If you adore the classic combo of chocolate, peanut butter, and banana, then you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle Recipe. It’s the perfect dessert that feels indulgent yet fresh, layering rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter banana pudding and fluffy coconut whipped cream. This trifle offers a beautiful mix of textures and flavors in every bite, making it a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or simply treating yourself to something special. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become your new go-to for dessert time happiness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clear glass jar filled with a light brown creamy drink. On top, there is a big layer of white whipped cream with dark brown chocolate flakes sprinkled all over it. A gold spoon is sticking out from the whipped cream. A woman's hand is holding the jar gently from the side. The background has a soft, dark blur with no distinct features, and the surface beneath has been changed to a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating this Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle Recipe only requires a handful of simple but key ingredients, each thoughtfully contributing to the overall flavor profile and texture. From the rich chocolate cake base to the velvety peanut butter pudding and luscious coconut whipped cream, these ingredients work harmoniously to deliver a decadent yet balanced dessert.

Chocolate cake: Use a moist and tender chocolate cake without ganache for the perfect base layer that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
Smooth peanut butter: Opt for creamy, preferably organic peanut butter to add that luscious, nutty depth and creaminess.
Ripe bananas: They lend natural sweetness and a soft, fruity texture that pairs amazingly with chocolate and peanut butter.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that brings a gentle, complex sweetness, perfectly harmonizing with the other elements.
Salt: Just a dash to balance the sweetness and enhance flavors without overpowering the dessert.
Canned full-fat coconut milk: Chilled overnight, it whips into a silky whipped cream substitute that is dairy-free and perfectly fluffy.
Pure vanilla extract: Adds fragrant warmth that elevates both the pudding and whipped cream layers.
Optional toppings: Cacao nibs, chocolate chips, cinnamon, or extra cacao powder to sprinkle on top for an extra flavor punch and decorative touch.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake

Start by making a half batch of a classic Duncan Hines-Style Chocolate Cake according to your favorite recipe or the one recommended here, but without adding any ganache. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then cut it into small, bite-sized squares. These cake pieces will serve as the sturdy yet soft foundation for your layers, soaking up the delicious pudding and cream as you assemble your trifle.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Banana Pudding

In a blender or food processor, combine the smooth peanut butter, one ripe banana, maple syrup, and a dash of salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Give it a quick taste to adjust the sweetness if needed—you want the pudding to be rich but balanced. This luscious pudding is the heart of your trifle and brings that wonderful nutty and fruity flavor combo.

Step 3: Whip the Coconut Cream

Take your can of refrigerated full-fat coconut milk, carefully scoop out only the thick, solid white cream part, avoiding the watery liquid at the bottom. Whip this coconut cream with a mixer until it turns fluffy and light. Then add the remaining maple syrup and pure vanilla extract and gently mix through. This whipped coconut cream offers a delightfully airy and creamy contrast to the denser pudding and cake layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

Now for the fun part: layering! Begin by placing a layer of chocolate cake squares in your trifle dish or individual jars. Spoon over a generous layer of peanut butter banana pudding, followed by a scattering of fresh banana slices. Repeat this layering process until you’ve used up all the ingredients, ending with a topping of the fluffy coconut whipped cream. For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle on your choice of cacao nibs, chocolate chips, cinnamon, or extra cacao powder. Chill briefly if desired, then dive in and enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle Recipe

Two clear glass jars filled with layered dessert sit on a silver tray with two silver spoons next to them. Each jar has three layers: the bottom layer is dark chocolate pieces, the middle layer is light brown creamy pudding with banana slices pressed against the glass, and the top layer is whipped white cream sprinkled with small chocolate shavings. The background is dark, with a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkling cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips on top adds a satisfying crunch and intensifies the chocolate notes without overshadowing the layered flavors. A light dusting of cinnamon or cacao powder can add warmth and a festive touch, making each serving feel even more special. You can even try a few fresh banana slices or a dollop of extra whipped coconut cream for that perfect finishing flourish.

Side Dishes

This trifle is quite rich and flavorful on its own, so serving it with simple sides like fresh berries or a light fruit salad can offer a refreshing contrast. A tall glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea also pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness and helping cleanse the palate between bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of a large trifle bowl, try serving the layers in individual clear glass jars or small dessert cups. This not only looks charming and elegant but also makes portioning easy for guests. For a fun twist, you could add alternating layers of crushed nuts or even a drizzle of caramel sauce between layers for extra decadence. Play around with presentation to impress your friends or family!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle Recipe, any leftovers should be covered tightly and kept in the refrigerator. The combination of fresh banana and whipped coconut cream means it’s best consumed within 1 to 2 days to enjoy optimal texture and flavor. The banana slices may brown slightly, but the overall dessert will still taste delicious.

Freezing

This trifle is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh banana and whipped coconut cream layers, which can change texture once thawed. If you want to prepare in advance, consider freezing only the chocolate cake portions separately and assembling the full trifle fresh whenever you want to indulge.

Reheating

Because this dessert features chilled layers and fresh fruit, it is best served cold rather than reheated. If you prefer a warmer treat, try enjoying the chocolate cake separately warmed slightly in the microwave, but keep the trifle itself refrigerated for the most delightful texture and flavor experience.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! While peanut butter provides that classic taste, almond butter or cashew butter can also be delicious substitutes and will add their own unique flavor nuances to the pudding layer.

What can I do if I don’t have canned coconut milk?

If you can’t find canned full-fat coconut milk, you could try making whipped cream from heavy cream if you’re not avoiding dairy. Otherwise, some store-bought non-dairy whipped toppings might work, but whipped coconut milk offers the best natural flavor and texture.

Is there a way to make this trifle less sweet?

Yes, you can adjust the sweetness easily by reducing the amount of maple syrup used in the pudding and whipped cream or by selecting less sweet cake options. The fresh bananas add natural sweetness too, so balancing the syrup is key.

Can I prepare the components in advance?

Definitely! You can bake and cube the chocolate cake a day ahead, make the peanut butter banana pudding a few hours ahead, and whip the coconut cream just before assembling. This helps save time when you want to serve the trifle fresh.

What are some fun topping ideas to customize the trifle?

Try topping with toasted coconut flakes, chopped peanuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce for extra decadence. Fresh berries or a sprinkle of sea salt can also add exciting flavor contrasts.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Trifle Recipe is a true celebration of beloved flavors coming together in a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. It’s incredibly easy to make, yet so impressive to serve. Whether you want a fast dessert fix or a stunning sweet treat for guests, give this trifle a try—you’ll be amazed at just how quickly it disappears from the table!