Brownie Trifle is a delightful dessert that brings together layers of rich, fudgy brownies, a creamy cream cheese mixture, and decadent white chocolate pudding. Each spoonful offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. As you dig into this luscious dessert, you’ll discover the sweet crunch of Heath bar pieces which perfectly complement the soft creaminess and fudginess.
I first came across Brownie Trifle at a friend’s gathering, and it was love at first bite! The moment you taste the combination of chewy brownie, smooth cream cheese, and fluffy whipped topping, you truly understand why it has become a popular favorite among dessert lovers. Not only is it visually stunning when layered in a beautiful trifle dish, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for both casual family dinners and festive holiday celebrations. Trust me, this dessert will be the showstopper at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready to enjoy in just about 70 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich fudge brownies combined with the creamy pudding and the sweetness of marshmallow make this dessert absolutely heavenly.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The gorgeous layers in a trifle dish make it a feast for the eyes too; it steals the spotlight at any event.
- Flexible Serving: Great for any occasion—whether it’s a casual snack or a birthday party, everyone will be reaching for seconds.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With a few tweaks, this recipe can be made gluten-free or dairy-free, ensuring everyone can enjoy a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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2 boxes fudge brownie mix: Opt for your favorite brand to create the base of this indulgent treat. Make sure to check the quantities needed for preparation (like eggs and oil).
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Ingredients needed to make brownies: Follow the directions on the box to ensure the brownies come out fudgy and delicious.
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8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and best texture. Make sure it’s room temperature to mix easily.
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1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme: This fluffy addition gives your cream cheese mixture a sweet, sticky flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can try using whipped topping as a substitute.
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2 (8-ounce) containers Cool Whip, thawed: This light and airy whipped topping creates a wonderful texture contrast in the trifle. Look out for sugar-free varieties if you’re watching your sugar intake.
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2 (3.4-ounce) packages white chocolate or cheesecake instant pudding mix: These pudding mixes are essential for achieving that creamy layer. Feel free to experiment with other flavors for a twist!
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3 cups cold milk: Use whole milk for creaminess or any non-dairy alternative if you want to make it dairy-free.
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2 Heath bars, chopped: This crunchy candy provides added texture and a sweet flavor. You can alternatively use toffee bits if you can’t find Heath bars.
How to Make Brownie Trifle
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Bake the Brownies: Begin by preparing the brownie mix according to package directions in two 9-inch baking pans. Once baked, let them cool completely before breaking them into large chunks.
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Mix the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add in the 7-ounce jar of marshmallow creme and mix until combined. Then gently fold in one container of thawed Cool Whip on LOW speed until evenly incorporated. Set this aside.
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Prepare the Pudding Layer: In another large bowl, whisk together the two packages of instant pudding mix with 3 cups cold milk. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, which should take about 2 minutes.
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Begin Layering the Trifle: Grab your 3-quart trifle bowl and add about â…“ of the broken brownie pieces to the bottom.
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Add Cream Cheese: Spread â…“ of your cream cheese mixture over the brownies, followed by half of the pudding mixture.
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Repeat the Layers: Continue this process with half of the remaining brownie pieces and half of the cream cheese mixture, topping it off with all of the remaining pudding mixture.
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Finish with Brownies: Finally, add the rest of your brownie pieces on top and finish with the remaining cream cheese layer.
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Garnish with Heath Bar: Sprinkle the chopped Heath bar on top for a sweet crunch.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover your trifle and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Brownie trifle should be stored in the refrigerator for a maximum of 3 days. Keep it covered in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other odors. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze the trifle for up to 3 months. To do so, make sure to use a freezer-safe container, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To enjoy it again, simply let it defrost in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure to allow your brownies to cool completely before breaking them into pieces. This will help them maintain their shape and avoid crumbling too much.
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the smoothest consistency when mixing.
- If you want to make this dessert ahead of time, you can prepare the layers separately and assemble them just a few hours before serving for ultimate freshness.
- Experiment with flavors by using chocolate pudding mix instead or even adding a layer of fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
- If you can’t find Heath bars, look for other toffee bits or even chopped nuts to add that delightful crunch!
Brownie trifle is a dessert that prioritizes flavor and appearance, making it ideal for celebrations or cozy nights at home. Its layered presentation is sure to impress, while the combination of brownies, cream, and Heath candy keeps everyone coming back for more. Feel free to adapt the layers, adding your favorites, whether it’s a nutty twist or a fruity combination. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to indulge in this tempting treat! Enjoy every last bite of this creamy, chocolaty bliss!
Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to serve Brownie Trifle?
Serve your Brownie Trifle chilled, straight from the trifle bowl. Use a large spoon to scoop out generous portions. It looks so pretty in the dish that you don’t even need to transfer it to individual plates. Just make sure to give everyone a little of each layer!
Can I make Brownie Trifle a day in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance enhances the flavors as they have more time to blend together. Simply assemble the trifle as stated, then cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of Brownie Trifle, look for gluten-free brownie mix varieties and ensure that all other ingredients (like the pudding mix and toppings) are gluten-free as well. Many brands offer delicious alternatives!
What other toppings can I use in place of Heath bars?
If you wanted to switch it up, consider toppings like crushed Oreos, almond slivers, or even freeze-dried fruits for an interesting twist. You could also try using whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a homemade touch. Play around with flavors that you or your guests love for a personalized trifle experience.
Print
Brownie Trifle
This Brownie Trifle combines layers of fudge brownie, cream cheese, and delicious toppings. Perfect for gatherings, it’s a treat that pleases everyone and is simple to prepare!
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boxes fudge brownie mix
- ingredients needed to make brownies
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (7-ounce) jar marshmallow creme
- 2 (8-ounce) containers cool whip, thawed
- 2 (3.4-ounce) packages white chocolate or cheesecake instant pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 2 heath bars, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare brownie mix according to package directions in 2 9-inch baking pans and let cool before breaking into large pieces.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in marshmallow creme. Add 1 container of Cool Whip and mix on low until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk until thickened.
- To assemble, layer â…“ of the brownie pieces in a 3-quart trifle bowl.
- Add â…“ of the cream cheese mixture followed by half of the pudding mixture.
- Layer the remaining brownie pieces, half of the cream cheese mixture, and the rest of the pudding mixture on the second layer.
- Finish with the last of the brownie pieces topped by the remaining cream cheese mixture.
- Sprinkle chopped Heath bar pieces on top and cover.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the brownies are completely cooled before breaking them up.
Using a trifle bowl helps showcase the beautiful layers of this dessert.
For a richer taste, consider using chocolate pudding instead of white chocolate.
- Prep Time: 70 minutes
- Cook Time: 190 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
