The Best vegan chocolate trifle dessert

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This Vegan Chocolate Dream Trifle is a decadent and indulgent dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. My mother-in-law would make this for my husband when he was growing up- it’s his favorite dessert. The original recipe is a devil’s food cake mix, chocolate pudding, Cool-Whip, and Heath Bar topping. I make the cake using only tofu with the mix- it’s so good. And you can use vegan pudding to make the entire dessert plant-based.

My pictures show Jell-O pudding, which is not vegan. I did not have time to order the vegan chocolate pudding but you can get it here. I’ve used it many times and it’s very delicious. I just love that you can sort of make this dessert to fit whatever eating style you prefer- gluten-free, dairy-free, or full on vegan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and easy steps.

• Rich and Moist – Thanks to silken tofu, the cake is ultra-moist and delicious.

• Customizable – Swap out toppings to fit your dietary preferences.

• Perfect for Entertaining – This dessert looks so pretty in a trifle dish or individual glasses.

I like to use Whole Foods brand cake mix. But King Arthur gluten-free is another great option. Duncan Hines Devil’s Food Cake is dairy-free.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box of devil’s food cake mix (check for vegan-friendly brands)

• 1 (12 oz) box of silken tofu

For the Pudding Layer:

• 1 box of vegan chocolate pudding mix, or use your favorite brand

• 2 cups non-dairy milk (almond, oat, or soy work best). If using Jell-O pudding, you will need to use regular milk or the pudding won’t set.

For the Topping:

• 1 tub of dairy-free whipped topping

• 1/2 cup crushed Heath Bar pieces (or dairy-free chocolate candies)

• Optional: Vegan chocolate shavings, cacao nibs, or dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the devil’s food cake mix, silken tofu, and water. Mix until smooth. You’ll think it won’t mix, but keep stirring. DO NOT ADD WATER.

3. Pour into 2 8” cake pans and bake according to the instructions on the cake mix box, usually about 30-35 minutes.

4. Let the cake cool completely before assembling the trifle.

Step 2: Prepare the Pudding

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the vegan pudding mix and non-dairy milk until thickened. Let it set in the fridge for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Trifle

1. If using a trifle dish, lay one cake on the bottom of the dish. If using individual glasses, crumble the cake and put pieces in the bottom of the glass.

2. Spread half of the chocolate pudding over the cake layer.

3. Add a layer of dairy-free whipped topping.

4. Repeat the layers with the remaining cake, pudding, and whipped topping.

5. Sprinkle crushed Heath Bar pieces (or dairy-free chocolate candy) on top.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Let the trifle chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

2. Serve in individual glasses or scoop from the trifle dish. Enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Use Silken Tofu for Moisture – The secret to a soft, rich cake is using silken tofu instead of eggs or oil.

• Avoid Whipped Cream – Dairy-based whipped cream doesn’t hold up well in this dessert; stick with non-dairy alternatives.

• Customize Your Toppings – Add vegan caramel sauce, nuts, or fresh berries for an extra twist.

• Pair with Wine – This trifle pairs beautifully with Port, dessert wine, Prosecco, or an Oregon Pinot Noir.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another egg substitute instead of tofu?

Yes! While silken tofu provides a rich and moist texture, you can also use applesauce or mashed bananas, but the texture may vary.

How long does this trifle last in the fridge?

It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days. Keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and assemble the trifle a few hours before serving for the best results.

This Vegan Chocolate Dream Trifle is the perfect combination of indulgence and ease. Whether you're making it for a family gathering, Valentine’s Day, or just because—this dessert will disappear fast! Try it out and let me know how you like it! 🍫✨