When I first tried my hand at dessert layering, I had no idea I was about to unlock a world of indulgence. Picture this: rich, fudgy brownies hidden beneath velvety layers of chocolate pudding and clouds of whipped cream—this is the magic of Brownie Trifle. It’s the kind of dessert that transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration, beckoning everyone to dig in, fork in hand.
One evening, after a week filled with takeout meals and busy schedules, I craved something homemade and entirely indulgent. I wanted to bring back that comforting feeling of a freshly baked treat without a fuss. This Brownie Trifle recipe became my go-to remedy, effortlessly combining the warmth of brownies with the creamy delight of pudding.
What sets this dessert apart? It’s not just about flavor; it’s about how beautifully it layers together, inviting everyone to unwind and savor each bite. So, let’s ditch the fast food routine and dive into this deliciously simple creation that even the most novice chef can master!
Why is Brownie Trifle a must-try?
Decadent layers of rich chocolate and creamy goodness make this dessert irresistible.
Easily customizable, you can add your favorite toppings or swap in different flavors to suit any palate.
Effortless assembly means you can impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Crowd-pleasing appeal ensures that everyone—from kids to adults—will come back for seconds.
Versatile for any occasion, this trifle is perfect for parties or a cozy weekend treat.
Experience the bliss of a homemade dessert that effortlessly brings joy to any table!
Brownie Trifle Ingredients
• Get ready to create a glorious indulgence!
For the Brownies
- NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Brownies & More Chocolate Baking Mix – Using this mix ensures you have fudgy brownies that melt in your mouth.
- Large eggs – Eggs provide structure and richness to the brownies.
- Vegetable oil – This adds moisture and keeps the brownies delightfully soft.
- Water – A little bit of water makes the brownie batter come together perfectly.
For the Pudding Layer
- Instant chocolate fudge pudding mix – This gives your trifle its luxurious, creamy layer that everyone loves.
- Cold milk – Essential for preparing the pudding to its ideal thickness and creaminess.
For the Whipped Cream
- Heavy cream – The star ingredient for a light, fluffy topping that contrasts beautifully with the brownies.
- Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream just enough to elevate the dessert.
- Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the whipped cream.
For Garnishing
- Chocolate shavings – These add a touch of elegance and extra chocolatey goodness to your Brownie Trifle.
With these Brownie Trifle ingredients in hand, you’re just moments away from creating a masterpiece that promises to wow your taste buds!
How to Make Brownie Trifle
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F. Grease two 8-inch-square baking pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking for your delicious brownie layers.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until well blended, then fold in 2/3 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate morsels for extra yumminess.
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Bake Brownies: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 10 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup morsels on top. Continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
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Prepare Pudding: In another large bowl, pour in 4 cups of cold milk. Add the instant chocolate fudge pudding mix and whisk for 2 to 5 minutes until it thickens. Refrigerate until ready to use.
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Whip Cream: Combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Whisk until soft peaks form; this will make a fluffy topping for your trifle.
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Assemble Trifle: Cut the cooled brownies into small squares. In a large dessert bowl, layer brownies, whipped cream, and chocolate pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with whipped cream. Top with chocolate shavings for that final touch.
Optional: Garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brownie Trifle?
Indulging in a creamy, chocolatey dessert is just the start; let’s explore the perfect accompaniments to elevate your experience!
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Fresh Berries: The tartness of strawberries or raspberries adds a delightful contrast to the rich chocolate layers. It’s a fresh twist that balances sweetness.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the trifle, enhancing each bite with silky richness and cold comfort.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your serving for an extra layer of decadence. It amplifies the chocolate experience to a whole new level!
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Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee complements the sweet flavors and brings out the richness of the chocolate. It’s the perfect cozy pairing!
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Nutty Biscotti: The crunch of almond or hazelnut biscotti provides a delightful texture contrast and a sophisticated touch to your dessert experience.
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Port Wine: A glass of sweet port wine creates a lovely pairing, balancing the dessert’s richness with its fruity and nutty complexities.
Each of these delightful pairings will enrich your Brownie Trifle experience, transforming simple indulgence into a truly memorable event!
Storage Tips for Brownie Trifle
- Fridge: Store your Brownie Trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the layers fresh and delicious.
- Freezer: You can freeze the brownies separately, wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. However, avoid freezing the assembled trifle, as the whipped cream may not thaw well.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm brownies, you can reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just ensure to enjoy them with the chilled layers right after!
