If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, creamy, and absolutely decadent, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is the perfect combination of flavors. With layers of moist chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter mousse, fresh banana slices, and silky chocolate ganache, this dessert is guaranteed to be a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you're making it for a holiday, birthday, or just because you love chocolate and peanut butter, this trifle is both easy to make and impressive to serve.
Let’s dive into this mouth-watering trifle recipe!
What Is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle?
A Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a layered dessert that features alternating layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter cream, banana slices, and chocolate ganache. The trifle is typically assembled in a large glass dish or individual serving cups, showcasing the beautiful, distinct layers. This no-bake dessert is perfect for those who want a stunning dessert with minimal effort, but maximum flavor. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas creates a heavenly dessert that is rich yet balanced, creamy yet light.
Ingredients List for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
Chocolate Cake Layer (Store-bought or Homemade):
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake recipe)
- Ingredients required for cake mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
Or use a pre-made chocolate cake if short on time!
Peanut Butter Cream Layer:
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream, cold
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Ganache Layer:
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Banana Layer:
- 4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Additional Ingredients:
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Crushed peanuts or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)
- Peanut butter cups or mini peanut butter chips (optional for garnish)
Substitutions and Variations
This trifle recipe is easily customizable, so feel free to make substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Cake Substitutions: You can replace the chocolate cake with brownies for a fudgier layer or use store-bought ladyfingers if you prefer a lighter base.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix to make the trifle gluten-free. You can also find gluten-free brownie mixes or cookies to replace the cake layer.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the heavy cream and cream cheese with dairy-free versions. Coconut cream can be used for whipping, and vegan cream cheese works well for the peanut butter mousse.
- Add a Crunch: For extra texture, you can sprinkle crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or graham crackers between layers.
- Banana Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of bananas, swap them out for strawberries, raspberries, or even sliced apples for a twist on this classic combination.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chocolate Cake:
- Bake the cake: Follow the instructions on the chocolate cake mix box or prepare your favorite homemade chocolate cake recipe. Bake in a 9x13-inch pan and allow it to cool completely.
- Cut the cake into cubes: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into small 1-inch cubes. These will form the base of your trifle.
2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Cream:
- Beat the cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip.
- Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in batches until the mousse is light and fluffy. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache:
- Heat the cream: In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer.
- Pour over chocolate chips: Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Cool slightly: Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature before layering in the trifle.
4. Assemble the Trifle:
- First cake layer: Begin by placing a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle bowl or large glass dish.
- Add peanut butter cream: Spoon a generous layer of peanut butter cream over the chocolate cake.
- Banana slices: Place a layer of sliced bananas evenly over the peanut butter cream.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache: Drizzle the chocolate ganache over the bananas, using a spoon to spread it evenly.
- Repeat layers: Repeat the layers—cake, peanut butter cream, banana slices, and ganache—until you reach the top of the bowl. Make sure to end with a layer of peanut butter cream or ganache for a beautiful finish.
- Top with whipped cream: Just before serving, top the trifle with dollops of whipped cream, and garnish with crushed peanuts, chocolate shavings, or mini peanut butter cups for extra flair.
How to Cook the Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the cake: Bake your chocolate cake (or use store-bought) and cut it into cubes.
- Make peanut butter cream: Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Fold in whipped cream.
- Prepare ganache: Heat cream, pour over chocolate chips, and stir until smooth.
- Layer the trifle: Alternate layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter cream, banana slices, and ganache until your trifle bowl is full.
- Top and garnish: Add whipped cream and garnish with peanuts, chocolate, or peanut butter cups.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-whipping the cream: When whipping the heavy cream, be careful not to overbeat it. You want it to be light and airy, not stiff and grainy.
- Soggy cake layers: Make sure your cake is completely cooled before cutting it into cubes. Warm cake can become soggy when layered with cream and ganache.
- Bananas browning: If you’re concerned about the bananas browning, you can lightly toss them in a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and bright in the trifle.
- Not letting the ganache cool: Ensure the chocolate ganache cools slightly before drizzling it onto the cream layers. If it’s too hot, it could melt the peanut butter cream and ruin the texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
- Scoop and serve: Use a large spoon or a serving spatula to scoop out generous portions of the trifle into individual bowls. Each serving should contain a bit of every layer for the best taste experience.
- Chill before serving: For the best results, refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
- Layered in a trifle bowl: Serve this dessert in a large glass trifle dish so everyone can see the beautiful layers. The glass creates a visually stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
- Individual servings: If you prefer, you can create individual trifles by assembling the layers in smaller glass cups or mason jars. This is perfect for dinner parties or more formal gatherings.
- Garnish extravagantly: Top with crushed peanuts, peanut butter chips, chocolate shavings, or mini peanut butter cups to add a final, decadent touch to the trifle.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: This trifle can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors will have time to meld, and it’s one less thing to worry about before your gathering.
- Banana freshness: To prevent the bananas from browning, slice and add them just before assembling the trifle. You can also lightly coat the banana slices in lemon juice to keep them from oxidizing.
- Customize to taste: This recipe is very versatile. Add crushed chocolate sandwich cookies for extra crunch, or mix in chopped Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for an even more indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the trifle a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors meld wonderfully overnight, making it even more delicious.
Q: How do I store leftover trifle?
A: Leftovers should be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator. The trifle will keep for up to 2-3 days, although the bananas may start to brown after the first day.
Q: Can I use store-bought peanut butter mousse?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought peanut butter mousse or even peanut butter-flavored whipped topping.
Q: Can I substitute the bananas with another fruit?
A: Yes, strawberries, raspberries, or even diced apples would work well in this trifle. Choose a fruit that complements the chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
Q: What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
A: No worries! You can use any large glass bowl or even make the trifle in individual glasses or mason jars for a personalized serving.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is the perfect dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With its irresistible layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy peanut butter mousse, fresh bananas, and velvety chocolate ganache, this trifle is a sure hit for any occasion. Whether you're making it for a party or a cozy family gathering, this trifle is easy to assemble, visually stunning, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. So, grab your favorite trifle bowl and enjoy this sweet indulgence!
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, rich chocolate, and fresh banana slices. Featuring layers of chocolate pudding, peanut butter whipped cream, and banana, this no-bake dessert is easy to assemble and ideal for parties or gatherings. With simple ingredients like peanut butter, chocolate pudding, and fresh bananas, this trifle is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert. Follow these easy instructions to create this beautiful layered dessert in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- Chocolate pudding mix
- Whole milk
- Peanut butter
- Heavy cream
- Powdered sugar
- Bananas (sliced)
- Chocolate chips (optional for garnish)
- Vanilla extract
- Graham crackers or chocolate cookies (crushed for layers)
Instructions
- Prepare the chocolate pudding by mixing the pudding mix with milk, and set aside to thicken.
- Whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the peanut butter.
- In a trifle dish, layer crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies.
- Add a layer of chocolate pudding, followed by sliced bananas.
- Add a generous layer of peanut butter whipped cream.
- Repeat layers until the dish is full, ending with a layer of peanut butter cream.
- Garnish with chocolate chips or extra crushed cookies, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute whipped cream cheese for a tangier cream layer.
- Make sure the bananas are fresh to avoid browning in the trifle.
- For an extra crunch, add chopped peanuts between layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (assembly)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
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