Favorite Chocolate Trifle

 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (8-ounce) container 

  frozen whipped topping

• 1 (15.25-ounce) box 

  chocolate cake mix, or 1 (18-ounce) package fudge brownie mix

• 1 to 3 large eggs (per package instructions)
• 1/4 to 3/4 cup 

  water (per package instructions)

• 1/3 cup 

  vegetable oil (or amount per package instructions)

• 2 (3.9-ounce) boxes 

  instant chocolate pudding mix (not cook-n-serve)

• 4 cups 

  cold whole milk

• 25 chocolate crème sandwich cookies, such as Oreos, or 8 (1.4-ounce) English toffee candy bars, such as Heath bars, or a combination

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place 1 container frozen whipped topping in the refrigerator to thaw, about 4 hours or up to overnight.
2. Prepare 1 package chocolate cake or brownie mix according to the package directions in a parchment-lined 9x13-inch baking pan. If the package does not list instructions for baking in a 9x13-inch baking pan, prepare the batter as instructed, and bake at 350°F until a toothpick inserted 1-inch from the edge comes out with a few moist crumbs, 20 to 25 minutes for cake or 25 to 30 minutes for brownies.
3. Place the pan on a wire rack and let the cake or brownies cool completely.
4. Place 2 boxes chocolate instant pudding and 4 cups cold whole milk in a large bowl and whisk until smooth, about 2 minutes. Set aside at room temperature to thicken, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, coarsely chop 25 chocolate crème sandwich cookies (oreos) or 8 toffee candy bars until you have 3 cups. I would add sprinkles even;)
5. Cut the cooled cake or brownies into 1-inch pieces. Arrange half of the cubes in an even layer in a 2 1/2 to 4-quart trifle dish or glass bowl. Top with half the pudding, half the candy bars or cookies, and half the whipped topping. Repeat layering the remaining cake, pudding, and candy bars or cookies. Refrigerate the remaining whipped topping. Reserve the crumbs from the candy bars, cookies, cake, or brownies in a small dish.
6. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to overnight.
7. When ready to serve, spread the remaining whipped topping over the top of the trifle and garnish with the reserved crumbs.
8. Enjoy:)♡