This delicious S’mores Trifle Dessert recipe is a perfect twist on the classic campfire treat. Layers of graham cracker crumbs, chocolate pudding, chocolate cake, marshmallows, and whipped cream make for a delicious and easy-to-make sweet treat.
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If you love s’mores, you’ll LOVE this trifle recipe! Although it looks complicated to make, I assure you, it’s quite easy and fail proof! No matter what order of layers you assemble, this dessert will be a favorite at any gathering, party, summer cookout, or for that sweet tooth craving! A show-stopper dessert that can be prepared ahead of time and will be requested over and over!
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What is a Trifle?
A Trifle is a layered dessert that typically consists of a thin layer of sponge cake soaked in sherry, a fruit element, custard and whipped cream layered in that ascending order in a glass trifle dish. There are so many more variations to choose from like my Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle, to my Death by Chocolate Trifle, Oreo Trifle, Angel Food Cake Fruit Trifle, and Strawberry Brownie Trifle. Basically, layers of cake or brownie crumbles, pudding, whipped topping, and candies, chocolates, fruit, and more in any type of glass bowl!
Why this S’mores Trifle Works
- Easy to Make– using simple ingredients, this S’mores Chocolate Trifle comes together in no time and is even a dessert the kids can help assemble.
- Make Ahead– save time when prepping for a party by making this the day before. In fact, if you let it sit for at least a few hours, it really helps the flavors fuse together. Add additional graham cracker crumbs on top just before serving to keep the added crunch.
- Fun Twist on a Campfire Favorite– roasted marshmallows, creamy chocolate, and graham crackers combine to make a nostalgic dessert that brings those campfire memories back with every bite in this no bake dessert.
- Perfect for any occasion– whether you make one large trifle and serve to a crowd, or assemble in smaller glass bowls/ mason jars as individual servings for smaller numbers, this trifle is just the thing to make!
Ingredient Notes
Below is a brief overview of each ingredient needed as well as a few substitution ideas. To see printable recipe card, scroll to the bottom of the post or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top.
- Chocolate Cake– for the base of this recipe, I use a box of Devil’s food cake mix and the ingredients needed on the back. You can also make a homemade chocolate cake and cut it into small pieces. My Chocolate Mayonnaise cake is a great homemade option. If you aren’t into cake, you can also use cooked brownies for more of a Brownie Smores dessert.
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix– you’ll need one large box (5.9 ounces) of Instant Chocolate Pudding plus the milk listed on the back of the box.
- Hershey Bar– any chocolate bar will work, however, we love Hershey’s due to the creamy chocolate flavor. I break the chocolate bar into small pieces, however, you can grate it, chop it, or keep it whole.
- Graham Crackers– you’ll need about 2 cups of crushed graham crackers. You can use a food processor to make things easier.
- Cool Whip– any brand of whipped topping works, homemade whipped cream works great too.
Add On’s
To make this more of a classic smores flavored treat, you can sprinkle mini marshmallows to each of the layers as well as on top, use large marshmallows on top once ready to serve, or spread layers of marshmallow creme on top. You may find this called Marshmallow Fluff at your grocery store! Its basically a marshmallow whipped spread. Feel free to roast some marshmallows to add on top, or add some chocolate sauce/ chocolate syrup on top for added sweetness. Have fun with this and make it your own by adding peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, Oreo’s, or caramel sauce! To roast marshmallows inside using the broil setting in your oven or toaster oven, place a few whole graham crackers on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil. Add the mini marshmallows on top of the crackers and broil for a few seconds in the oven. They will brown quickly so do not walk away! Once roasted, pull off cracker and use on top of trifle. The crackers prevent the marshmallows from sticking to your pan.
Making your S’mores Dessert Trifle
Bake Cake. Once cooled, crumble into smaller pieces. Prepare Instant Chocolate Pudding. Prepare instant pudding according to package directions. Set aside. Assemble Trifle. In a glass trifle bowl, place half of cake crumbles in bottom of dish. Next, layer half of the chocolate pudding on top of cake. Follow it up by topping with half the cool whip container and then 1 cup Graham crackers crumbs. Continue pattern one more time ending with last layer of Graham crackers crumbs. Chill. Place assembled s mores trifle in refrigerator until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Storing
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can use plastic wrap or aluminum foil on top of your dish to keep it fresh longer. The graham crackers get soggy the longer they sit, however, the flavor will still be delicious. You can add more crumbs just before serving to keep the same taste there.
