Better Than Anything Cake Trifles
There’s something truly special about the Better Than Anything Cake Trifles that brings back fond memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations. I remember the first time I tried this decadent dessert; it was at a friend’s birthday party, and I couldn’t get enough of the creamy layers and rich flavors. As I savored each spoonful, I realized this wasn’t just a cake; it was an experience. The combination of soft cake, sweet caramel, and fluffy whipped cream was a heavenly delight that left a lasting impression on my taste buds. Now, I love recreating this recipe to share with my loved ones, bringing a taste of nostalgia to every celebration. Whether it’s a birthday party or just a cozy night in, the Better Than Anything Cake Trifles never fail to impress. The best part is, it’s not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to assemble, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 10 mins
30 mins
40 mins
Medium
350 kcal
5 g
Keto, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
18 g
Baking Sheet, Oven, Mixing Bowl
Why You’ll Love This Better Than Anything Cake Trifles
Layers of Flavor
The beauty of Better Than Anything Cake Trifles lies in its layers. Each trifle is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, combining the moistness of cake with the creaminess of whipped toppings and a sweet drizzle of caramel. Every bite offers something new, making it a delightful experience.
Easy to Prepare
Forget complicated baking techniques! This recipe is straightforward and user-friendly. Even if you’re a beginner, you can master the art of trifles with ease. Simply prepare the cake, layer the ingredients, and let them chill. It’s as simple as that!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a holiday feast, a casual get-together, or a festive celebration, the Better Than Anything Cake Trifles fit in perfectly. Their beautiful presentation and delicious taste make them an ideal centerpiece for any dessert table.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of my favorite aspects of these trifles is how adaptable they are. You can switch up the cake flavor or try different toppings based on what you love. Feel free to get creative with your combinations!
Makes an Impressive Dessert
Serving up Better Than Anything Cake Trifles is sure to wow your guests. The visual appeal of the layers in a clear cup is stunning, and the flavor will have everyone clamoring for seconds!
Make Ahead of Time
These trifles can be made in advance, saving you time on the day of your event. Just prepare them ahead of time, let them chill, and they’ll be ready to serve when you need them.
Main Ingredients for Better Than Anything Cake Trifles

When it comes to creating the Better Than Anything Cake Trifles, each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors. The rich, chocolaty goodness of a Devil’s Food Cake mix serves as the foundation, while the addition of sour cream ensures a moist texture. Complemented by fluffy Cool Whip, sweetened condensed milk, and a luscious caramel topping, these key players work together to create a dessert that is rich, indulgent, and utterly delightful.
- 2 Devil’s Food Cake mix: This is the base of your trifle, providing a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Baking two mixes ensures you have enough cake for multiple layers.
- 6 eggs: Essential for binding the cake ingredients together, allowing for a fluffy and well-risen cake.
- 2 cups water: Used in the cake mix preparation, adding necessary moisture to ensure the cake is not dry.
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil: This adds richness and moisture to the cake, resulting in a tender crumb that enhances the overall texture.
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the cake, making each bite more decadent.
- 1 cup sour cream: This adds a wonderful creaminess and tanginess, keeping the cake moist and flavorful.
- 1 sweetened condensed milk (10 oz can): This thick and rich ingredient transforms the trifle layers into a heavenly mix of sweetness.
- 1 caramel topping (14 oz jar): Drizzled over the layers, it brings a sweet and buttery flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- 2 Cool Whip (16 oz tubs, thawed): The star of the show when it comes to creaminess, creating the light and fluffy layers.
- 1 Heath Toffee Bits (package): Adds a crunchy texture and a toffee flavor that beautifully contrasts with the smooth layers.
- 1 hot fudge sauce (14 oz jar): This decadent addition drizzled on top makes the dish even more indulgent and irresistible.
How to Cook Better Than Anything Cake Trifles

