chocolate, coconut milk, and shortening in the microwave for 1 minutes on HIGH. Stir together until smooth. Heat in 15 second intervals if chocolate is not melted. Set aside.

    Chocolate Whipped Topping:

    • Beat chocolate pudding mix and milk together as directed on package. Set aside.
    • In a separate bowl, beat the solid coconut cream until fluffy and smooth. Add the chocolate pudding mixture and beat to combine.
    • Cut cooled cake into chunks and place in a glass or jar.
    • Using a spoon, add a layer of chocolate pudding on top of cake chunks.
    • Add a layer of chocolate syrup.
    • Cover with chocolate whipped topping.
    • Garnish with chopped/grated chocolate bar.
    • Serve.

    Notes

    • I used (4) 1 pint jars and (4) 1/2 pint jars and still had half of the cake leftover.
    • 1 pint jars are too big for this dessert, in my opinion. Next time I will use (12) 1/2 pint jars or some kind of small glass.
    • Nutrition Facts do not include the ingredients needed to prepare the cake. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 545kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 563mg | Potassium: 532mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 130IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 4.7mg
    « It's my SITS Day!!!
    Peanut Butter Chocolate Muffins »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Suzan says

      August 02, 2013 at 7:55 am

      OMG that looks good enough to have a PINT of it LOL -
      I have no control - none whatsoever when it comes to chocolate!
      Have a wonderful weekend,
      xxx

      Reply
    2. Becca from ItsYummi.com says

      August 02, 2013 at 10:07 am

      I have no self control at ALL... that pint sized container would be empty within 10 minutes! LOL

      I've never made anything in jars, but I suppose it's nice for gift giving and such. Oh...in regards to your box vs scratch cake mix question. I admit to be a bit of a scratch snob, but it's really just because I HATE artificial flavors and colors and GMOs and all that nastiness that comes in a box. It's really not hard to bake from scratch... just a bit more time consuming.
      That being said, I have been known to doctor up a cake mix in an emergency, and I certainly won't fault anyone who wants to use one 🙂

      Reply
    3. Carli says

      August 02, 2013 at 1:02 pm

      I need to try this! I think individual servings at a party would be fun.

      It depends on my mood for mix or scratch:)

      Reply
    4. Catherine says

      August 02, 2013 at 1:12 pm

      Dear Lisa, I don't think there is any better way to! This looks so rich and delicious....I'd be in heaven with this dessert. Blessings, your friend, Catherine xo

      Reply
    5. Carrie @ Frugal Foodie Mama says

      August 02, 2013 at 6:59 pm

      Lisa- this looks AMAZING! Send one over my way, please. 😉 Yes, I am a chocolate addict.

      Reply
    6. Lori @ A Pinch of Glitter says

      August 02, 2013 at 10:49 pm

      Oh Lisa! You've got my mouth waterin' like crazy! This looks absolutely divine!

      Reply
    7. Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says

      August 04, 2013 at 7:02 pm

      I would need two jars - one for now and one for later. 🙂 HA!! Thanks for the shout-out, Lisa 🙂 I had no idea about the whipped topping containing dairy! Idk why, but I always assumed it was dairy-free. So glad you turned this into something that would work for you and shared it! This totally rocks and with all that chocolate it has to be good! 🙂 Pinned it!

      Reply
    8. Ericka says

      August 06, 2013 at 12:11 pm

      This cake looks yummy, and I love that it's in mason jars! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!

      Reply
    9. Claire @ A Little Claireification says

      August 08, 2013 at 10:35 pm

      Oh wow - you were NOT kidding about how insanely chocolately this is!! But I want one now, mmmK?? Yum. Pinning!
      Oh, and cake mix or from scratch mix - I think they are both good for different things! 🙂
      xo

      Reply
    10. Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says

      August 09, 2013 at 2:21 pm

      Knowing me, I could probably shove down a whole pint of this...plus more 😉

      Reply
    11. Brenda Young says

      August 10, 2013 at 9:07 pm

      Lisa..... Now I need some chocolate! never made trifles before, looks divine! I was brought up on good ole homemade baked goods so thats my preference anyday! I cannot stand store bought cakes, why even bother eating those calories on something that simply does not satisfy, right? Nothing's as good as home cookin!

