20-Minute Double Chocolate Mocha Trifle

Prep: 20 min12 servingsmediumAmerican
Double Chocolate Mocha Trifle with English Toffee Bars

Layers of fudgy brownies, creamy coffee-spiked white chocolate pudding, and crunchy toffee pieces create this impressive make-ahead dessert. Perfect for dinner parties or special occasions when you want something that looks elegant but requires minimal skill. The combination of chocolate and coffee flavors with varying textures makes each spoonful satisfying.

Ingredients

12 servings
  • 1 18 1/4 ounce package brownie mix, and ingredients to prepare per package directions
  • 1 ¾ cups cold milk
  • 2 3 1/2 ounce packages instant white chocolate pudding and pie filling mix
    chocolate pudding1:1flavor

    more intense chocolate

  • ¼ cup warm water
  • 4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
    espresso powder1:1dietary

    stronger coffee flavor

  • 2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
    heavy cream1:1 whippeddietaryadds dairy

    fresher taste

    Full guide →
  • 3 1 1/2 ounce chocolate-covered english toffee bars, coarsely chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare and bake brownies according to cake-like directions

  2. 2

    Cool brownies completely

  3. 3

    Whisk pudding mix with cold milk until it begins to thicken

  4. 4

    Dissolve coffee granules in warm water

  5. 5

    Add coffee mixture to pudding and mix well

  6. 6

    Fold whipped topping into pudding mixture

  7. 7

    Cut brownies into 1 inch cubes

  8. 8

    Layer 1/3 of brownie cubes into bowl

  9. 9

    Top with 1/3 of pudding mixture, pressing lightly

  10. 10

    Sprinkle with 1/3 of chopped toffee

  11. 11

    Repeat layers 2 more times

  12. 12

    Chill 30 minutes before serving

Tips

Tip 1

Use a Kitchen Aid mixer for smoother pudding consistency when whisking with milk.

Tip 2

Press pudding layers lightly to prevent air pockets and ensure even distribution.

Tip 3

Make sure brownies are completely cool before cutting to prevent crumbling.

Good to Know

Storage

Refrigerate covered up to 2 days. Best within 24 hours as brownies may soften.

Make Ahead

Assemble up to 4 hours before serving. Chill until ready to serve.

Serve With

Serve chilled in individual glasses or from large trifle bowl with spoon.

Common Mistakes

Watch

Let brownies cool completely to avoid melting pudding layer

Watch

Dissolve coffee granules fully to prevent gritty texture

Substitutions

instant coffee granules
espresso powder1:1dietary

stronger coffee flavor

white chocolate pudding
chocolate pudding1:1flavor

more intense chocolate

frozen whipped topping
heavy cream1:1 whippeddietaryadds dairy

fresher taste

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without coffee?

Yes, omit the coffee granules and warm water. The pudding will be plain white chocolate flavored instead of mocha.

What if I don't have toffee bars?

Substitute with chopped Heath bars, butterscotch chips, or mini chocolate chips for similar crunch and sweetness.

How long will this keep in the refrigerator?

Best eaten within 24 hours but will keep covered for up to 2 days. Brownies become softer over time.