Halloween Trifle (Print version)

A festive Halloween Trifle layered with chocolate cake, orange vanilla pudding, whipped topping, Oreo dirt, cookie tombstones, and candy worms.

# Ingredients:

For the cake layer

01 - 1 box (15.25 oz or 432 g) chocolate cake mix
02 - 3 large eggs, or the amount called for on the cake box
03 - 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil, or the amount called for on the cake box
04 - 1 cup (240 ml) water, or the amount called for on the cake box

For the pudding layers

05 - 2 boxes (3.4 oz or 96 g each) instant vanilla pudding mix
06 - 4 cups (960 ml) cold whole milk
07 - Orange gel food coloring, as needed
08 - 16 oz (450 g) whipped topping, thawed

For decorating

09 - 18 chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed into crumbs
10 - 8 oval cookies, such as Milano-style cookies, for tombstones
11 - 1/2 cup (80 g) gummy worms
12 - 1/4 cup (40 g) candy eyes, candy bones, or Halloween sprinkles
13 - 2 tablespoons (30 g) melted chocolate, optional for decorating tombstones

# Instructions:

01 - Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix with eggs, oil, and water according to the package directions in a greased 9x13-inch pan. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean, about 25-30 minutes, then cool completely.
02 - Cut the cooled cake into 1-inch cubes. If the cake feels very moist, let the cubes sit on a sheet pan for 10 minutes so the layers stay defined.
03 - Whisk the pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thick. Add orange gel food coloring a few drops at a time until the color looks bright but not harsh.
04 - Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into rough crumbs. If desired, decorate the oval cookies with melted chocolate and let them set before using them as tombstones.
05 - Place half the cake cubes in a clear trifle bowl. Spoon half the orange pudding over the cake, then spread on half the whipped topping. Repeat with the remaining cake, pudding, and whipped topping.
06 - Sprinkle the cookie crumbs over the top. Add cookie tombstones, gummy worms, candy eyes, and sprinkles. Chill for at least 1 hour before serving, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours before adding the decorations.

# Good to know:

01 - Chill at least 1 hour before serving for cleaner scoops.
02 - Assemble the creamy layers up to 24 hours ahead, then decorate close to serving.
03 - Use a clear 3-quart trifle bowl or deep glass bowl for visible layers.

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