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)

Instructions:

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.

Enjoy!