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Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Trifle

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  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes (for cake)
  • Total Time: 1 hour (plus chilling)
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake (after cake preparation)
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Holiday Chocolate Peppermint Trifle is a festive layered dessert featuring rich chocolate cake, creamy peppermint mousse, and fluffy whipped cream, topped with crushed candy canes for a seasonal crunch — perfect for Christmas gatherings and winter celebrations.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus required eggs, oil, and water)
  • 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping or extra whipped cream (optional)
  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candies or candy canes
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bake the chocolate cake according to package directions. Let cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
  3. In another bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form. Reserve half for topping, if desired.
  4. Fold the other half of the whipped cream into the chocolate pudding to make a peppermint mousse.
  5. In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, layer half of the cake cubes, followed by half of the peppermint mousse, and a sprinkle of crushed peppermint.
  6. Repeat with the remaining cake, mousse, and top with reserved whipped cream or whipped topping.
  7. Garnish with more crushed candy canes and chocolate shavings. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

  • For homemade cake, substitute with your favorite chocolate cake recipe.
  • Crush candy canes just before serving to maintain crunch and color.
  • This dessert can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
  • Use clear glassware to show off the festive layers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg