Brownie Trifle

This beautiful brownie trifle stands tall with layers of chewy brownie chunks, fluffy chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. 5 ingredients and a trifle bowl are all you need to make this impressively easy dessert!

Why this recipe works

Using boxed brownie mixes and instant chocolate pudding makes prepping this brownie trifle a breeze. Rich fudgy brownies plus chocolate pudding and fluffy whipped cream equals a chocolate-lovers dream and everyone’s soon-to-be favorite dessert on the table.

Ingredients you will need

Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.

Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions

BROWNIES – We used a double batch of brownies for this trifle. Two boxes of brownie mix prepared and baked in a 9×13 baking dish. We had a few chunks of brownie left over for snacking on or extra garnish. You can also make the brownies from scratch by making a double batch of our fudge brownies recipe or purchase premade brownies at the grocery store. Go with whatever is easiest for you!

WHIPPED CREAM – We whipped a full 32 oz. carton of heavy whipping cream and sweetened it with about 1 cup of powdered sugar (you can also use granulated sugar). Whip until soft peaks form, then add the sugar, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form. Don’t overwhip. Adding confectioner sugar (powdered sugar) to the whipped cream not only helps sweeten, it but also helps stabilize it. To make this recipe quicker, you can substitute with Cool Whip.

PUDDING – Be sure to use instant chocolate pudding for this recipe otherwise the mixture will not set properly.

How to Make Brownie Trifle

These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.

1. Cut cooled brownies into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until pudding begins to thicken.
3. Stir in about 1 cup of the whipped cream.
4. Cover the bottom of a trifle dish with brownie pieces. Layer ½ of the pudding mixture and ½ of the whipped cream over the brownie pieces.
5. Add another layer of brownies and the remaining pudding mixture. Dollop or pipe the remaining whipped cream to top the trifle.
6. Shave some of the dark chocolate bar over the whipped cream for garnish. Top with a few more brownie pieces.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips

Cover the trifle with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

You can prepare the pudding and the brownies the day before. The whipped cream should be whipped right before assembly. The brownies are easiest to cut and assemble if they’ve been chilled in the refrigerator as it firms them up. If you want to make this trifle a day in advance, I would recommend using Cool Whip as it is more stable compared to homemade whipped cream. It’s best to make this trifle the morning of your event.

Absolutely! You can easily layer the ingredients into individual dessert cups (preferably the kind with a lid). This recipe would be fantastic served this way for baby showers, bridal showers, or parties of all kinds. You can also prepare them in mini trifle dessert cups. The choice is up to you!

Serving Suggestions

Scoop the brownie trifle straight from the trifle dish and serve in cups or bowls. You can also assemble the trifle in mini parfait dishes or disposable dessert cups to make individual servings for bridal and baby showers, family reunions, holiday parties, or any other celebration!

Serve the trifle with piped whipped cream on top as well as shaved/curled/or grated dark chocolate as we did. Or, opt for one of these different variations!

• Whole or crumbled Oreo cookies
• Chocolate chips or sprinkles
• Chopped candy pieces such as Reese’s, Snickers, or Twix
• Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

More Trifle Recipes

• Banana Trifle
• Raspberry Trifle
• Chocolate Lasagna Trifle
• Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
• Chocolate Peppermint Trifle

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