Can I make the S’mores Trifle ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator, as the flavors meld together. Just toast the marshmallows right before serving for the best texture.

What can I use instead of yellow cake?

You can swap the yellow cake for chocolate cake, brownies, or pound cake. Make sure whatever you use is fully cooled and cut into even cubes to build a sturdy base.

Do I need a trifle bowl to make this dessert?

Not at all. A large glass dish, deep salad bowl, or even mason jars for individual servings work beautifully.

Is marshmallow creme the same as marshmallow fluff?

Yes, they are essentially the same. Brands may differ slightly in texture, but both are perfect for this recipe.

S'mores Dessert Trifle

Name: S'mores Dessert Trifle
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 15.25 ounces boxed yellow cake mix, prepared and cooled; 4 cups cold whole milk; 7.8 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (two 3.9-ounce packages); 2½ cups graham cracker crumbs; 14 ounces marshmallow creme (two 7-ounce containers); 1¼ cups miniature marshmallows; 1 cup Hershey’s chocolate bars, broken into small pieces

Description

This S’mores Dessert Trifle brings all the gooey goodness of the campfire classic into a stunning no-bake layered dessert. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun family night, it combines rich chocolate pudding, fluffy marshmallow creme, cake cubes, and graham cracker crumbs for a treat that’s irresistibly indulgent yet beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

Scale

15.25 ounces boxed yellow cake mix, prepared and cooled
4 cups cold whole milk
7.8 ounces instant chocolate pudding mix (two 3.9-ounce packages)
2½ cups graham cracker crumbs
14 ounces marshmallow creme (two 7-ounce containers)
1¼ cups miniature marshmallows
1 cup Hershey’s chocolate bars, broken into small pieces

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Instructions

Bake and Cool the Cake: Prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions, then let it cool completely before slicing into 1-inch cubes. This step ensures the cake maintains structure in the trifle.
Mix the Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold milk with the instant pudding mix. Whisk or use a handheld mixer until the pudding thickens to a yogurt-like consistency, which takes about 2 minutes.
Start the Layers: Place an even layer of cake cubes in the bottom of a large trifle bowl or glass dish. Spoon half of the prepared chocolate pudding over the cake and spread evenly using an offset spatula or spoon.
Add the Crunch and Fluff: Sprinkle half of the graham cracker crumbs over the pudding layer and gently press them in. Transfer one container of marshmallow creme to a piping or ziplock bag, snip the corner, and pipe a spiral from the outer edge inward. Smooth the surface with a spoon dipped in water.
Repeat and Decorate: Repeat the layers—cake cubes, pudding, graham cracker crumbs, marshmallow creme. Finish by topping with broken pieces of chocolate bar and mini marshmallows. If desired, lightly toast the marshmallows using a kitchen torch or under a broiler, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Chill and Serve: Let the trifle chill in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to combine. Serve with a large spoon, scooping deep to capture every layer.

Notes

To save time, use store-bought cake or pre-made pudding. For a fun twist, add a layer of banana slices or raspberries between the pudding and graham cracker layers. If you don’t want to share, assemble in mason jars for individual servings. For storage, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes (cake baking time)
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake (except for cake)
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 large scoop (~1/12 of recipe)
Calories: 531
Sugar: 63g
Sodium: 679mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.1g
Carbohydrates: 102g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 10mg