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A glass trifle with layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream, a show-stopping dessert for summer BBQ and potluck events.

8-Layer Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle

A decadent, crowd-pleasing trifle featuring layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and chunks of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, and family gatherings—this dessert is always a hit!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box chocolate cake mix any brand
  • 3 large eggs for cake mix (or as package directs)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for cake mix (or as package directs)
  • 1 cup water for cake mix (or as package directs)
  • 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix 5.1 oz
  • 3 cups 2% milk for pudding
  • 1 container whipped topping 16 oz, thawed
  • 8 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups regular size

Equipment

  • Trifle Dish
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Micro Zester
  • 1 knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven and prepare the chocolate cake according to the package directions using eggs, oil, and water as specified.
  2. Bake the cake as directed, then let it cool completely.
  3. Once cooled, cut the cake in half horizontally.
  4. Prepare the instant chocolate pudding by whisking the pudding mix with 3 cups of 2% milk until smooth and thick. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
  5. Place one-half of the chocolate cake in the bottom of a trifle dish or clear glass bowl.
  6. Spread half of the prepared chocolate pudding evenly over the cake layer.
  7. Spread half of the whipped topping over the pudding layer.
  8. Crumble 4 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and sprinkle over the whipped topping.
  9. Repeat the layers: add the remaining cake, then the rest of the pudding, then the remaining whipped topping.
  10. Crumble the remaining 4 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and sprinkle on top. For a finer texture, use a microplane zester or grater for some of the peanut butter cups.
  11. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

  • You can use any brand of chocolate cake mix; a rich, moist cake works best.
  • For convenience, use frozen whipped topping (thawed) such as Cool Whip.
  • To make ahead, assemble the trifle up to a day in advance and refrigerate until serving.
  • For extra peanut butter flavor, drizzle a little melted peanut butter between layers.
  • Substitute mini Reese’s or Reese’s Pieces for a fun variation.
  • The trifle can be made in a large glass bowl if you don’t have a trifle dish.
  • Adjust the number of servings by using smaller or larger serving dishes.