A decadent and easy-to-make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle featuring layers of chocolate cake or brownies, instant chocolate pudding, peanut butter sandwich cookies, chopped peanut butter cups, ripe bananas, and a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese mixture topped with whipped topping. Perfect for dessert lovers who enjoy rich flavors and a combination of textures.
Total Time:55 minutes
Yield:8 servings
Ingredients
Cake or Brownie Layer
½ box chocolate cake mix, baked and crumbled into large pieces or 1 full box brownie mix, baked and crumbled into large pieces
Pudding Layer
1 large 5.9 oz package instant chocolate pudding mix, prepared as directed with 3 cups milk and chilled
Cookie and Candy Layer
1 package (16 oz) peanut butter sandwich cookies (such as Nutter Butters), crumbled into pieces
1 bag (9.6 oz) peanut butter cups, chopped
Fruit Layer
4-5 ripe bananas, sliced
Peanut Butter Cream Cheese Mixture
1 cup creamy peanut butter
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
8 oz tub whipped topping, divided
Instructions
Prepare the peanut butter cream cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter. Beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and continue beating until fully combined. Pour in 2 tablespoons of milk and beat until the mixture is silky. Fold in 1 cup of the whipped topping until no streaks remain.
Set aside remaining whipped topping: Reserve the remaining whipped topping to be used later as the topping for the trifles.
Reserve garnishes: Before assembling, set aside a small portion of crumbled peanut butter sandwich cookies and chopped peanut butter cups for garnish on top.
Layer the trifle: Using glasses or a trifle dish, layer ingredients as follows: start with cake or brownie pieces mixed with chopped peanut butter cups, then add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by a layer of chocolate pudding, a layer of crumbled cookies, then the peanut butter cream cheese mixture, another layer of cake or brownie pieces and peanut butter cups, and finally more sliced bananas. Leave room at the top for the whipped topping.
Add whipped topping and garnish: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top of each trifle serving. Sprinkle with the reserved chopped peanut butter cups and crumbled cookies. Add any leftover banana slices for decoration if desired.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the assembled trifles for at least 30 minutes to allow the layers to set before serving.
Notes
Use either chocolate cake or brownies according to your preference; brownies will produce a richer dessert.
Make sure bananas are ripe but firm enough to hold up in the layers and prevent mushiness.
For a smoother peanut butter cream cheese mixture, soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
You can prepare the pudding in advance and chill it overnight for convenience.
Layer ingredients gently to maintain distinct layers and attractive presentation.
