When you think of a dessert that’s both decadent and incredibly easy to put together, a trifle often comes to mind. And this Cookies and Cream Trifle takes that classic layering dessert to a whole new level. Rich chocolate cake, fluffy whipped cream, and chunks of Oreo cookies come together in a beautifully layered dessert that’s as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the palate.
This dessert is made for sharing—whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or holiday celebration, the Cookies and Cream Trifle is always a hit. It’s a dessert that looks impressive but comes together in minutes, especially if you use store-bought cake or pudding. Every bite is a mix of creamy, crunchy, and chocolatey goodness.
The beauty of a trifle lies in its presentation. Served in a clear trifle dish or individual cups, the distinct layers showcase the ingredients and tempt anyone nearby. This particular version leans heavily into the cookies-and-cream flavor profile, which is universally loved and totally irresistible.
What makes this trifle so good isn’t just the flavor, but also the textures. You get soft cake, creamy pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy cookie bits in every spoonful. It’s indulgent, yes, but totally worth it. Even better? You don’t have to bake everything from scratch unless you want to.
The layers typically include chocolate cake, vanilla or cookies-and-cream pudding, whipped cream, and crushed Oreo cookies. You can customize it to your liking by using chocolate pudding instead, or even adding cream cheese for a tangy twist. Whatever combo you choose, the result will be rich, sweet, and unforgettable.
Kids and adults both adore this dessert, and it’s a great way to get children involved in the kitchen too. They’ll love helping with the layering, especially sneaking a few Oreo pieces along the way. It’s a fun, interactive recipe that yields delicious results.
One of the best parts about a trifle is how forgiving it is. Even if your cake crumbles or your layers aren’t perfectly even, the final result still looks fabulous. That makes it a great choice for beginner bakers or last-minute dessert needs. Plus, it travels well and is easy to serve.
You can prepare this recipe in a large glass trifle dish for a centerpiece effect, or opt for single-serving cups for a cute and practical presentation at parties. Either way, it’s a treat that disappears quickly!
Make it ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld. It only gets better as it chills, making your job easier when hosting. Garnish the top with a swirl of whipped cream, a few whole Oreos, or even a drizzle of chocolate syrup to finish it off.
The simplicity of this dessert is part of its charm, but don’t underestimate how satisfying it is. Each layer brings something to the table—literally—and the combination is downright crave-worthy. It’s the perfect way to end any meal, especially when you’re short on time but still want to impress.
Cookies and Cream Trifle is a crowd-pleaser every single time. It’s the type of dessert that people come back for seconds and then ask for the recipe. Best of all, you probably already have most of the ingredients on hand.
For holidays, birthday parties, or casual weekend gatherings, this is one of those go-to recipes that never lets you down. It hits all the right notes: rich, creamy, chocolaty, and nostalgic.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick treat for your family or contributing to a potluck, the Cookies and Cream Trifle is your dessert hero. No oven stress, no fancy tools—just simple ingredients, layered to perfection.
Let your creativity shine by swapping ingredients or adding your twist. Want to go over-the-top? Add chocolate chips or a layer of fudge sauce. Want to keep it lighter? Use light whipped topping or sugar-free pudding. It’s totally adaptable.
In the end, this dessert is more than just cookies and cream. It’s comfort, celebration, and chocolate heaven in a bowl.
Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare it) or 1 prepared chocolate cake
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 package Oreo cookies (about 36 cookies), crushed
- Optional: chocolate syrup, extra whipped cream, whole Oreos for garnish
Instructions:
- Bake the chocolate cake according to package instructions. Let cool completely, then cut into cubes.
- In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes. Let set for 5 minutes until thickened.
- In a large trifle dish or individual cups, start layering: begin with chocolate cake cubes.
- Add a layer of vanilla pudding, then a layer of crushed Oreos.
- Spread a layer of whipped topping.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, ending with whipped topping.
- Garnish with whole Oreos, crushed cookies, or chocolate syrup.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips:
- Use homemade chocolate cake if you prefer a richer flavor.
- For a tangy twist, blend softened cream cheese into the pudding layer.
- Use chocolate pudding for a double chocolate experience.
- Make in mason jars for cute, portable servings.
- Crushed cookies can be pulsed in a food processor or crushed in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This dessert is easy, no-bake, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy hosts or anyone who loves a rich, layered treat with minimal effort. Plus, who can resist cookies and cream?
Summary: Cookies and Cream Trifle is the ultimate easy dessert for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a delicious, no-fuss sweet. With layers of chocolate cake, pudding, whipped topping, and Oreos, it’s the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
