Chocolate Berry Trifle
This trifle is easy to assemble, making it a great choice for gatherings, parties, or a cozy night in. The combination of strawberries, blueberries, and crumbled cookies adds a refreshing twist that beautifully complements the creamy layers, creating a harmonious blend of textures.
Equipment
- 10 ish Individual Trifle Glasses
- 1 Trifle Bowl
Ingredients
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Opt for heavy whipping cream to stabilize the mousse effectively. Regular whipping cream will work but note that the mousse may have a slightly softer texture.
- Chocolate Pudding: Instant chocolate pudding mix is key to achieving a smooth base. Either regular or sugar-free varieties will suffice providing the flexibility to suit dietary needs.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This rich sweet milk found in the baking aisle (near evaporated milk) intensifies the pudding's creamy texture.
- Cream Cheese: Both full-fat and low-fat options will blend well into the trifle but avoid using fat-free cream cheese as it lacks the necessary consistency.
- Cool Whip: For a ready-made convenience use Cool Whip. Alternatively, prepare homemade whipped cream by beating 16 ounces of heavy cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar for a fresher taste.
- Oreos: Classic Oreos add a crunchy contrast but feel free to substitute with any preferred sandwich cookie to customize the dessert.
- Berries: Use a mix of strawberries and blueberries for a vibrant combination or try raspberries and blackberries for a different twist. Fresh fruit offers the best results in terms of flavor and texture.
Instructions
- Pudding Layer: Begin by preparing the chocolate pudding. Combine the instant pudding mix with water and a can of sweetened condensed milk. Whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the pudding mixture to create a light and airy mousse.
- Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Incorporate two containers of thawed Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream, mixing until the texture is creamy and smooth.
- Berries & Cookies: Crush Oreo cookies into small pieces. Rinse and slice strawberries into bite-sized pieces, and rinse the blueberries (or substitute with blackberries if desired). Set aside the prepared berries and cookie crumbles.
- Layering: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start with a layer of chocolate mousse at the base. Add a layer of crumbled Oreo cookies, followed by a layer of mixed fresh berries. Top this with the whipped cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
Notes
Finish: Decorate the top with additional berries and crumbled cookies for a visually appealing garnish. Refrigerate the trifle for at least one hour, allowing the layers to set and the flavors to blend harmoniously. Serve chilled for best results.