Creating the Better Than Anything Cake Trifles is a fun and rewarding experience. You’ll love layering the ingredients and watching the dessert come together beautifully. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert that everyone will adore.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. While it heats, lightly grease two 15x10x1 baking sheets with baking spray and set them aside. This step is crucial for ensuring that the cakes come out easily after baking.
- Prepare one cake mix at a time. In a large bowl, combine one cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, and ½ cup of sour cream. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, then increase the speed and mix until everything is well combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if needed.
- Pour the cake batter into the baking sheet, spreading it to form an even layer. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- Once the first cake is cool, repeat the process with the second cake mix. This will give you two layers of cake to work with for the trifles.
- Use a circular cookie cutter to cut the shapes needed for your cups or trifle dish. Cut two circles per cup, which will serve as the base layer for each trifle.
- Begin assembling the trifles. Place one circle of cake in the bottom of each cup. This will be your first layer.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce. Spoon one tablespoon of this mixture over the top of the cake layer in the cup. If you’re making one large trifle, you may want to use half of the mixture for a single layer.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of toffee bits over the cake and caramel mixture. The crunchy texture will add a delightful contrast to the soft layers.
- Top the cake and toffee bits with a generous layer of Cool Whip. Then, repeat the process by adding another layer of cake, caramel mixture, and more Cool Whip.
- Finish each trifle with a sprinkle of toffee bits and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce. This adds an extra layer of indulgence and visual appeal. Refrigerate the trifles until you’re ready to serve them, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Chilling Time: Allow the trifles to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to scoop.
- Layering Tips: Be creative with your layering. You can alternate between cake, cream, and toppings for a beautiful visual effect.
- Serving Size: Each trifle cup can be quite rich, so consider smaller serving sizes if you’re serving a crowd.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), keep them covered in the fridge for up to two days. The texture may change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
Substitutions and Tips

Creating the Better Than Anything Cake Trifles is a delightful process, and there are several ways to enhance your experience. Below are some tips to ensure your trifles turn out perfectly while allowing room for creativity.
- Storage: Keep the trifles covered in the refrigerator. They’re best enjoyed within two days for optimal freshness.
- Freezing: While trifles generally don’t freeze well, you can freeze leftover cake layers separately and assemble trifles later.
- Pairing: Consider serving these trifles with a side of fresh fruit or berries to balance the sweetness.
- Variations: Experiment with different cake flavors, such as vanilla or red velvet, to create unique trifles.
- Serving Vessel: Use clear cups or jars for serving to showcase the beautiful layers of the trifle.
Great Combinations for Better Than Anything Cake Trifles
The Better Than Anything Cake Trifles can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions and with numerous pairings to enhance your meal.
- Perfect for Parties: These trifles make a great addition to birthday celebrations or holiday gatherings. They’re easy to serve and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Seasonal Pairing: In spring, serve them alongside fresh strawberries or in the summer with blueberries for a refreshing twist.
- Lunch Companion: These trifles can be a delightful dessert after a light lunch, making the meal feel more special.
- Potluck Favorite: Bring these trifles to potlucks or family gatherings; they’re easy to transport and will impress everyone.
- Storage Tips: If you need to prepare them a day ahead, they will hold up well in the fridge, allowing you more time to enjoy your event.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Better Than Anything Cake Trifles is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration in a cup. The combination of rich chocolate cake, creamy layers, and sweet toppings creates an unforgettable experience. If you haven’t tried making these trifles yet, I encourage you to dive in and create your own version. Trust me, once you serve them, your family and friends will be begging for the recipe!

Better Than Anything Cake Trifles
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Oven
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 box Devil's Food Cake mix
- 6 eggs eggs
- 2 cups water
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 jar caramel topping
- 2 tubs Cool Whip
- 1 package Heath Toffee Bits
- 1 jar hot fudge sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease two 15x10x1 baking sheets with baking spray and set them aside.
- Prepare one cake mix at a time. In a large bowl, combine one cake mix, 3 eggs, 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and ½ cup of sour cream. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds and then increase the speed until well combined.
- Pour the cake batter into the baking sheet, spreading it evenly. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.
- Repeat with the second cake mix. Once cooled, use a circular cookie cutter to cut shapes for the trifles.
- Place one cake circle in the bottom of each cup. Combine sweetened condensed milk and caramel sauce, spooning one tablespoon over the cake layer.
- Sprinkle with toffee bits and then add a layer of Cool Whip. Repeat this process until the cups are filled.
- Top each trifle with toffee bits and drizzle with hot fudge sauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Tip: If you prefer to make one large trifle, you could probably get away with just baking one cake mix and making it into two 8" rounds.
