If you're looking for a dessert that combines all your favorite flavors—rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and sweet bananas—this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a must-try! It’s layered with luscious chocolate pudding, creamy peanut butter filling, ripe bananas, and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Perfect for any occasion, this dessert is easy to assemble, can be made ahead of time, and looks stunning when served in a glass dish or individual cups.
Call to Action: Keep reading to discover how to make this irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle with step-by-step instructions, variations, and presentation tips that will make this dessert the star of any gathering!
What is a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle?
A Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a layered dessert that features creamy chocolate pudding, peanut butter filling, fresh banana slices, and whipped cream. It’s assembled in a large trifle dish or individual serving cups to create beautiful layers of decadent flavors. Each bite combines the richness of chocolate and peanut butter with the freshness of bananas, making it a perfect dessert for any chocolate-peanut butter lover. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare but looks and tastes like a fancy, indulgent treat.
Ingredients List for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this indulgent Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle:
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- Instant chocolate pudding mix – 1 large box (5.1 oz)
- Whole milk – 3 cups (or as directed on the pudding mix)
For the Peanut Butter Cream Layer:
- Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
- Peanut butter – 1 cup (creamy or chunky, your choice)
- Powdered sugar – ½ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (for whipping)
For the Banana Layer:
- Bananas – 3-4 ripe bananas, sliced into rounds
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (to prevent bananas from browning)
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- Heavy cream – 1 ½ cups (cold)
- Powdered sugar – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
For the Toppings (Optional):
- Chocolate shavings or chocolate chips – ½ cup
- Peanut butter cups – chopped, for garnish
- Crushed graham crackers or Nilla wafers – 1 cup (for extra texture)
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some variations to help you customize your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle to suit different tastes or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that your pudding mix, peanut butter, and any cookies you use are gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free versions of these ingredients.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk with dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut milk, coconut cream, and dairy-free cream cheese.
- Add Crunch: Layer in crushed graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or peanut butter cookies for added texture.
- Healthier Version: Use Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese in the peanut butter layer and opt for a sugar-free pudding mix to cut down on sugar.
- Chocolate Banana Bread Base: Use chunks of banana bread or brownies in between layers for a more cake-like texture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to create this deliciously layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle.
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer
- Mix the Pudding:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk according to the package instructions. Whisk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Place it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the other layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cream Layer
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together with an electric mixer 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 heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until combined. The result should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Prepare the Bananas
- Slice the Bananas:
Peel and slice the bananas into thin rounds. - Prevent Browning:
Toss the banana slices with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Set aside.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Layer
- Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or the cream may become grainy.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
- Layer the Ingredients:
In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by layering half of the chocolate pudding on the bottom. Follow with a layer of sliced bananas, then a layer of peanut butter cream. Repeat the layers with the remaining pudding, bananas, and peanut butter cream. - Top with Whipped Cream:
Spread the whipped cream evenly on top of the trifle. You can use a spatula to create decorative swirls or pipe the whipped cream using a piping bag for a more elegant presentation.
Step 6: Add Garnishes
- Chocolate Shavings or Chips:
Garnish the top of the trifle with chocolate shavings or chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey touch. - Peanut Butter Cups:
Add chopped peanut butter cups on top for added indulgence and visual appeal. - Crushed Cookies:
If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle crushed graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or peanut butter cookies over the top of the whipped cream.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some tips to ensure your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle turns out perfectly:
- Overbeating the Whipped Cream:
When making homemade whipped cream, be careful not to overwhip. You want soft, pillowy peaks, not stiff, grainy cream. If overbeaten, the cream may separate and lose its fluffy texture. - Soggy Bananas:
Toss the banana slices in lemon juice to keep them from turning brown and becoming too soggy as the trifle sits. Alternatively, assemble the trifle just before serving if you’re worried about the bananas softening too much. - Runny Peanut Butter Layer:
If your peanut butter layer is too runny, chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before layering. The peanut butter mixture should be light and creamy, not watery.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is visually stunning, especially when layered in a clear dish. Here are some tips to make it look even more impressive:
How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
- Chill Before Serving: After assembling the trifle, let it chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and ensures each layer stays firm.
- Individual Servings: Instead of one large trifle dish, you can create individual trifles in small glass cups or mason jars for a beautiful presentation at parties or dinner gatherings.
Presentation Ideas for Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle
- Layer Neatly: To achieve clean, distinct layers, use a piping bag or spoon to carefully add each layer to the dish. Wipe down the sides of the dish between layers if needed to keep the presentation neat.
- Decorative Topping: Top the trifle with extra peanut butter cups, crushed cookies, or a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for added elegance and flavor.
- Add a Banana Slice Garnish: Finish each serving with a fresh banana slice on top for a pop of color and a hint of what’s inside.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: This dessert is great for making ahead! Prepare the trifle a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, and it makes serving stress-free.
- Use Ripe Bananas: For the best flavor, use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft. Overripe bananas can become mushy in the trifle.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle chocolate or caramel sauce between layers or over the top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the trifle up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle?
This dessert doesn’t freeze
well because of the whipped cream and fresh bananas. It’s best to enjoy it fresh from the fridge.
3. How do I keep the bananas from browning?
Toss the banana slices in lemon juice or pineapple juice before layering them into the trifle. This will prevent browning and keep the bananas fresh.
4. Can I use homemade chocolate pudding instead of instant?
Absolutely! You can use homemade chocolate pudding instead of instant for a richer, homemade taste. Just make sure to chill it before assembling the trifle.
5. How long can I store the leftover trifle?
Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a deliciously indulgent dessert that combines layers of creamy chocolate, peanut butter, and bananas in one impressive dish. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for any celebration or simply when you’re craving something sweet and decadent. Whether you make it in a large trifle dish or create individual servings, this trifle is guaranteed to wow your guests. Ready to try this crowd-pleasing dessert? Start layering and enjoy!
PrintChocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle Recipe
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cream Trifle is a delightful layered dessert combining rich chocolate cake or brownies, creamy peanut butter filling, banana slices, and whipped cream. Perfect for parties or gatherings, this indulgent trifle is easy to assemble and offers the perfect blend of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana in every bite. This no-bake dessert is ideal for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Layer:
- 1 batch chocolate cake or brownies (store-bought or homemade), cut into cubes
For the Peanut Butter Cream:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
For the Banana Layer:
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Chocolate shavings
- Crushed peanuts
- Mini peanut butter cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Chocolate Layer:
If using homemade chocolate cake or brownies, bake according to your recipe instructions and let cool completely. Cut the cake or brownies into small cubes and set aside. - Make the Peanut Butter Cream:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully incorporated. Fold in the whipped cream until light and fluffy. - Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Set aside. - Assemble the Trifle:
In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, begin layering:- Start with a layer of chocolate cake or brownie cubes.
- Add a layer of sliced bananas.
- Spread a generous layer of peanut butter cream over the bananas.
- Repeat the layers (cake, bananas, peanut butter cream) until the dish is full, finishing with the whipped cream topping.
- Garnish and Serve:
Top the trifle with chocolate shavings, crushed peanuts, and mini peanut butter cups for extra flair. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use store-bought cake or brownies.
- You can add a drizzle of chocolate or peanut butter sauce between the layers for extra richness.
- Best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 250mg
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