Chocolate Trifle

If the dirt cups you loved as a kid got all grown up (and a little fancy), you'd have this glorious chocolate trifle. There's no gummy worms in this trifle recipe, just layer upon layer of crushed Oreos, silky chocolate pudding, crumbled brownies, and whipped cream cheese. Shortcuts like boxed brownie mix and instant pudding make it a cinch to pull together—that's why it works as a simple yet stunning Christmas dessert or even a New Year's Eve dessert). Just like when you were a kid with those dirt cups, you'll want to dig a serving spoon right to the bottom to get a little of every layer. 

Can a trifle be made ahead?

This trifle can be made up to a day ahead. After that, the crumbled cookies will start to soften a bit (though this isn't necessarily a bad thing). You could also make the layers a couple days ahead (bake the brownies, crush the Oreos, mix up the pudding, then assemble on the day you intend to serve it.

What does folding mean in baking? 

Folding means gently combining two ingredients with a rubber spatula just until combined. The gentle mix keeps the air from being knocked out of whipped cream or whipped egg whites for fluffier fillings and taller sponge cakes.

How do you make chocolate shavings?

Microwave an unwrapped chocolate bar for 5 to 10 seconds until just barely soft. Using a Y-shaped peeler, shave the long edge of the bar. Let set 2 minutes before using. Otherwise, make your own chocolate curls with a tutorial courtesy of Ree Drummond!