Our chocolate brownie trifle recipe has layers of fudgy brownie, chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. It only requires 5 ingredients and 15 minutes of prep, making it an easy dessert that is a real crowd pleaser and a chocolate lovers dream.
While normally brownies are their own category of deliciousness, when you add them to a trifle, they are life changing! I love being able to see the different layers and they are so easy to customize. Instead of regular brownies you could also use homemade caramel brownies or peanut butter brownies.
For those who can’t resist licking the bowl, try my edible brownie batter. It also makes a great fruit dip and is an easy no bake dessert. If you are running short on time but want something sweet or a single serving, don’t miss the microwave brownie in a mug. It hits the spot every time!
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🍫 Ingredients:
- pan of brownies – use 2 boxes of brownies mix and bake in a 9×13 pan.
- whole milk and chocolate instant pudding mix
- whipped cream – we made homemade whipped cream.
- Dark chocolate bar – to shave over top. If you don’t want to shave it, you can just chop it in small pieces and sprinkle.
For a full list of ingredients and their measurements, 📋 please view my printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Optional Garnish:
Garnish the top of the trifle with shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, chopped Oreo cookies, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or a little caramel sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Homemade brownies – if you don’t want to use boxed brownie mix, make fudgy homemade brownies instead.
- Homemade whipped cream – to make fresh whipped cream, add 32 ounces of heavy cream to a large bowl. Use an electric mixer to whip until soft peaks form. Add 1 cup of powdered or white sugar and mix until stiff peaks form with the hand mixer. Do not overwhip.
- Cool Whip – if you would rather use whipped topping than homemade whip cream you can.
- Individual servings – hosting a fancy dinner party? make the trifles in small cups so you can show off this impressive dessert.
- Add candy – if desired layer toffee bits, chopped peanut butter cups, Heath bar, or any favorite candy bars in between the layers of brownies.
🔪 Instructions:
PREP: Make the 2 boxes of brownie mix according to the package directions and allow them to cool.
Step 1: Slice the brownies into 1-inch squares.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the milk and chocolate pudding mix until it starts to thicken.
Step 3: Stir in 1 cup of whipped cream.
Step 4: Add a layer of brownie pieces to the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the brownie layer. Then add ½ of the whipped cream on top of the pudding layer.
Pro Tip: When making fresh whipped cream, be careful to not overwhip!
Step 5: Add another layer of brownie pieces and the second layer of pudding. Pipe or dollop the last half of the whipped topping on top of the layer of chocolate pudding.
Step 6: Sprinkle chocolate shavings over top of the whip cream and garnish with a few more fudgy brownie bites.
SERVE: Scoop and serve brownie trifle with vanilla ice cream if desired.
Recipe Tips for an Easy Brownie Trifle
- Make chewy brownies and pudding a day in advanced if desired. Store in airtight containers.
- The whipped cream should be fresh. You can always substitute Cool Whip, but that does need to be thawed.
- The brownies are easier to slice when they have been chilled in the refrigerator.
Fun Fact
Trifle recipes go all the way back to the 1500s and were usually made around Christmas time. -Britannica
Recipe FAQs
A trifle is a type of dessert that originated in England. Traditional English trifles usually consist of layers of sponge cake (like angel food cake) or ladyfingers, custard, fresh fruit (such as berries or sliced peaches), and whipped cream. The ingredients are arranged in a glass bowl or individual serving dishes, creating a layered dessert with a wow effect.
Trifles are versatile, and variations can include different types of cake, fruits, and flavored custards or creams. Some people also add sherry or other liqueurs to moisten the cake layers, giving the dessert an additional depth of flavor.
Brownie trifle will keep up to 3 days when covered in the refrigerator with plastic wrap or in an airtight container.
Having a large trifle bowl allows everyone to see the layers of fudge brownies, pudding, and whipped cream. However if you don’t own a bowl big enough, you can put it in any dish or small cups.
More Fantastic Trifle Recipes
If you tried this Brownie Trifle Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below.
Brownie Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- brownie pieces 2 box mixes, prepared in 9×13 pan
- 3 cups whole milk
- 5.1 oz. box chocolate instant pudding mix
- 8 cups whipped cream 32 oz. whipped and sweetened
- Dark chocolate bar for shaving over trifle
Instructions
- Cut cooled brownies into 1-inch cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until pudding begins to thicken.
- Stir in about 1 cup of the whipped cream.
- 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.
- Add another layer of brownies and the remaining pudding mixture. Dollop or pipe the remaining whipped cream to top the trifle.
- Shave some of the dark chocolate bar over the whipped cream for garnish. Top with a few more brownie pieces.
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Notes
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Paula says
Delicious!!! I have made this several times. Always a big hit at a party!!
Stefanie says
Thanks so much, Paula. This is a big hit with my family, too.