Halloween Trifle

When I made this Halloween Trifle, the kitchen turned into a swirl of chocolate, cream, and candy colors.
Each layer looked spooky and sweet, stacked with cookies, pudding, and whipped topping.
I still remember the excitement of scooping down to the bottom and getting a bit of everything in one bite.

This trifle is creamy, crunchy, and full of Halloween fun.
It’s perfect for parties, easy to assemble, and always a crowd favorite.

Let’s layer it up together—each spoonful is a little taste of spooky happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Kid-Friendly & Party-Perfect: It’s fun to build, easy to serve, and makes enough for a whole group. The decorations turn a simple trifle into a Halloween centerpiece.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prep it several hours before your party. The longer it chills, the better the flavors blend.
• No-Bake Shortcut: We’re using boxed pudding and cake mix here, which saves a lot of time—ideal for busy October weekends or last-minute party prep.
• Customizable for All Ages: Leave out candy eyes or add gummy worms—whatever fits your crowd.
• Great Texture Mix: Between the soft pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy cookies, every bite is a little different.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Assembly Time:

• Cake Baking: 30–35 minutes (if using cake mix)
• Pudding Mixing: 10 minutes
• Assembly: 15–20 minutes
• Optional Chill Time: 30–60 minutes (for cleaner layers and a cold bite)
  Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes with chill, or just under 1 hour without it.

Servings:

• This makes about 10–12 generous servings in a full-size trifle bowl (3–4 qt).
• Perfect for class parties, family gatherings, or dessert tables.

Difficulty Level:

• Very easy. No fancy skills needed. Great beginner dessert.
• Kids can help crush Oreos, stir pudding, and decorate the top.

Required Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any special baking tools. Here’s what helps the process go smoothly:

• Mixing bowls (2–3): One for pudding, one for crushed cookies, one for folding whipped topping.
• Hand whisk or electric hand mixer: To beat the pudding until thick and smooth.
• Rubber spatula or wide spoon: For gentle folding and spreading.
• Trifle bowl or glass dish: A tall, clear bowl lets the layers show through. A 9×13 glass pan also works.
• Serrated knife: For slicing cake into cubes.
• Food-safe zip bag or piping bag: Optional, for adding neat whipped topping “ghosts.”
• Spoons: For layering and taste-testing.

Ingredients for Halloween Trifle

This recipe uses simple grocery-store ingredients, but when layered together, they look festive and professional.

Cake Layer:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
  Any brand works (Devil’s Food, Fudge, or Classic Chocolate). Follow the box instructions to prepare.
• Eggs, Oil, and Water
  As listed on the back of your cake mix box.

Pudding Layer:

• 2 (3.4 oz) boxes of cheesecake-flavored instant pudding
  Vanilla pudding works too, but cheesecake gives a slightly tangier, richer taste.
• 3 cups cold whole milk
  Helps thicken the pudding quickly. Skim or 2% will work, but won’t be quite as rich.
• 8 ounces of whipped topping (Cool Whip or store brand)
  Folded into the pudding to give a mousse-like texture and extra volume.
• Orange gel food coloring
  A few drops turn the pudding a perfect Halloween orange.

Crunch & Decoration:

• 30 Oreo cookies, crushed
  No need to remove filling. Crush with hands or pulse in a food processor.
• Ghost Peeps
  For the top layer. Place upright to “peek” out of the trifle.
• Mallowcreme pumpkins
  Soft texture, sweet flavor, and lots of Halloween color.
• Ghoul’s Mix M&Ms
  These are regular M&Ms in spooky seasonal colors—purple, green, orange, and black.
• Milano cookies
  These serve as edible “gravestones.” You can write “RIP” on them using icing.
• Black cookie gel icing
  Write spooky phrases or just add little black details.

How to Make Halloween Trifle (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Making this trifle is all about layering. Each layer brings a different texture and flavor, and when it’s all stacked together, it looks spooky and fun.

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Prepare the Cake Batter
   • Follow the instructions on your chocolate cake mix box.
   • Mix the eggs, oil, and water as directed.
   • Use a 9×13 inch baking pan for easy slicing.
2. Bake and Cool
   • Bake according to the box—usually around 30–35 minutes at 350°F (177°C).
   • Let it cool completely.
   • Once cooled, cut the cake into small cubes or crumble it gently with clean hands.

Tip: A cooled cake is easier to slice and layer. If warm, the whipped layers might melt or collapse.