      Reply
    12. Dawn ~ Spatulas On Parade says

      August 11, 2013 at 3:34 pm

      A pint jar would be too big but I might make myself sick trying to eat it all! YUM girl, this is FABulous. I can't use milk either. When a recipes says milk, I just use Almond Milk.

      Reply
    13. Deb@CookingOnTheFrontBurner says

      August 11, 2013 at 9:29 pm

      This looks fantastic! You are my new best friend 🙂 Pinned!

      Reply
    14. Nicole says

      August 12, 2013 at 8:11 pm

      Aww man, now I am craving chocolate bad! This looks so delicious!

      Reply
    15. Cynthia L. says

      August 13, 2013 at 11:23 am

      Another wonderful recipe! This really would kill me, but I would die with a smile on my face!

      Thanks for sharing a the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party!

      Reply
    16. Nat D. says

      August 13, 2013 at 12:05 pm

      Oh my goodness! That is all I can say. I really wish I had this packed in my lunch for today. Hahaha.

      Reply
    17. Inspire Me Heather says

      August 14, 2013 at 7:44 am

      That trifle looks great! I'll have to pass this one to hubby - he's the baker and I'm the cook (works for me!!). Thanks for your recipe, I'm Pinning it for keepers!!

      Reply
    18. Diana Rambles says

      August 14, 2013 at 9:54 am

      Kill me now! YUM!

      Reply
    19. Lyuba@willcookforsmiles says

      August 14, 2013 at 1:49 pm

      Ooooo, this is a GOOD way to go!

      Reply
    20. Adelina Priddis says

      August 15, 2013 at 11:02 pm

      mmm, I think just looking has cured my chocolate craving today! Thank you for sharing on Foodie Friday

      Reply
    21. Mary Beth @ Cupcakes and Crinoline says

      August 16, 2013 at 8:26 pm

      Kill me now....this looks amazing ~ what a way to go!

      Pinning ~ hugs, Mary Beth

      {that sounds like the hug hurts, doesn't it....not pinning you with hugs....pinning and hugging}

      Have a great one!

      Reply
    22. Rachel Cotterill says

      August 17, 2013 at 5:27 am

      Even the small jar looks like a huge serving, to me! 🙂

      Reply
    23. Kennedy says

      August 18, 2013 at 5:44 pm

      Oh my goodness. This looks like chocolate heaven. I pinned it!

      Reply
    24. Ericka says

      August 19, 2013 at 8:03 pm

      This dessert looks delicious and decadent! And I love desserts served in a jar! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!

      Reply
    25. Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says

      August 19, 2013 at 10:43 pm

      Mouth watering! I LOVE CHOCOLATE!!! Thanks for sharing at Sweet & Savory Saturdays #26.

      ~Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later!

      Reply
    26. Rachel @ I Love My Disorganized Life says

      August 20, 2013 at 6:43 pm

      This is wonderful! I love chocolate, and when I die, THIS is how I want to go, on a belly full of Death by Chocolate! Thanks for sharing at Wicked Good Wednesdays!

      Reply
    27. Diane Roark says

      February 14, 2014 at 10:32 pm

      Wow! This look so amazing! I pinned it! Thanks for stopping by Saturday Dishes and linking up.
      Blessings,
      Diane Roark

      Reply
      • Lisa Johnson says

        February 14, 2014 at 11:44 pm

        Thank you Diane. You just can't go wrong with chocolate! 😉

        Reply
    28. Lucy says

      February 20, 2014 at 1:40 pm

      Wow! Look at all that chocolate goodness!! I bet the espresso powder does enhance the flavor. Thanks so much for sharing at Saturday Dishes! Hope to see you again this weekend. Pinning.

      Reply
      • Lisa Johnson says

        February 20, 2014 at 10:17 pm

        Thanks Lucy, it really does make it taste better! 🙂

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Lisa - Welcome to my kitchen! I have a passion for good food and love sharing my creations with friends, family and everyone that loves a homecooked meal. This is where I share my favorite recipes with step-by-step instructions as well as tips and tricks to help you make these delicious recipes in your home.

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