Layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse, whipped cream, and peanut butter cups.
Hello, Dessert Lovers 👋
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels a little over-the-top (in the best way), this Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is IT.
It’s rich, creamy, chocolatey, peanut buttery, and downright dreamy. And the best part? No fancy baking skills needed.
Just layer it all up, and let those flavors do the work.
I’ve made this for birthdays, potlucks, Sunday dinners—you name it. And let me tell you: not a single spoonful is ever left in the bowl.
🍫 What You’ll Need
- 1 box of chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients on the box)
- 2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 20 mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- Optional: chocolate sauce for drizzling
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total showstopper, but super low-stress. It’s perfect when you want to bring dessert and blow everyone away without spending all day baking.
- You don’t have to bake anything from scratch (unless you want to!)
- You can make it ahead, and it actually gets better as it sits
- It’s rich, creamy, and hits every dessert craving
- People literally ask me to bring this again
🍽️ Servings + Time
Servings: 12
Time: About 45 minutes (plus cooling time)
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Whipped cream + peanut butter = mousse magic. The cream gets light and airy, then the peanut butter mixture makes it creamy and rich.
- Layering creates texture. Each bite is a mix of soft cake, silky mousse, and crunchy candy.
- Condensed milk keeps the mousse sweet and smooth without needing extra sugar or gelatin.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Trifle bowl or glass dish
- Knife and cutting board
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use brownies instead of chocolate cake for an even fudgier version
- Swap almond butter or cookie butter for peanut butter
- Add crushed pretzels or Oreos for extra crunch
- Use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream for speed
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
- You can make the cake and peanut butter mousse a day ahead
- Assemble the trifle up to 6 hours before serving—just keep it chilled
- Add the peanut butter cups on top right before serving so they stay crunchy
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake
Make and bake the chocolate cake according to the package instructions. Let it cool completely, then cut or crumble into bite-sized chunks.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
Step 3: Make Peanut Butter Mousse
In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth. Add the sweetened condensed milk and beat until creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped cream.
Step 4: Chop the Peanut Butter Cups
Chop mini peanut butter cups into small pieces for layering.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
In a large trifle dish, layer chocolate cake chunks, peanut butter mousse, whipped cream, and chopped peanut butter cups. Repeat layers until the bowl is full. Finish with whipped cream and extra chopped cups on top. Drizzle with chocolate sauce if you like.
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Chill the whipped cream bowl and beaters for the best volume.
- Don’t overmix the mousse when folding in the whipped cream—just enough to blend.
- Make sure your cake is fully cooled before assembling or the mousse will melt.
- Use a clear trifle dish so you can show off the pretty layers.
- Save some peanut butter cups for the very top—it makes a big visual impact.
🍴 Leftovers & Storage
Store in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. The layers will soften over time but still taste amazing. Don’t freeze—cream-based desserts don’t thaw well.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overbeating whipped cream – stop once stiff peaks form or it’ll turn grainy.
- Warm cake – melts your mousse and turns the layers soupy.
- Skipping the fold – don’t beat the mousse mixture after adding whipped cream, fold gently to keep it fluffy.
🥘 What to Serve With It
- A big glass of cold milk or coffee
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries on the side
- A simple salad or light dinner—this dessert is rich
🍽️ Meal Plan Ideas
- Main: Grilled chicken or burgers
- Side: Baked mac and cheese or corn on the cob
- Dessert: Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Trifle (make ahead while dinner cooks!)
❓ FAQ
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix.
Can I use Cool Whip?
Absolutely—it makes things faster. You’ll need about 3 cups.
Can I make it in individual cups?
Yes! Use mason jars or clear plastic cups for mini trifles.
What’s the best peanut butter to use?
Creamy, shelf-stable peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) works best. Natural peanut butter can separate and change the texture.
🍰 Wrap-Up
This trifle is one of those desserts that looks impressive but is secretly really simple. It’s perfect for parties, holidays, or even just because. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do!
Let me know how it goes in the comments—and feel free to ask questions if anything comes up. Happy layering!