Irresistible Twix Trifles: Your New Favorite No-Bake Dessert

This delightful recipe and review are brought to you as part of a sponsored collaboration with BlogHer and Kraft.

Growing up, few things were as tempting as the allure of a Twix bar. Those iconic golden wrappers, perfectly positioned at eye level in the grocery store checkout line, often called my name with an almost irresistible whisper. Despite my most persuasive puppy-dog eyes, eloquent pleas, and even attempts to rationalize (after all, who doesn’t love Twix?!), my mom steadfastly adhered to her strict “no candy in the checkout line” rule. The disappointment was real, a small but persistent injustice of childhood.

But time, as they say, marches on. And with adulthood comes the glorious freedom of wielding my own credit card. (Cue evil laugh!) Now, on a whim, I can indulge in the simple pleasure of tossing a Twix into my cart. And even better, I can transform that simple pleasure into something truly extraordinary. Today, I’m thrilled to share my very first Twix-inspired recipe on the blog: the utterly divine Twix Trifles!

This creation holds a special place, as it was one of four original recipes I was asked to develop for the acclaimed Real Women of Philadelphia platform. This fantastic initiative, hosted by Paula Deen, celebrated the incredible versatility of PHILADELPHIA brand cream cheese and cooking creme recipes. Having followed the contest in previous seasons, I was absolutely thrilled to contribute my own ideas this year, joining a wonderful community of fellow food bloggers.

The inspiration for these Twix Trifles, fittingly enough, struck me during one of those nostalgic moments in a checkout line. As that familiar golden wrapper caught my eye, the idea crystallized: a layered dessert showcasing the beloved candy bar. The result is a dessert that’s remarkably simple to assemble yet incredibly indulgent. It features alternating layers of chopped Twix bars, a rich and creamy salted caramel mousse (the star of which is PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese), a decadent chocolate fudge sauce, and a generous topping of fluffy whipped cream. It’s, quite simply, heaven in a trifle bowl – or any serving dish you choose!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Twix Trifles

These Twix Trifles aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your collection:

Effortlessly Elegant: Despite their impressive appearance, these trifles are surprisingly simple to make, requiring no baking whatsoever. Perfect for busy hosts or those new to dessert making.
Layers of Flavor and Texture: Each spoonful offers a delightful medley: the crisp biscuit and chewy caramel of Twix, the smooth and salty-sweet mousse, the rich warmth of fudge, and the airy lightness of whipped cream. It’s a symphony for your taste buds.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a celebratory gathering, or a holiday feast, these trifles elevate any event. They can be made in a large trifle bowl for a crowd or in individual glasses for a sophisticated touch.
Crowd-Pleasing Combination: Who can resist chocolate, caramel, and a hint of salt? This flavor profile is universally loved and guaranteed to disappear fast.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully, making your event day stress-free.

Print Recipe

Twix Trifles

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 6-10 servings

Description

A simple, yet absolutely delicious, Twix Trifles recipe featuring delightful layers of crunchy chocolate candy bar, a velvety salted caramel mousse (made irresistible with PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese), a rich hot fudge sauce, and a generous topping of freshly whipped cream. Prepare for a truly YUM! experience.

Ingredients

Trifle Components:

Twix bars: (Approximately 3 standard packages, chopped into 1/4″ pieces. The amount can vary based on the size of your serving dishes and desired candy ratio.)
Chocolate fudge sauce: Your favorite brand from the store or a homemade recipe for a personalized touch.
Whipped cream: Freshly made for the best flavor and texture, or a good quality store-bought option for convenience.
Salted Caramel Mousse: (Recipe detailed below. This is the heart of the trifle, providing creamy, salty-sweet perfection.)

Salted Caramel Mousse Ingredients:

Crafting this mousse is simpler than you think and yields an incredibly decadent result:

1/3 cup granulated sugar
3 Tbsp. water
1/3 cup heavy cream (ensure it’s cold for best results)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. sea salt (or adjust to your preferred level of saltiness)
4 oz. PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature is key for a smooth mousse)
1 cup powdered sugar (sifted, to prevent lumps)

Instructions

Assembling the Twix Trifles:

Layer the Twix: Begin by creating a foundational layer of the finely chopped Twix bars at the bottom of your chosen trifle bowl or individual serving glasses. This provides a delightful crunch and the signature Twix flavor.
Pipe the Mousse: Next, carefully transfer the prepared salted caramel mousse (recipe below) into a pastry bag. If you don’t have one, a sturdy Ziplock bag with a small corner snipped off will work just as well. Pipe an even layer of the creamy mousse over the Twix.
Add the Fudge: Follow the mousse with a generous layer of chocolate fudge sauce. This adds a deep, rich chocolate dimension to the dessert.
Repeat the Layers: Continue building your trifle by repeating the layers: another round of chopped Twix, then salted caramel mousse, and finally more chocolate fudge sauce. This ensures every bite is packed with all the wonderful flavors and textures.
Final Touches: Conclude your trifle masterpiece with a beautiful dollop or swirl of whipped cream on top. Garnish generously with any remaining chopped Twix pieces for an appealing finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh textures, or refrigerate for up to 8 hours for flavors to meld.

Preparing the Salted Caramel Mousse:

Initiate Caramelization: In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, gently stir together the granulated sugar and water just until combined. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow it to cook, without stirring, until the sugar syrup transforms into a deep, dark amber color. This usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes. Pro Tip: Watch it closely! The change from clear to amber can happen very rapidly, and you don’t want it to burn.
Temper the Cream: Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully and slowly, begin to add the heavy cream, starting with just a tablespoon or two at a time. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is completely smooth. Caution: The hot caramel will bubble up and may splatter as the cold cream is introduced, so exercise extreme care. Once smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt. Set the caramel aside to cool until it reaches room temperature. For quicker cooling, you can place it in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese on medium-high speed for a full minute until it is exceptionally smooth and free of any lumps. This step is crucial for a silky mousse.
Combine and Whip: Reduce the mixer speed to medium-low. Gradually add the room-temperature caramel sauce and the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese. Beat until all ingredients are just combined. If the mousse appears too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of extra heavy cream to reach your desired consistency. Finally, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2 minutes until the mousse becomes light, airy, and fluffy. Once prepared, set the mousse aside until ready for assembly.

Chef’s Notes & Variations

These trifles offer a fantastic canvas for creativity!

Ice Cream Layer: For an extra decadent and cooling treat, consider adding a layer of your favorite vanilla or caramel ice cream. Simply add it as an additional layer, perhaps between the fudge and the next round of Twix, ensuring it’s slightly softened for even spreading.
Different Candy Bars: While Twix is phenomenal here, feel free to experiment with other chocolate bars like Snickers, Milky Way, or Heath bars for different flavor profiles and textures.
Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of chopped roasted pecans or walnuts between layers can add another dimension of crunch and flavor.
Coffee Kick: For coffee lovers, a tablespoon of instant espresso powder dissolved in a tiny bit of hot water can be added to the caramel mousse for a mocha-caramel twist.
Fruit Addition: While perhaps unconventional with Twix, a thin layer of sliced bananas could complement the caramel and chocolate beautifully.