Description
This Chocolate Kahlua Trifle is a cozy, no-stress dessert layered with moist chocolate cake, silky chocolate pudding, and a fluffy Kahlua-kissed cream layer. Chill it, scoop it, and watch it disappear—perfect for parties or a treat-yourself night in.
Ingredients
– 1 package chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
– 1 cup brewed coffee, cooled
– 1/2 cup Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
– 2 cups cold milk
– Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, for garnish
Instructions
1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the chocolate cake mix according to package directions, substituting brewed coffee for the water (if the mix calls for water).
3. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan until a toothpick comes out clean (typically 25–35 minutes), then cool completely.
4. In a small bowl, stir together the cooled coffee and Kahlua; set aside.
5. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
6. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
7. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.
8. Prepare the instant chocolate pudding with the cold milk according to package directions; chill 5 minutes to set.
9. Cut the cooled cake into 1-inch cubes.
10. Assemble: layer half the cake cubes in a trifle dish, drizzle with half the coffee-Kahlua mixture, then add half the cream layer and half the pudding.
11. Repeat with remaining cake, coffee-Kahlua drizzle, cream layer, and pudding. Finish with a final swoop of cream on top.
12. Garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings, then refrigerate at least 2 hours (4 hours is even better) before serving.
Notes
Non-alcoholic option: replace Kahlua with extra cooled coffee + 1 teaspoon coffee extract (or a little chocolate syrup for a mocha vibe).
Make-ahead friendly: assemble up to 24 hours ahead for the best flavor and texture.
Shortcut: store-bought brownies or chocolate pound cake work great if you don’t want to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg