If I really sit down and think about it, trifles are my favorite dessert.
They can be as quick and easy or as "made from scratch" as you want. And there are so many different ways you can make them. I love coming up with new combinations.
I came up with this recipe when I was craving a German chocolate cake but didn't want to go through the hassle of assembling and decorating a layer cake. I also wasn't in the mood for a heavy frosting. The chocolate mousse layer in this trifle takes the place of a frosting but doesn't sit so heavily in your stomach.
I started with a cake mix since I think that box cakes work just as well in trifles as scratch made. I did, however, make my own mousse and coconut pecan filling. Because the mousse requires several hours to properly set up, I recommend making the mousse and coconut pecan filling the day before you plan to assemble the trifle. This dessert keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, so you can make the whole thing a day or two in advance of when you plan to serve it. It feeds a crowd and everyone will love it!
German Chocolate Cake Trifle
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 German chocolate cake mix, prepared in 9x13 pan according to directions (cake only)
- German Chocolate Mousse:
- 1 â…“ cups milk
- 2 tsp unflavored gelatin
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 ounces Bakers German Chocolate, roughly chopped
- 4 cups Cool Whip, thawed
- Coconut Pecan Filling:
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 â…“ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- German Chocolate Mousse:
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the milk, gelatin, and vanilla extract. Let stand for 3 minutes, then cook on medium-high heat until bubbles begin to form around the edge (~180F). Do not allow mixture to boil.
- Remove from heat, add the chocolate, and cover for 5 minutes. Then use a whisk to combine chocolate until the mixture is smooth.
- Pour mixture into a large bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill for 1 hour. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined. Do not whisk or beat. The chocolate mixture will still be quite thin so it may seem like it won't come together, but keep working at it gently until it's all one color.
- Cover the mixture and chill for 3 hours until fully set.
- Coconut Pecan Filling:
- In a saucepan combine 1 cup sugar, evaporated milk, ½ cup butter, and 3 egg yolks.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the coconut, pecans and vanilla extract.
- Cool until thick enough to spread or refrigerate until ready to assemble the trifle.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- In a large glass trifle bowl, cover the bottom with chunks of the prepared cake. Layer with half of the chocolate mousse, and then spread with half of the coconut pecan filling.
- Repeat the layers again so that you end with the coconut pecan filling on top. You will likely only use about â…” of the prepared cake. You can wrap and freeze the rest, or just keep it around for snacking!
- Decorate with halved pecans, if desired. Keep refrigerated and serve cold.
- Prep Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 15 mins
Save this recipe for later! Use this Pinterest-optimized image to save to your boards. Just hover your mouse over the following image and click the button that pops up.
Ronda
When you say 4 C of Cool Whip, are you talking about 4 8oz tubs?
Angie
I had leftover cake in the freezer and this worked GREAT for a quick group dessert! I used dark chocolate in place of the German Chocolate and drizzled chocolate ganache on top of the pecan filling (each layer). Since I prefer to stick to "whole" foods, I whipped up 2 cups of whipping cream + 4 Tbsps. Powder Sugar in place of the cool whip....worked perfect! I will definitely be making this again! It was Super easy, Super yummy and a Super Hit!
Erin
That sounds so good! Thanks for sharing! I also don't love the ingredients in Cool Whip but I do love the convenience... I've recently discovered TruWhip and have been using it instead. I love it, and it helps bridge the gap between being too lazy/tired to make my own whipped cream and not wanting to use Cool Whip, haha!
Marilyn Neely
I will have to agree on the 2 bars of chocolate even though it does say 8 ounces. I missed that and had to go back to the store. I realize my fault for not reading it throughly always in a hurry.
Arielle
Where do i find Bakers German Chocolate?
Erin
I find it in the baking aisle of my normal grocery store - you shouldn't need to go anywhere specialized to get it.
Wanda
When you say baker's German chocolate you should say 2 bars. It would be helpful
Erin
Thanks for commenting and for the tip! 🙂
Karly
My hubs is just about the biggest German Chocolate fan I know, and if this doesn't scream his name I don't know what does. Totally saving this one- looks amazing!
Erin
Ooh, definitely sounds like he'll devour this! You'll have to come back and let me know what he thinks if you try it out! Thanks for visiting!