If you’re craving a dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas into one mouthwatering creation, you’ve come to the right place! This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a showstopper that’ll wow your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Imagine layers of decadent chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter mousse, banana slices, and luscious whipped cream – all in one glorious, towering trifle. This recipe is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or just as a treat to spoil yourself. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible dessert and make sure to read all the way through for expert tips and presentation ideas!
What is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle?
A trifle is a classic dessert that typically consists of layers of cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream. Our Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle takes this concept to the next level by combining three flavor powerhouses: chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas. Each layer is perfectly balanced to create a creamy, rich, and utterly delicious dessert that will be the star of any dessert table.
The best part? It's easy to assemble and can be made in advance, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days or events. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients you'll need to make this fantastic dessert.
Ingredients List for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or make your own from scratch)
- 3 large eggs (if using boxed mix)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for boxed mix)
- 1 cup water (for boxed mix)
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Banana Cream Layer:
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
- 1 box (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup whipped cream (for folding into the banana cream)
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 3 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips
- Peanut butter cups, chopped
- Banana slices (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
Feel free to get creative with this trifle! Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Cake Substitute: Instead of using a chocolate cake, you could opt for brownies, chocolate cookies, or even chocolate pound cake. These alternatives add extra texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free whipped cream, coconut milk-based pudding, and vegan chocolate cake mix to make this dessert suitable for dairy-free guests.
- Nut-Free: If you have guests with peanut allergies, you can swap the peanut butter for cookie butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar creamy texture.
- Add a Crunch: You can include layers of crushed peanut butter cookies or graham crackers to add a little extra texture to the trifle.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before starting, gather all your ingredients to streamline the process. Here’s how to create each component of the trifle:
1. Make the Chocolate Cake
If you’re using a boxed cake mix, follow the instructions on the package to bake the cake. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and mix the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mousse
In a large bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. In a separate bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully combined. Set this aside in the refrigerator to chill while you prep the other layers.
3. Make the Banana Cream Layer
Whisk the vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped cream to make the banana cream extra light and fluffy. Slice the bananas thinly so they can easily layer into the trifle.
4. Whip the Cream
In another bowl, beat 1 ½ cups of heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will be used to layer and garnish the trifle.
How to Assemble the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Assembling a trifle is a fun process that anyone can do! You’ll want a large trifle dish or a deep glass bowl to showcase the beautiful layers. Here’s how to layer your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle:
- First Layer – Chocolate Cake Cubes: Start by adding an even layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish. Press them down lightly so they form a sturdy base.
- Second Layer – Peanut Butter Mousse: Spoon a generous layer of peanut butter mousse over the cake. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Third Layer – Banana Slices: Place a layer of banana slices on top of the peanut butter mousse. Make sure the bananas are distributed evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Fourth Layer – Banana Cream: Spread the banana cream over the banana slices. This layer adds a light and creamy texture that complements the richness of the other ingredients.
- Fifth Layer – Whipped Cream: Add a layer of whipped cream over the banana cream. Be generous here, as this adds a soft, sweet contrast to the other rich layers.
- Repeat Layers: Depending on the size of your trifle dish, repeat the layering process—chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, bananas, banana cream, and whipped cream—until you reach the top.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Whipped Cream: Overbeating whipped cream can lead to a grainy texture or even butter. Stop beating as soon as stiff peaks form.
- Slicing Bananas Too Early: Bananas can brown quickly, so slice them right before assembling the trifle to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Not Letting the Cake Cool: Ensure your cake is completely cool before cutting it into cubes. Warm cake will crumble and might not hold up well in the layers.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key to making this trifle shine. The best part of a trifle is seeing all the beautiful layers through the glass dish, so choose a clear bowl or trifle dish to showcase your work.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
Once your trifle is assembled, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together. This dessert is best served cold and can be made a day in advance. Use a large spoon to scoop through all the layers and serve it in individual bowls.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
- Top with Garnishes: Decorate the top of the trifle with chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or chopped peanut butter cups for an eye-catching finish.
- Layering in Individual Cups: For a more personalized touch, assemble the trifles in individual glasses or mason jars, creating perfect single servings.
- Banana Slices on Top: Add fresh banana slices on the very top layer right before serving to give the trifle a fresh look and an extra pop of flavor.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This trifle can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just make sure to tightly cover and refrigerate to keep it fresh.
- Size Flexibility: This recipe can easily be halved if you're serving fewer people or doubled if you're feeding a crowd.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Drizzle chocolate syrup or melted peanut butter between layers for an extra decadent touch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make this trifle up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to refrigerate it and add any final garnishes (like bananas) just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze the trifle?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze this trifle as the texture of the bananas and whipped cream may be affected.
Q: Can I use different fruits?
A: Absolutely! While bananas work perfectly with the chocolate and peanut butter, you can experiment with other fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a different twist.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftover trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is the ultimate dessert for those who love the combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a sweet treat at home. With its stunning layers and delicious flavor combinations, this trifle will be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a layered dessert featuring rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fresh bananas. With indulgent whipped cream and crunchy cookie layers, this trifle is a show-stopping dessert. Perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat, it's easy to assemble and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling time: 2 hours)
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Chocolate pudding mix
- Peanut butter
- Bananas
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sandwich cookies
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate pudding according to package instructions. Chill.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream.
- Layer crumbled cookies, banana slices, chocolate pudding, and peanut butter mixture in a trifle dish.
- Repeat layers, ending with whipped cream on top.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter if desired.
- For added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or chocolate chips between the layers.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 320mg
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