When I first moved to the U.S., I missed the comforting flavors of home but didn’t have time for complicated desserts. One day, I whipped up a brownie trifle that looked fancy but was surprisingly simple to make. It quickly became my go-to show-stopping dessert—perfect for parties or cozy family nights. Let me share this easy brownie trifle recipe with you!
Table of Contents
brownie trifle
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare brownie mix according to package directions and cool completely. Cut into 1-inch squares.
- In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, water, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth, then fold in 8 ounces of whipped topping until well combined.
- In a trifle bowl, layer half of the brownies, half of the pudding mixture, and half of the 12-oz. whipped topping. Repeat layers.
- Shave chocolate onto the top layer for garnish.
- Refrigerate for 8 hours before serving.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Easy Brownie Trifle
- Uses smart shortcuts like store-bought brownie mix and instant pudding for speedy prep.
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its rich layers and creamy texture.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert that saves you time on busy days or party prep.
- Stunning, layered presentation that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
What is a Trifle?
A trifle is a layered dessert typically served in a large glass dish. It usually consists of cake or brownies, a creamy element like pudding or custard, and whipped cream. The clear dish shows off the colorful, delicious layers, making it a beautiful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients for the Perfect Brownie Trifle
- 1 package brownie mix (18.3 oz.)
- ingredients to make brownies (as per brownie mix instructions)
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz.)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
- 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed (8 oz.)
- 1 container frozen whipped topping, thawed (12 oz.)
- 1 bar Hershey’s chocolate candy (1.55 oz.)
Essential Equipment
- 3-quart trifle dish or a large clear glass bowl: a clear dish is key to show off those beautiful layers.
- Large mixing bowl: for combining pudding and whipped topping.
- Spatula: for folding and layering smoothly.
How to Make a Brownie Trifle (Step-by-Step)
- Prepare the brownies: Follow the package directions for the brownie mix and bake. Allow brownies to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch squares.
- Mix pudding layer: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix, water, and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping: Add 8 ounces of the thawed whipped topping to the pudding mixture. Gently fold until fully combined with no streaks remaining.
- Assemble the first layer: In your trifle bowl, arrange half of the brownie squares evenly on the bottom.
- Add pudding mixture: Spread half of the pudding and whipped topping mixture over the brownies.
- Add whipped topping layer: Spoon half of the 12-ounce whipped topping container on top.
- Repeat layers: Add the remaining brownies, followed by the rest of the pudding mixture and whipped topping.
- Garnish: Use a grater or vegetable peeler to shave the Hershey’s chocolate candy bar over the top layer for an elegant finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 8 hours to let the layers meld and flavors deepen before serving.
How to Get Perfect, Clean Layers Every Time
- Use a piping bag or a large Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off to add pudding and whipped topping layers. This helps avoid smearing and keeps the glass sides neat.
- Press some brownie cubes gently against the side of the clear trifle dish when layering. This creates a lovely, defined pattern that really impresses guests visually.
Variations and Customizations for Your Brownie Trifle
| Variation Name | Ingredient Swaps/Additions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut Butter & Chocolate | Add peanut butter swirls to pudding mixture | Adds rich, nutty flavor |
| Mint Chocolate | Use mint-flavored instant pudding mix | Refreshing twist ideal for holiday celebrations |
| Black Forest | Add cherry pie filling between layers | Combines chocolate, cream, and cherries beautifully |
| Salted Caramel Mocha | Drizzle salted caramel sauce between layers and add espresso powder to pudding | Perfect for coffee lovers |
From-Scratch Upgrade
For a decadent twist, try making fudgy homemade brownies and swap instant pudding for rich chocolate pastry cream for deeper flavor and texture. This type of pastry cream is often made with eggs, sugar, and milk, providing a richer, custard-like base.
Dietary Modifications
- Use a gluten-free brownie mix to make this dessert gluten-friendly.
- Substitute sugar-free pudding mix and reduced-sugar whipped topping to lower sugar content.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store your brownie trifle covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2-3 days but may soften over time as the layers meld. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture will degrade. For parties, assemble on-site if possible or transport carefully in a chilled container to keep it looking beautiful. For other make-ahead party favorites, consider our foolproof Italian pasta salad recipe.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fudgy, slightly underbaked brownies for moist, tender layers.
- Ensure all components are completely cool before assembling to prevent melting.
- Chill the finished trifle for 4-8 hours for the best flavor blending.
- Add crunchy toppings like toffee bits or extra shaved chocolate just before serving for texture contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions about Brownie Trifle
What size dish should I use for a trifle?
A standard 3-quart trifle dish is ideal for perfect layering. If you don’t have one, a large clear glass bowl works—but may slightly change the number of layers.
Why do my brownies need to be completely cool?
Warm brownies can melt the pudding and whipped topping layers, making your trifle soupy rather than beautifully layered.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Stabilized whipped toppings like Cool Whip hold up better for make-ahead trifles. Fresh whipped cream works if serving immediately but can lose structure if refrigerated for hours.
Can I make this brownie trifle gluten-free?
Yes, using a quality gluten-free brownie mix ensures the dessert is safe for gluten-sensitive guests without compromising taste.
Conclusion
This brownie trifle is one of the easiest yet most impressive desserts you can make. It’s perfect for any party or family gathering and saves you time with smart shortcuts. I’d love to see your beautiful creations! What variation are you most excited to try first? Let me know in the comments below.