More S’more Dessert Recipes to try
S’mores Cookies– combine classic chocolate chip cookies with crushed graham crackers and marshmallows. Ooey gooey, chewy, and delicious cookies that takes the classic campfire treat to new levels! The perfect summer recipe everyone will enjoy!
Smores Muddy Buddies– combines the classic flavors of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows in a deliciously addictive snack mix. Perfect for parties, after school snacks, movie nights, or just as a sweet treat!
Inside Out S’mores Brownies– take your love for s’mores to the next level with these gooey and delicious Inside Out S’mores Brownies. The perfect combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker in one irresistible treat.
S’mores Poke Cake– a shortcut cake that is made in no time! Combining cake, marshmallows, pudding, and more into a delicious treat!
Let’s be honest—who can say no to layers of chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers all packed into one dreamy dessert? This S’mores Trifle is easy enough to whip up on a whim, fun to assemble (get the kids to help!), and guaranteed to disappear fast once you serve it. It’s got all the campfire vibes without the bug spray. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and dive in today—your sweet tooth will thank you! Be sure to leave a comment and rating below if you try it!
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S'mores Chocolate Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 box Devil's Food Cake Mix
- 1 box Chocolate pudding large box (5.9 ounce)
- 1 Hershey Bar
- 2 cups Graham Crackers, crushed
- 16 oz Cool Whip
Instructions
- Prepare Devils food cake mix and bake as directed on box. Allow cake to cool completely.
- Prepare chocolate pudding mix as directed on box.
- Crumble cake into small pieces.
- In a trifle bowl, place half of cake crumbles in bottom of dish. Next, layer half of the chocolate pudding on top of cake. Follow it up by topping with half the cool whip container and then 1 cup Graham crackers crumbs.
- Continue pattern one more time ending with last layer of Graham crackers crumbs.
- On the very top, crumble Hershey chocolate bar over cracker layer. *I used a food processor to break it into small chunks.
- Keep trifle chilled, serve in bowls!!
Nutrition
Charlotte Cunningham says
What size container of cool whip?
Kristin says
Sorry about not including that, I have corrected it now. You’ll use 16 oz. 🙂
Ray says
Looks yummy, but I’d made the cake, and pudding from scratch and use real cream. This will be what I take to the next potluck.
Kristin says
Great idea! Let us know how it turns out 🙂
Anonymous says
Instead of the cool whip you could mix marshmallow crime and cream cheese since marshmallows are in s’mores
Kristin and Adriana says
Sure!! You may only want to do that for one or two layer though as that is a heavier sweet versus the cool whip 🙂
Sounds yummy!!
Debbie says
This looks good. Have you tried it with marshmallow cream instead of Cool Whip? Once I get a trifle bowl I’ll have to try this since my family loves s’mores.
Kristin and Adriana says
Great idea! We have not tried it like that but I’m sure that would be yummy! Maybe just do one layer like that though since the marshmallow is sticky whereas the cool whip isn’t? If you try it, let us know how it turns out! Sounds like a great variety 🙂
Anonymous says
Maybe mix the cool whip and the marshmallow fluff so the consistancy would be better for spreading.
Anonymous says
YUM!
stefani says
This looks fantastic! My boys would lobe it…thanks for sharing♡
Jennifer Wright says
This looks so dag on good!!! I’m going to make it for a side at my son’s 4th bday party next weekend!
Kristin and Adriana says
Oh fun!!! Happy 4th birthday to your son! Hope you all enjoy this 🙂
Ericka Breedlove says
This dessert looks so pretty! I think my daughter would love it too! 🙂 Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
Kristin, Tammy and Vicky says
We used Instant Pudding, : )
Anonymous says
instant pudding or cooked pudding?