Snickers Trifle: A Beginner-Friendly Decadent Dessert

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There is something undeniably satisfying about a dessert that combines layers of chocolate, caramel, and peanut butter. If you have ever wanted to create a show-stopping treat without spending hours in the kitchen, this Snickers Trifle is the perfect recipe for you. With its rich chocolate cake, velvety homemade caramel, smooth chocolate pudding, and fluffy peanut butter whipped cream, it brings together all the best flavors in one delicious dish.

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This recipe is designed specifically for beginners. It is simple to follow, requires basic kitchen tools, and uses ingredients that are easy to find. Despite its impressive appearance, this trifle is surprisingly easy to assemble, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you are making it for a family gathering, a holiday party, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

The best part is that this dessert can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free option when entertaining. By preparing each layer in advance, you can assemble the trifle just before serving, ensuring it looks as good as it tastes. If you are new to baking, do not worry. This guide will walk you through each step with helpful tips to make sure your trifle turns out perfectly.

Ingredients and Preparation

Chocolate Sheet Cake

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (190g)
• 1 ⅓ cups granulated sugar (266g)
• ¼ cup baking cocoa powder (25g)
• ¾ teaspoon baking powder (3g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda (9g)
• ½ teaspoon fine salt (2g)
• ¾ cup hot water (180g)
• 1 ½ teaspoons instant espresso or coffee (3g)
• ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature (120g)
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (75g)
• ¼ cup sour cream, room temperature (64g)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature (112g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)

Homemade Caramel Sauce

• 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature (85g)
• ⅓ cup heavy cream, room temperature (80g)
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt (2g)

Chocolate Pudding Filling

• Two 3.9-ounce packages instant chocolate pudding
• 4 cups whole milk (980g)

Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

• 1 cup full-fat cream cheese, cold (226g)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (125g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (4g)
• 2 cups heavy cream, cold (480g)
• ⅓ cup peanut butter (83g)

Additional Ingredients

• 2 cups chopped peanuts (250g)
• 2 cups mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate pieces (360g)
• 4 fun-sized Snickers bars, chopped
• 2 cups cooked and crumbled beef or chicken bacon substitute

Step-by-Step Instructions

Chocolate Sheet Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (162°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, dissolve the instant espresso in hot water, then mix in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles.
6. Bake for 32-37 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through for even baking.
7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, cut the cake into 1-inch cubes.

Homemade Caramel Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, gradually add the sugar, stirring occasionally as it melts.
2. Continue stirring until the sugar turns a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it.
3. Turn off the heat and slowly mix in the butter, adding two tablespoons at a time.
4. Slowly stir in the heavy cream, then add the salt. The caramel will be thin at first but will thicken as it cools.
5. Transfer the caramel to a container and refrigerate for 20 minutes before use.

Chocolate Pudding Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk until smooth.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow it to set.

Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cold cream cheese on medium speed until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and mix for one minute.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while mixing on medium-high speed.
5. Once the whipped cream begins to thicken, add the peanut butter and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Assembling the Trifle

1. Begin by placing a layer of chocolate cake cubes at the bottom of individual serving glasses or a large trifle bowl.
2. Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce over the cake layer.
3. Add a layer of chocolate pudding, spreading it evenly over the caramel.
4. Sprinkle a handful of chopped peanuts and mini chocolate chips over the pudding layer.
5. Spread a thick layer of peanut butter whipped cream on top.
6. Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the glass or bowl.
7. Finish with a final dollop of peanut butter whipped cream and garnish with chopped Snickers bars, additional peanuts, mini chocolate chips, and crumbled beef or chicken bacon substitute for extra crunch.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Cake Cooling Tip: Make sure the cake is completely cooled before cutting it into cubes. Warm cake may crumble too much, making it harder to layer.
• Caramel Troubleshooting: If the sugar crystallizes while making the caramel, do not stir too vigorously. Instead, let it melt slowly over medium heat.
• Whipped Cream Consistency: Be careful not to overbeat the peanut butter whipped cream, as it can become too stiff or even turn into butter. Stop mixing as soon as it holds a firm peak.
• Layering Tip: For the best presentation, use clear glasses or a glass trifle bowl so the beautiful layers are visible.
• Make-Ahead Option: Each component can be prepared ahead of time and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving to keep the layers fresh and intact.

Serving Suggestions

This Snickers Trifle is rich on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few complementary additions. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can balance the intense chocolate and caramel flavors. For added texture, try serving it with crisp butter cookies or graham crackers. If you want to make the dessert extra special, drizzle additional caramel and chocolate sauce on top before serving.

For storage, cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to three days, though the cake may soften slightly over time as it absorbs the pudding and caramel. If you want to make smaller portions, use individual serving jars or cups for easy grab-and-go treats.

Conclusion

This Snickers Trifle is the perfect dessert for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort. It combines the best elements of a classic Snickers bar into a light yet indulgent dessert. By following this guide, even beginner cooks can create a beautiful, layered treat with confidence.

Give this recipe a try, and do not hesitate to experiment with different variations. Whether you adjust the sweetness, swap out ingredients, or add your own creative toppings, the possibilities are endless. If you make this dessert, share your experience in the comments. Your feedback and creativity can inspire others to try this delicious trifle as well.