Shannon’s Chocolate Orange Cranberry Trifle 🍫🍊
Overview:
Shannon’s Chocolate Orange Cranberry Trifle is a delightful dessert born from the fusion of two beloved flavors: the rich decadence of Terry’s Chocolate Orange and the tart sweetness of cranberry orange muffins. This indulgent treat is a holiday favorite, but its irresistible taste makes it perfect for any occasion. With layers of moist muffin slices, luscious chocolate orange bits, creamy pudding, and fluffy Cool Whip, this trifle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more.
General Information:
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 326
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (based on 3 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 1/3 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 orange (zest and juice)
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 6 eggs
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/4 cups chocolate orange bits
- 1 package (4 serving size) orange pudding mix (or substitute with vanilla pudding mix and orange zest)
- 1 package (4 serving size) vanilla pudding mix
- 1 quart milk
- 1 container Cool Whip
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Muffins:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the muffin pan cups to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Grate the zest of one orange and squeeze its juice into the dry ingredients mixture.
- Pour in the melted butter and crack in the eggs.
- Mix the ingredients together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill each muffin tin about 3/4 full with the batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.
- Allow the muffins to cool completely, then slice each muffin into at least three slices. Set aside.
2. Preparing the Pudding:
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the orange pudding mix according to package instructions.
- If orange pudding mix is unavailable, prepare the vanilla pudding mix according to package instructions and add the zest of one orange for that citrusy flavor.
- Once prepared, set the pudding mixture aside.
3. Assembling the Trifle:
- Take a large trifle dish or glass bowl.
- Begin by layering half of the sliced muffin pieces at the bottom of the dish.
- Sprinkle half of the chocolate orange bits over the muffin layer.
- Carefully spread half of the prepared pudding mixture over the chocolate orange layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining muffin slices, chocolate orange bits, and pudding mixture.
- Finish the trifle by topping it off with a generous layer of Cool Whip.
- Optionally, garnish with additional orange zest or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.
4. Serving:
- Once assembled, cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving time.
- When ready to serve, dish out generous portions of this delectable trifle onto dessert plates or bowls.
- Enjoy the harmonious blend of chocolate, orange, and cranberry flavors in every spoonful of this irresistible dessert!
Tips:
- For a quicker version, you can use store-bought cranberry orange muffins instead of baking them from scratch.
- Experiment with different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to vary the flavor profile of the trifle.
- Make sure to allow enough time for the muffins to cool completely before slicing to prevent them from crumbling.
- This trifle can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving, making it a convenient option for entertaining guests.
Conclusion:
Shannon’s Chocolate Orange Cranberry Trifle is a divine dessert that combines the classic flavors of chocolate, orange, and cranberry into a heavenly indulgence that is sure to impress. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this trifle is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you longing for seconds. Try this recipe today and treat yourself to a taste sensation that’s truly unforgettable! 🎉🍰
