A decadently rich and oh so comforting Nutella trifle is the best dessert for impressing and saving time. The beautiful combination of chocolate and hazelnut is a classic most people cannot turn down.
A traditional English trifle is a dessert, made with layers of fruit, cream and sponge cake soaked in sherry.
Since the original dessert though there are now so many variations of trifle - and that's a good thing. This chocolate trifle is one of my favorites.
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What makes this recipe so yummy
- Once you have made a trifle you'll understand what I mean when I say it's SO easy. You can't mess up. Even if you overcook the cake layer, you almost want that because it is going to be soaked up by the pudding layers anyway.
- A trifle always looks so impressive. You can show off your culinary 'expertise' while keeping the secret of how easy it is.
- It can be as pre-fabbed or homemade as you like. Prefer homemade brownies? Go for it.
- English Trifles are the best, making it with Nutella takes it to a whole other level. With layers of chocolate cake, or cookies in this case.
- Take a regular chocolate trifle and turn it into this hazelnut and chocolate lovers dream.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Brownie Mix
- Eggs
- Vegetable Oil
- Chocolate Pudding Mix
- Milk
- Nutella
- Heavy Whipping Cream
- Chocolate Hazelnut Wafer Cookies
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Prepare the brownies as per the package instructions then allow to cool completely.
- Step 2: Prepare the chocolate pudding in a large bowl, per the package instructions and allow to set in the refrigerator.
- Step 3: When the brownies are cooled, add the heavy whipping cream to a mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer until stiff peaks have formed.
- Step 4: Mix in ¾ Cup Nutella into the whipped cream and set aside.
- Step 5: Using your hands break up pieces of brownies into the bottom of a trifle bowl (or your largest dish). Completely cover the bottom.
- Step 6: Drizzle the remaining Nutella all over the brownies, then add half the chocolate pudding on top of the brownies and smooth out to be level.
- Step 7: Add the hazelnut wafer cookies in a layer on top of that (reserving some for decoration on top).
- Step 8: Spoon half the nutella cream on top of the cookies.
- Step 9: Add another layer of brownies, followed by the remaining chocolate pudding and top off with the remaining nutella cream.
- Step 10: Decorate the top with some hazelnut wafer cookies.
- Step 11: Place the trifle into the refrigerator to allow it to set up. It will taste better after a few hours of standing.
Hint: If you don't have a proper trifle dish that's ok. You can use your largest mixing bowl or serving bowl. If you don't have one, you could even make multiple smaller trifles.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Cream Cheese - this is often added to chocolate layered desserts.
- Ferrero Rocher - you could use these elegant candies instead of the hazelnut wafer cookies.
- Oreo Crumbs - an optional extra layer idea.
- Cool Whip - you could add a layer of cool whip on top.
- Icing Sugar - mix some into the whipped cream and nutella layer.
- Chocolate Brownies - you could use this instead.
- Candy Bars - these work too.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
A trifle dish is something I can't do without and I make many desserts in it. I do have an affiliate link to the one I use in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Otherwise, feel free to use a large serving bowl if you have one.
You'll also need a hand mixer.
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How to store leftovers
Store, loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Mel's kitchen notes
You could make individual nutella trifles in some glassware if you want to really impress. It's a cute way to serve this dessert.
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
Yes and no. The flavors and textures will actually come together better when left overnight.... however, depending on the 'crunch layer' you may not want to leave it too long.
It is best to allow it to sit a little while before eating - the flavors marry together better. I recommend allowing the flavors to set up in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
I always like to have a cake or firmer layer at the bottom, followed by a liquid layer (like jelly, jello, liquor etc), then a custard/cream layer, finally a fruit. And repeat.
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Nutella Trifle
Ingredients
- 2 (17.8 Ounce) Boxes Supreme Triple Chunk Brownie Mix
- 4 Each Large Eggs
- 1-⅓ Cups Vegetable Oil
- 3 Cups Milk
- 1 (5.4 Ounce) Box Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
- 1 (13 Ounce) Jar Nutella divided
- 2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 (5 Ounce) Pack Hazelnut Wafer Cookies
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Prepare the brownie mix per the instructions. You can either make two square pans or 1 large 9x13" dish.2 (17.8 Ounce) Boxes Supreme Triple Chunk Brownie Mix, 4 Each Large Eggs, 1-⅓ Cups Vegetable Oil
- After the brownies are cooked remove and allow to cool completely before layering the trifle.
- Mix the chocolate pudding with the milk and allow to set in the refrigerator.3 Cups Milk, 1 (5.4 Ounce) Box Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
- Once the brownies have cooled, add a layer (using your fingers) in the bottom of a trifle dish.
- In a large mixing bowl add the 2 cups of heavy cream and beat using a hand mixer, until stiff peaks form.2 Cups Heavy Whipping Cream
- Add ¾ Cup Nutella to the cream and beat again until well mixed. Set aside.1 (13 Ounce) Jar Nutella
- Using a spoon drizzle spoons of the remaining Nutella over the first layer of brownies on the bottom of the trifle dish.1 (13 Ounce) Jar Nutella
- Spoon half of the chocolate pudding on top.
- Add a layer of hazelnut wafer cookies (reserving some to crumble on top).1 (5 Ounce) Pack Hazelnut Wafer Cookies
- Spoon half of the nutella cream over the top of the cookies.
- Add another layer of brownies on top.
- Spoon the remaining chocolate pudding on top of the brownies again.
- Top with the remaining nutella cream and sprinkle crushed hazelnut cookies on top for decoration.
- Allow to sit in the refrigerator to "set up" for a few hours before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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Christine Smith says
How do you stop the wafers from going soft?
Melanie Cagle says
Hi Christine, that's actually part of the 'joy' of a trifle. All those ingredients just melt together. If you prefer the wafer/cookie ingredient to hold its texture I would recommend using something that's a bit tougher? Maybe Oreo cookies, or something like that?
Francesca says
Will this hold up if I assemble a day in advance? Or is it recommended to only make it a few hours in advance? Thanks!
Melanie Cagle says
It's actually better to make it a little ahead. All the layers and flavors marry together better 😉