Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle Recipe
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle is a decadent layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake or brownies, creamy peanut butter and cream cheese mixture, silky chocolate pudding, crunchy peanut butter sandwich cookies, chopped peanut butter cups, and fresh bananas. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped topping, this trifle balances textures and flavors for a delightful treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cake Layer
- ½ box chocolate cake mix, baked and crumbled into large pieces or 1 full box brownie mix, baked and crumbled into large pieces
Pudding Layer
- 1 large 5.9 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix, prepared as directed with 3 cups milk and chilled
Cookie and Candy Layer
- 1 package (16 oz) peanut butter sandwich cookies (such as Nutter Butters), crumbled into pieces
- 1 bag (9.6 oz) peanut butter cups, chopped
Fruit Layer
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 8 oz tub whipped topping, divided
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until fully combined. Pour in 2 tablespoons of milk and beat again until silky smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until no streaks remain.
- Reserve Toppings: Set aside the remaining whipped topping for the final topping. Also reserve a small portion of crumbled cookies and chopped peanut butter cups for garnish.
- Layer Trifle: Arrange trifle glasses or dish. Begin layering with crumbled cake or brownie pieces and chopped peanut butter cups, followed by sliced bananas, then chocolate pudding, crumbled peanut butter sandwich cookies, and the peanut butter cream cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of cake pieces and peanut butter cups, then add more sliced bananas to fill the glasses just enough to leave room for the topping.
- Add Final Topping and Garnish: Spread the reserved whipped topping evenly over the top of each trifle. Sprinkle with the reserved chopped peanut butter cups and crumbled cookies. Add any leftover banana slices for decoration.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled trifles for at least 30 minutes to let the layers set. Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can use either chocolate cake or brownies based on your preference; brownies will add a fudgier texture.
- If you prefer, substitute peanut butter sandwich cookies with gluten-free or other flavored cookies for variation.
- Ensure bananas are ripe but firm to avoid browning too quickly in the trifle.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping.
- Prepare the pudding ahead of time and chill well to speed up assembly.