Step 2: Make the Orange Cheesecake Pudding

1. Mix the Pudding
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and 3 cups of cold milk.
   • Whisk for 2 minutes until thick.
2. Add Orange Color
   • Drop in 3–5 drops of orange gel food coloring.
   • Whisk until fully blended and bright orange.
3. Fold in Whipped Topping
   • Use a rubber spatula to gently fold in 8 oz of whipped topping.
   • The mixture should be light, fluffy, and smooth.

Step 3: Crush the Oreos

• Place the Oreos in a large zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin OR pulse in a food processor.
• Leave some pieces chunky for texture.
• You can reserve ¼ cup for topping later.

Step 4: Layer the Trifle

In a large trifle bowl or glass dish, follow this order:

1. First Layer: Half of the chocolate cake cubes
2. Second Layer: Half of the orange pudding mixture
3. Third Layer: Half of the crushed Oreos
4. Fourth Layer: Repeat cake, pudding, and Oreos again to finish the layers

Tip: Use a spoon or spatula to spread each layer evenly and to the edges so it looks neat from the outside.

Step 5: Decorate the Top

Now for the fun part:

• Pipe or spoon small “ghosts” of whipped topping on top.
• Place Ghost Peeps upright in between.
• Add candy pumpkins and sprinkle with Halloween M&Ms.
• Stick Milano cookies upright like tombstones.
• Use black gel icing to write “RIP” or draw cobwebs on the cookies.
• Sprinkle any extra crushed Oreos around for a “dirt” effect.

Optional Chill Time

• Chill in the fridge for 30–60 minutes if you want cleaner slices or a colder texture.
• You can also serve it right away—it will be softer and a bit messier, but just as tasty.

Variations for Halloween Trifle

• Swap the Cake: Use brownies or chocolate loaf cake for a richer base.
• Switch the Pudding Flavor: Vanilla or white chocolate pudding works if you can’t find cheesecake flavor.
• Use Homemade Cake or Whipped Cream: Want it all from scratch? Bake a chocolate sponge and whip heavy cream with powdered sugar.
• Make Individual Servings: Use mason jars or clear cups for personal-sized trifles at parties.
• Add Gummy Worms or Candy Eyes: Great for a “graveyard” theme or extra creep factor.

How to Serve Halloween Trifle

• Party Dessert Table: Set it out with a big spoon and let guests serve themselves.
• Individual Cups: Pre-layer into small cups for grab-and-go treats.
• With a Spoon: Honestly, even a big spoon right out of the bowl works when it’s this good.

Chef’s Note: This dessert is soft and spoonable, not meant to slice like cake. Serve in scoops with a wide spoon or spatula.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill Before Serving: A cold trifle is easier to scoop and more refreshing. Let it sit in the fridge for 30–60 minutes if you have time.
• Clean Layers: Use a spoon or piping bag to keep pudding and whipped topping from smudging the bowl’s sides.
• Add Crunch Last Minute: For extra texture, sprinkle some fresh crushed Oreos on top just before serving so they don’t soften.
• Decorate Right Before Serving: Peeps and candy pumpkins hold up best when added just before display, especially if the fridge is humid.
• Use Clear Bowls or Cups: Show off your spooky layers—this dessert deserves to be seen.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (est.)
Calories	390–450 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	35mg
Sodium	380mg
Carbohydrates	58g
Sugar	36g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Protein	4g
Calcium	8% DV
Iron	10% DV

Note: These values are estimates based on common brands. Actual nutrition may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Halloween Trifle FAQs

Can I make Halloween Trifle a day ahead?
Yes. In fact, making it 12–24 hours in advance gives the layers time to settle and the flavors to blend. Just keep it tightly covered in the fridge.

Can I use homemade cake instead of a box mix?
Absolutely. A homemade chocolate sponge or fudge cake works well. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before layering.

What if I can’t find cheesecake pudding?
Vanilla or white chocolate instant pudding are both great substitutes. You’ll still get a smooth, creamy base.

Can I freeze Halloween Trifle?
Not recommended. Freezing changes the texture of the pudding and whipped topping. It’s best enjoyed fresh within 2 days.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and certified gluten-free cookies. Always double-check pudding and candy labels for gluten content.

Conclusion

Halloween Trifle is one of those desserts that looks festive, tastes nostalgic, and feels like a celebration in every scoop. It combines the rich chocolate of a cake, the smooth sweetness of pudding, and the fun of Halloween candy all in one bowl.

It’s easy enough for kids to help build, yet layered enough to impress guests at a fall gathering. Whether you make it ahead or right before your party, this no-bake treat brings color, fun, and sweetness to your Halloween table.