High-Protein Death By Chocolate Trifle
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Layers of fudgy brownies, creamy pudding and whipped topping come together for the ultimate high-protein death by chocolate trifle. It’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for serving a crowd.
Death by chocolate was one of my absolute favorite desserts growing up. There was just something about those layers of brownies, pudding and whipped cream that felt so decadent and fun to dig into.
In true EBF fashion, I decided to give this classic dessert a little makeover with a better-for-you twist that’s also packed with protein. It has all the rich, chocolatey goodness you remember, just lightened up a bit thanks to low-sugar pudding, high-protein milk and my protein brownies.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Death by Chocolate Trifle
- Serves a crowd: This trifle looks impressive but is so easy to make. It’s great for holidays or parties since it serves a crowd. Trust me, it always disappears fast!
- Make ahead friendly: You can prep it the night before and let it chill until you’re ready to serve, which makes entertaining stress-free.
- Healthier: This is a lightened-up version of the classic dessert. It’s gluten free and each serving has about 12 grams of protein and only 9 grams of sugar. You get all the decadent flavor without the sugar crash.
Ingredients Needed
- protein brownies – use one full batch of my protein brownies for the base layer. They add the perfect fudgy texture and extra protein. If you don’t necessarily want this recipe to be high-protein, feel free to use a store-bought boxed brownie mix. Simple Mills brownie mix is a great healthier option.
- instant chocolate pudding mix – you’ll need two packages for this recipe. I used the Simply Delish sugar-free instant pudding for a lower sugar option.
- milk – you can use your favorite milk, but I used Fairlife since it’s higher in protein. You’ll need 4 cups to make the pudding and make sure it’s cold!
- whipped topping – about 1 ½ tubs TruWhip or So Delicious CocoWhip (thawed). You can use the full 2 tubs if you like extra whipped topping.
- roasted almonds – chopped or sliced salted almonds for a little crunch and a touch of saltiness.
- mini chocolate chips – for that extra chocolatey bite in every layer.
How to Make Death By Chocolate
Step 1: Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened, then pop it in the fridge to chill while you prep the other layers.
Step 2: Slice your baked and cooled protein brownies into small cubes. Add a layer of brownie cubes to the bottom of your trifle dish or large glass bowl, just enough to cover the bottom.
Step 3: Spoon a layer of pudding over the brownies and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Spread a layer of whipped topping on top of the pudding layer, spreading evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Sprinkle some chopped almonds and mini chocolate chips over the whipped topping.
Step 6: Continue layering until your dish is full, finishing with whipped topping, almonds and chocolate chips. Chill the trifle for at least an hour (or overnight) before serving.
Brittany’s Recipe Tips
- Chill before serving: Let the trifle rest in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This helps the layers set and the flavors meld together.
- Use a clear dish: A glass trifle dish or large glass bowl really shows off those beautiful layers. It makes for such a fun presentation!
- Cut brownies evenly: Slice your brownies into small, even cubes so the layers stack neatly and every bite has a little of everything.
- Don’t rush the pudding: Make sure the pudding has thickened before layering or it can get runny once assembled.
- Customize it: Add different toppings like shaved chocolate, cocoa nibs or crushed protein cookies for a little extra texture and flair.
How to Store Leftovers
Cover your trifle tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The layers will stay creamy and delicious, though the brownies will soften slightly over time. This dessert is best served cold, straight from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. Assemble it the night before, cover, and chill until serving. The flavors actually get better as it sits.
Definitely. Use a dairy-free pudding mix, plant-based milk (like almond milk) and coconut whipped topping to keep it dairy-free.
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe since the pudding and whipped topping can separate once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh within a few days.
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use your favorite boxed brownie mix or store-bought brownies. I love using my protein brownies for an extra boost of protein, but any brownie will work great in this recipe.
More High-Protein Desserts
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High-Protein Death by Chocolate Trifle
Ingredients
- 1 batch protein brownies, baked and cooled
- 2 packages instant chocolate pudding mix, I like Simply Desserts for a low sugar option
- 4 cups cold high-protein milk, I used Fairlife
- 2 9 oz tubs TruWhip or So Delicious CocoWhip, thawed, I used 1 ½ tubs so you’ll have a bit leftover
- ¼ cup chopped or sliced salted & roasted almonds
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips
- Optional: Extra chocolate chips or melted chocolate drizzle for topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together instant pudding mix and cold high-protein milk until thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Chill in the fridge while you prep everything else.
- Cube the protein brownies and add them to the bottom of a large trifle dish or glass bowl, just until the bottom is covered. It’s okay if there’s a little space between the cubes.
- Spread ⅓ of the pudding evenly over the brownie layer. Spoon about half of a tub of the TruWhip/CocoWhip on top of the pudding and spread into an even layer. Sprinkle half of the almonds and mini chocolate chips over the whipped topping.
- Repeat with the remaining brownies, pudding, and TruWhip/CocoWhip two more times.
- Top the final layer of whipped topping with the rest of the almonds and chocolate chips. Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate if you’re feeling extra.
- Let the trifle chill for at least 1 hour before serving (overnight is even better!).
Notes
- You can use store-bought or boxed brownie mix if you’re short on time. Just note, that the amount of protein in this recipe will be different.
- To make it dairy-free, use a plant-based pudding mix, non-dairy milk and coconut whipped topping.
- This recipe is best served chilled. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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