If you’re craving something chocolaty, creamy, and just plain fabulous, you’ve got to try this Heavenly Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle. It’s one of those desserts that looks stunning in a glass bowl and tastes even better than it looks. Think fudgy cake, silky pudding, fluffy cheesecake mousse, and a bit of crunch from cookies—all layered up into spoonfuls of joy.

This dessert has become a staple at our family gatherings, especially around the holidays or anytime we’re feeding a crowd. I love that it’s make-ahead friendly, and people always assume I spent way more time on it than I did. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle

Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone—from kids to grandparents—raves about it.
Easy to Make: No complicated steps, just layering and chilling.
Versatile: Mix and match with different cake flavors or toppings.
Gorgeous Presentation: Looks beautiful in a trifle dish or individual jars.

What Is a Trifle?

A trifle is a classic British dessert made of layered cake, custard or pudding, whipped cream, and sometimes fruit or cookies. This chocolate version adds a decadent twist with cheesecake mousse and rich ganache. It’s simple, satisfying, and seriously show-stopping.

Ingredients

For the Cheesecake Mousse:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup granulated sugar

For the Trifle Layers:

1 box chocolate cake mix (or 1 homemade chocolate cake), baked and cooled
1 cup chocolate pudding (instant, prepared, or homemade)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
½ cup crushed chocolate cookies or chocolate graham crackers
Chocolate shavings or curls, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake and Cool the Cake
- Prepare your chocolate cake according to the package or your favorite recipe. Once baked, let it cool completely. Then, cut or crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Cheesecake Mousse
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture gently until fully combined and fluffy.
Assemble the Trifle
- In a trifle dish or individual cups, start with a layer of chocolate cake.
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding.
- Spoon in a thick layer of cheesecake mousse.
- Sprinkle on crushed chocolate cookies.
- Repeat the layers until the dish is nearly full, ending with mousse on top.
Finish with Chocolate
- Drizzle melted chocolate chips over the top.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or curls for that elegant touch.
Chill Before Serving
- Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. It gets even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

Add Fruit: Strawberries or raspberries add a nice fresh pop.
Swap the Cake: Use brownies or red velvet cake for a twist.
Nutty Crunch: Add crushed toffee or roasted nuts for extra texture.
Make It Boozy: Splash a bit of coffee liqueur over the cake for a grown-up version.

Pro Tips for Success

Room Temp Cream Cheese: Soft cream cheese blends smoother with no lumps.
Cold Whipping Cream: Chill your bowl and beaters to help cream whip faster.
Don’t Over-Fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese to keep it airy.
Use Clear Glass: Show off those gorgeous layers in a trifle bowl or see-through jars.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!
Freezer: Not recommended, as the mousse may separate when thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this trifle the night before?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s even better when chilled overnight.

Can I use Cool Whip instead of whipped cream?
Yes, it’s a great shortcut that still tastes delicious.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free cake mix and cookies.

Can I use store-bought pudding?
Definitely. Instant pudding works great and saves time.

How do I make chocolate curls?
Use a vegetable peeler on a room-temperature chocolate bar. Simple and fancy!

Final Sweet Note

There’s something so joyful about a dessert that’s both incredibly easy and totally over-the-top delicious. This Heavenly Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle checks all the boxes—rich, creamy, chocolatey, and guaranteed to make any occasion feel extra special. Whether you’re making it for a party or just a cozy night in, I promise it’ll become a new favorite.