- Garnishes: If you’re saving leftovers, consider adding chocolate shavings to your trifle just before serving to maintain their crispiness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead Options
These Brownie Trifle delights are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can bake the brownies up to 3 days in advance; just be sure to cool them completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them fresh. Additionally, prepare the chocolate pudding and whipped cream ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to assemble your trifle, simply cut the brownies into squares and layer them with the pudding and whipped cream. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert ready in no time, all while ensuring that each component remains just as delicious!
Brownie Trifle Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful ideas to make your Brownie Trifle uniquely yours!
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Nutty Delight: Add chopped nuts between layers for a satisfying crunch. Walnuts or pecans work beautifully here.
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Fruit Twist: Layer in fresh raspberries or strawberries for a burst of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
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Coffee Infusion: Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee into the pudding for a mocha-enhanced flavor profile that coffee lovers will adore.
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Minty Fresh: Substitute vanilla extract with peppermint extract for a mint chocolate chip experience that refreshes the palate.
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular brownie mix for a gluten-free version to cater to gluten-sensitive guests without sacrificing taste.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and almond milk in place of heavy cream and milk to create a luscious vegan dessert that everyone will enjoy.
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Spicy Kick: Sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper in the brownie batter gives your trifle an unexpected heat, balancing out the sweetness.
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Chocolate Overload: Layer in chocolate chips or chunks for an extra chocolatey experience that will make every bite feel indulgent.
Helpful Tricks for Brownie Trifle
- Cool Completely: Allow your brownies to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting. Cutting them too early can lead to messy layers.
- Stiff Peaks: When whipping the cream, ensure you reach stiff peaks. This provides a stable topping that won’t deflate, keeping your Brownie Trifle beautiful.
- Layer Wisely: Build your trifle with layers from the bottom up—start with brownies, then pudding, and whipped cream. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Chill Before Serving: For best results, let your assembled trifle chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This firms up the layers and enhances the taste.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chocolate products for both the brownies and pudding. The richer the ingredients, the more indulgent your Brownie Trifle will be!
Brownie Trifle Recipe FAQs
What type of brownies should I use for this trifle?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Brownies & More Chocolate Baking Mix as it provides a rich and fudgy texture that complements the layers perfectly.
How should I store leftover Brownie Trifle?
You can store your Brownie Trifle in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures that the layers remain fresh and delicious. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid any absorption of odors from other foods!
Can I freeze my Brownie Trifle?
It’s best to avoid freezing the assembled trifle, as the whipped cream won’t retain its fluffy texture once thawed. However, you can freeze the brownies separately. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months. Simply thaw in the fridge before assembling your trifle!
What if my whipped cream doesn’t achieve stiff peaks?
If your whipped cream isn’t forming stiff peaks, make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whisking. I usually chill the mixing bowl and beaters as well for about 10-15 minutes prior. Start whisking at medium speed and gradually increase to high until the cream thickens. If it’s still not working, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch as a stabilizer to help!
Are there any dietary considerations for the Brownie Trifle?
Absolutely, be mindful of allergies! The recipe contains eggs, dairy, and may contain gluten, depending on the brownie mix you choose. For a gluten-free version, look for a certified gluten-free brownie mix. Also, if serving to children or those with allergies, always check ingredient labels for potential allergens like nuts or specific additives.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Brownie Trifle?
Very! You can get creative with flavors by adding layers such as crushed cookies, fresh berries, or a drizzle of caramel sauce in between layers. A splash of espresso in the whipped cream can elevate the chocolate flavor beautifully, too. Just try to keep it balanced so you don’t overpower the chocolatey goodness!
Decadent Brownie Trifle That Will Wow Your Taste Buds
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F. Grease two 8-inch-square baking pans with cooking spray to prevent sticking for your delicious brownie layers.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until well blended, then fold in 2/3 cup of the semi-sweet chocolate morsels for extra yumminess.
- Bake Brownies: Evenly spread the batter into the prepared pans. Bake for 10 minutes, then sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup morsels on top. Continue baking for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Pudding: In another large bowl, pour in 4 cups of cold milk. Add the instant chocolate fudge pudding mix and whisk for 2 to 5 minutes until it thickens. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Whip Cream: Combine the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Whisk until soft peaks form; this will make a fluffy topping for your trifle.
- Assemble Trifle: Cut the cooled brownies into small squares. In a large dessert bowl, layer brownies, whipped cream, and chocolate pudding. Repeat the layers, finishing with whipped cream. Top with chocolate shavings for that final touch.