CHOCOLATE TRIFLE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS:

1 (15.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix, or 1 (18-ounce) package fudge brownie mix
1-3 large eggs (per package instructions)

1/4 to 3/4 cup water (per package instructions)

1/3 cup vegetable oil (or amount per package instructions)

2 (3.9-ounce) boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (not cook-n-serve)

4 cups cold whole milk
1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 chocolate crème sandwich cookies, such as Oreos, or 8 (1.4-ounce) English toffee candy bars, such as Heath bars, or a combination.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Prepare chocolate cake or brownie mix according to package directions. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cake or brownies cool completely.
In a large bowl, whisk together chocolate pudding mix and milk until smooth and thick.
To assemble trifle, crumble half of the cake or brownies into the bottom of a trifle dish or large glass bowl. Top with half of the pudding mixture, half of the whipped topping, and half of the crushed cookies or candy bars. Repeat layers.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
Serve and enjoy!

TIPS:

For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cake mix or brownies.
To make a chocolate ganache to drizzle over the top of the trifle, heat 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or mint leaves.

VARIATIONS:

Add a layer of chocolate mousse or chocolate ganache between the layers.
Use different types of cookies or candy bars, such as chocolate chip cookies, graham crackers, or peanut butter cups.
Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or bananas.
For a coffee flavored trifle, use coffee flavored cake mix or brownies and coffee flavored pudding mix.

BENEFITS:

Chocolate trifle is a delicious and decadent dessert, but it can also be a good source of nutrients. The cake or brownies provide carbohydrates and protein, while the pudding and whipped topping provide calcium and other minerals. The chocolate also contains antioxidants, which can have health benefits.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of a serving of chocolate trifle (about 1 cup):

Calories: 477
Total Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 7.3g
Trans Fat: 0.4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.5g
Cholesterol: 61mg
Sodium: 350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 56g
Dietary Fiber: 0.3g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 4.9g

Chocolate trifle is a good source of:

Calcium: 10% of the daily recommended value (DV)
Iron: 6% of the DV
Potassium: 4% of the DV
Vitamin A: 4% of the DV
Vitamin C: 2% of the DV

Chocolate trifle is also a good source of antioxidants. Antioxidants can help protect your cells from damage and may reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.
However, it is important to note that chocolate trifle is also high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat. It is important to eat chocolate trifle in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.

Here are some tips for making chocolate trifle healthier:

Use dark chocolate cake mix or brownies. Dark chocolate is lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants than milk chocolate.
Use low-fat or fat-free pudding and whipped topping.
Add a layer of fresh fruit, such as strawberries, raspberries, or bananas.
Reduce the amount of sugar in the pudding mixture.

Enjoy! 😋😋