Desserts have a magical way of bringing people together. Whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy night in, a good dessert can make any occasion special. And if you love chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is about to become your new favorite treat.

This trifle is decadent, creamy, and incredibly easy to make. Each layer brings something delicious to the table—moist chocolate cake, rich peanut butter pudding, fresh bananas, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy peanut butter cups. The result? A dessert that’s so good, it’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Let’s dive into how you can make this stunning dessert at home, with tips to make it even better!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we start layering, let’s go over the key ingredients. Each one plays a role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Base Ingredients

• Chocolate Cake – The foundation of this trifle. You can use a homemade cake or a store-bought one for convenience.
• Peanut Butter Pudding – Adds a creamy, nutty layer that pairs beautifully with the chocolate. Use instant pudding mix or make it from scratch.
• Bananas – Fresh bananas add a natural sweetness and soft texture.
• Whipped Cream – Light and airy, it balances the richness of the other layers.
• Peanut Butter Cups – Chopped into bite-sized pieces, they add a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Sauce – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a beautiful drizzle effect.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle – Ties everything together with its salty-sweet goodness.
• Crushed Peanuts – Optional, but they add a crunchy texture to the top.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

If you’re making the cake from scratch, bake it according to your recipe and let it cool completely. If you’re using a store-bought cake, you’re already one step ahead!

For a richer chocolate flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the batter—it enhances the chocolate without making it taste like coffee.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Pudding

Follow the instructions on an instant pudding mix, but whisk in a generous spoonful of peanut butter for extra flavor. If you prefer homemade, simply mix peanut butter into a basic vanilla pudding recipe until smooth.

Step 3: Slice the Bananas

Peel and slice bananas into thin rounds. Since bananas brown quickly, do this step just before assembling. If you want to slow down browning, toss the slices with a bit of lemon juice.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

If using store-bought whipped cream, skip this step. If making it fresh, chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes. Then, beat cold heavy cream with sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 5: Chop the Peanut Butter Cups

The smaller the pieces, the more evenly they’ll distribute throughout the trifle, ensuring every bite has that peanut butter-chocolate goodness.

Step 6: Assemble the peanut butter trifle

Now comes the fun part—layering! Use a trifle dish or a large glass bowl to show off the layers.

1. Cut the chocolate cake into cubes and place a layer at the bottom of the dish.
2. Spread a layer of peanut butter pudding over the cake.
3. Add a layer of banana slices.
4. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
5. Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups over the whipped cream.
6. Drizzle with chocolate sauce and melted peanut butter.
7. Repeat the layers until the dish is full.
8. Finish with whipped cream, a final drizzle, and crushed peanuts for texture.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes slicing easier.

Tips for the Best peanut butter trifle

• Make it ahead – Trifles taste even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Use different candies – Swap peanut butter cups for chopped Snickers or Reese’s Pieces.
• Try different fruit – Strawberries or raspberries work well if you’re not a fan of bananas.
• Make single servings – Assemble in mason jars for an adorable, portion-controlled treat.
• Go gluten-free – Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are safe.

FAQs

Can I make this trifle a day ahead?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling overnight.

How long does it keep in the fridge?
It’s best eaten within 2-3 days. The bananas may brown slightly, but the flavors will still be amazing.

Can I freeze the trifle?
No, freezing will alter the texture of the whipped cream and bananas.

What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
Use a large glass bowl, mason jars, or wine glasses for individual servings.

Perfect Pairings peanut butter trifle

This rich trifle pairs wonderfully with:

• Coffee or espresso – Helps cut through the sweetness.
• Milk – A classic match for chocolate desserts.
• Fresh berries – Adds a refreshing contrast.
• Caramel drizzle – If you want to take indulgence to the next level.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s easy, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can customize it to your liking—swap out ingredients, try different candies, or even make it vegan.

The Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth, this trifle is sure to impress. The combination of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fresh bananas creates a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, with the ability to customize and adapt the recipe to suit your preferences, this trifle can easily become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

This recipe offers not just a delicious dessert but a versatile and customizable dish that can be adapted to suit any taste or dietary preference. With thoughtful preparation and a bit of creativity, your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle will be the highlight of any meal, providing a sweet ending that everyone will remember.

 If you try this recipe, snap a picture and share it on Pinterest! Tag me—I’d love to see your creations. And if you have any variations, let me know in the comments. Happy baking!

Print