brownie trifle dessert recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best brownie trifle dessert recipe

I’ve been making brownie trifle for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. This dessert is a layered masterpiece of rich, fudgy brownies, creamy vanilla pudding, and sweet whipped cream.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make, and you can customize it to your taste by using different types of chocolate or adding nuts or fruit. I love that it’s a make-ahead dessert, so you can prepare the layers in advance and assemble it just before serving.

My kids devour this dessert in minutes, and I’m happy to oblige because it’s a great way to get them to eat something sweet without feeling too guilty. Plus, the layers of brownie, pudding, and whipped cream provide a nice textural contrast that keeps the dish interesting.

I’ve served this at family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The key to making this dessert is to use high-quality chocolate and not to overmix the batter when making the brownies.

I also like to use a stand mixer to whip up the pudding and cream because it makes the process so much faster. When I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add some chopped nuts or shaved chocolate on top of the whipped cream for extra flavor and texture.

Overall, brownie trifle is a classic dessert that never goes out of style, and I’m so glad I discovered it all those years ago.

Brownie Trifle Dessert

4.6 from 964 votes

A decadent layered dessert featuring fudgy brownie chunks, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. This easy no-bake trifle is perfect for parties and potlucks, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brownies

1 box (18 oz) brownie mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1/4 cup water

For the Pudding Layer

2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding mix
4 cups cold milk

For the Whipped Cream Layer

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly

1 cup chocolate sauce or fudge sauce
1/2 cup chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
3In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, vegetable oil, eggs, and water.
4Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
5Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
6Bake for 28 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 30 minutes.
8While the brownies cool, prepare the pudding.
9In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk.
10Whisk for 2 minutes until the pudding thickens.
11Refrigerate for 5 minutes to set further.
12In a separate large bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
13Beat for 3 to 4 minutes until stiff peaks form.
14Be careful not to overbeat, or the cream will become grainy.
15Once the brownies are completely cool, cut them into 1-inch cubes.
16Set aside a few cubes for garnish if desired.
17Begin assembling the trifle.
18Place a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish, covering the base.
19Drizzle about 1/4 cup of chocolate sauce over the brownies.
20Spread half of the vanilla pudding evenly over the brownie layer.
21Then spread half of the whipped cream over the pudding.
22Repeat the layers: remaining brownie cubes, remaining chocolate sauce, remaining pudding, and finally the remaining whipped cream.
23Garnish the top with reserved brownie cubes and chocolate shavings or sprinkles if using.
24Cover and refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve chilled.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk
Trifle dish or large glass bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 12g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 380mg🌾Total Carbs: 55g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate brownie mix and add a layer of fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries between the pudding and whipped cream. The trifle can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How Brownie Trifle Dessert Works

This brownie trifle is a dessert that works for almost any occasion. I have brought it to potlucks, birthday parties, and holiday dinners and it always gets eaten up fast. The layers look beautiful in a glass dish and the taste is rich and satisfying.

It is also easy to adjust based on what you have on hand. For storage keep the trifle covered in the fridge. It stays fresh for a few days but the brownies will get softer as it sits.

If you want to serve it again just let it sit at room temperature for ten minutes before scooping. You can also add fresh whipped cream and a few berries on top right before serving to make it look fresh. This recipe is a keeper in my house and I hope it becomes one in yours too.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Brownie Trifle Dessert

Q: What type of chocolate should I use for the brownie layer?

A: You can use either semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the brownie layer. If you prefer a milder flavor, semi-sweet chocolate is a good choice. If you prefer a deeper, more intense flavor, dark chocolate is the way to go.

Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make each layer of the trifle ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. This is especially convenient if you’re planning a large gathering or party.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover trifle?

A: Store any leftover trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze individual portions of trifle for up to two months.

Q: Can I substitute other types of desserts for the brownie layer?

A: While traditional brownies are a key component of this dessert, you can experiment with other types of desserts like cheesecake or pound cake if you prefer.

Q: How do I keep the whipped cream from collapsing?

A: To prevent the whipped cream from collapsing, whip it just until it forms stiff peaks. Over-whipping can cause it to become too stiff and separate.

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