Looking for an indulgent yet easy-to-make dessert that will wow your guests? This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is the ultimate treat, combining layers of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fresh banana flavors into a visually stunning and delicious dessert. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or even just a night in with loved ones, this trifle is a showstopper. Read on to learn how to make this layered delight, and be prepared for your guests to ask for seconds!

What is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle?
A trifle is a classic English dessert made with layers of sponge cake, custard, fruits, and whipped cream. In this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle, we elevate the traditional trifle by incorporating layers of chocolate cake or brownies, a peanut butter cream, banana slices, and a luscious chocolate pudding. These flavors meld together beautifully, creating a decadent dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. This recipe is also highly customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients and layers to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients List for Chocolate Layer
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (or homemade chocolate cake or brownies)
- 3 large eggs (or as directed on the cake mix box)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or as directed on the cake mix box)
- 1 cup water (or as directed on the cake mix box)
- 1 cup chocolate pudding (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness)
Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Cream Layer
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Ingredients List for Banana Layer
- 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced thinly
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent bananas from browning)
- Additional whipped cream (for layering and topping)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best parts of making a trifle is its flexibility! Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Chocolate Cake Alternatives: Instead of chocolate cake, you can use brownies, chocolate cookies, or even chocolate pound cake.
- Peanut Butter Variations: For a nut-free option, use sunflower seed butter or cookie butter instead of peanut butter.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix or gluten-free brownies for a celiac-friendly version.
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free whipped topping, plant-based cream cheese, and egg substitutes in your cake mix for a vegan trifle.
- Banana Alternatives: If you don’t like bananas, consider using strawberries, raspberries, or even caramelized apples for a different fruit layer.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Follow the instructions on the box or your recipe for baking the chocolate cake. Allow it to cool completely before cutting it into cubes. If you’re using brownies, bake as directed, cool, and cut into small squares.
- Make the Peanut Butter Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the peanut butter mixture to create a light and fluffy cream.
- Slice the Bananas: Thinly slice the bananas and drizzle with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. This step is optional, but it helps maintain the bananas' fresh appearance.
- Prepare the Chocolate Pudding: If you’re using store-bought pudding, skip this step. For homemade pudding, follow your favorite chocolate pudding recipe and allow it to cool completely.
How to Assemble a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Layer 1 - Chocolate Cake: Start by adding a layer of chocolate cake cubes (or brownie squares) at the bottom of your trifle bowl. Aim for an even, flat layer that covers the base completely.
- Layer 2 - Chocolate Pudding: Spoon a generous layer of chocolate pudding over the cake layer, spreading it out evenly.
- Layer 3 - Peanut Butter Cream: Add a layer of the peanut butter cream, spreading it evenly over the chocolate pudding. Make sure it reaches the edges of the bowl for a beautiful, clean layer.
- Layer 4 - Sliced Bananas: Place a layer of banana slices over the peanut butter cream. Aim to cover the entire surface for an even distribution of flavors.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering in the same order (cake, pudding, peanut butter cream, bananas) until you reach the top of the bowl or run out of ingredients.
- Top with Whipped Cream and Garnishes: For the final touch, add a layer of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can also add a few banana slices on top as garnish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Overripe Bananas: Very ripe bananas may become too mushy, so choose bananas that are ripe but still firm for the best texture.
- Not Letting the Cake Cool: If the chocolate cake or brownies aren’t completely cool, they can make the whipped layers runny.
- Skipping the Lemon Juice on Bananas: If you want to make the trifle ahead of time, lemon juice helps keep the bananas fresh and prevents browning.
- Overmixing the Peanut Butter Cream: Overmixing can cause the cream to deflate, resulting in a heavy, dense layer instead of a light, fluffy one.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is best served in a large, clear glass bowl to show off its beautiful layers. However, you can also make individual servings in mason jars or small dessert cups for a personalized touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
Simply scoop down through all the layers with a large spoon to get a bit of each flavor in every serving. Serve in individual bowls, and garnish with additional whipped cream or chocolate shavings if desired.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
- Top with Crushed Chocolate Cookies: Add texture to the trifle by topping it with crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers.
- Layer with Mini Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle mini chocolate chips between layers for extra chocolatey bites.
- Add Peanut Butter Drizzle: Use melted peanut butter as a drizzle on the top layer for added visual appeal and flavor.
- Use Banana Chips: For a bit of crunch, garnish with banana chips along the sides of the bowl or on top.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This trifle can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors meld beautifully with a bit of chilling time.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bananas may start to brown, so consider making smaller batches if you don’t plan to eat it all within a day or two.
- Use a Serrated Knife: When cutting the cake into cubes, a serrated knife can help you achieve clean cuts without crumbling the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this trifle without bananas?
A: Absolutely! You can replace bananas with strawberries, raspberries, or another fruit of your choice.
Q: Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute whipped topping for convenience, although the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Q: How long can I store this trifle?
A: The trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture, serve it within 24 hours.
Q: Can I use store-bought cake or brownies?
A: Definitely! Store-bought cake or brownies will save time and work just as well in this recipe.
Q: Is it possible to make this dessert vegan?
A: Yes! Substitute dairy-free whipped topping, vegan cream cheese, and egg replacers for a vegan-friendly version.
Conclusion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is an absolute delight, combining creamy, rich layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas for a dessert that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a casual get-together, it’s sure to impress. The best part? It’s easy to make and highly customizable, so you can adjust it to suit any preference or dietary requirement. Try this recipe today, and get ready to dive into a bowl of pure, layered bliss!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle combines rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fresh bananas for a decadent, layered dessert. Perfect for parties or a quick family treat, this trifle offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures, sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: layering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 chocolate cake, baked and cut into cubes
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups vanilla pudding
- 3 large bananas, sliced
- ½ cup chocolate chips or shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Layer half the chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Spread a layer of whipped cream over the cake cubes.
- Add a layer of peanut butter mixed with a portion of the pudding.
- Place banana slices evenly over the peanut butter layer.
- Repeat layers, finishing with whipped cream and garnishing with chocolate chips or shavings.
- Chill for 1–2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh bananas to prevent browning.
- Refrigerate any leftovers and consume within 2–3 days.
- Adjust sweetness with powdered sugar in the whipped cream if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
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