Layered Fruit and Chocolate Trifle

Ingredients

– 4 ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup raspberries
– 2 cups whipped cream (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 cup chocolate pudding (store-bought or homemade)
– 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
– 1/4 cup chocolate shavings or chips
– 1/4 cup crushed cookies or brownies (optional)
– Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:**
– Slice the bananas and strawberries.
– If making homemade whipped cream, whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

2. **Layer the Dessert:**
– In a large trifle dish or individual dessert glasses, start by layering the sliced bananas and strawberries at the bottom.
– Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding over the fruit.
– Add a layer of whipped cream on top of the pudding.
– Drizzle a bit of chocolate sauce over the whipped cream.
– Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.

3. **Top the Trifle:**
– Arrange the raspberries on top of the final layer of whipped cream.
– Drizzle more chocolate sauce over the raspberries.
– Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or chips and crushed cookies or brownies if using.

4. **Garnish:**
– Add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

5. **Serve:**
– Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Serve chilled and enjoy!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other fruits like blueberries or kiwi, or using different types of pudding or sauces.