Our chocolate brownie trifle layers fudgy brownie cubes with creamy chocolate pudding and light whipped cream. This simple dessert uses just a few ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on prep, making it an easy, crowd-pleasing choice for chocolate lovers.
Brownies are delightful on their own, but layered into a trifle they become exceptional. The clear dish shows off the contrasting textures and colors, and the recipe is easy to adapt. Swap the regular brownies for caramel or peanut butter brownies for a fun twist, or use any favorite brownie you have on hand.
If you enjoy tasting the batter, try an edible brownie batter (works great as a fruit dip or no-bake treat). For a quick single serving, a microwave brownie in a mug is a fast, satisfying alternative.
🍫 Ingredients:
- Pan of brownies – two 9×13 pans worth (the recipe uses two boxed mixes baked together in a 9×13 pan).
- Whole milk and chocolate instant pudding mix – combined to make a creamy pudding layer.
- Whipped cream – homemade whipped cream is recommended for best texture.
- Dark chocolate bar – for shaving or chopping to sprinkle on top.
For the full ingredient amounts and a printable recipe card, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Optional Garnish:
Top with chocolate shavings, chocolate chips, crushed cookies, fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or a drizzle of caramel for extra flair.
Substitutions and Variations
- Homemade brownies – feel free to use a homemade fudgy brownie recipe instead of boxed mix.
- Whipped cream options – make fresh whipped cream from heavy cream, or use a thawed whipped topping if preferred.
- Individual servings – assemble trifles in small glasses or cups for an elegant presentation at dinner parties.
- Add candy – layer in chopped candy bars, toffee bits, or chopped peanut butter cups for added texture and flavor.
🔪 Instructions:
Prep: Prepare two boxes of brownie mix according to package directions in a 9Ă—13 pan and allow them to cool completely.
Step 1: Cut the cooled brownies into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk the milk and chocolate instant pudding mix until the pudding begins to thicken.
Step 3: Fold about 1 cup of whipped cream into the pudding to lighten it.
Step 4: Arrange a layer of brownie pieces in the bottom of a trifle dish. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the brownies, then add half of the whipped cream on top of the pudding.
Pro Tip: When whipping cream from scratch, stop when stiff peaks form to avoid overwhipping.
Step 5: Add another layer of brownie pieces and the remaining pudding. Finish with the remaining whipped cream, either dolloped or piped for decoration.
Step 6: Garnish with dark chocolate shavings and a few extra brownie bites on top.
Serve: Scoop and serve the brownie trifle as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.
Recipe Tips for an Easy Brownie Trifle
- Prepare the brownies and pudding a day ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator to save time on the day you serve.
- Fresh whipped cream gives the best flavor and texture, but a thawed whipped topping can be used as a shortcut.
- Chilling the baked brownies before slicing makes cleaner, neater cubes for layering.
Recipe FAQs
A trifle is a layered dessert traditionally made with cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, assembled in a clear dish to showcase the layers. Many modern trifles swap cake for brownies, cookies, or other components to create different flavor combinations.
Stored covered in the refrigerator, a brownie trifle will keep for up to 3 days. For best texture, assemble close to the time you plan to serve it and avoid freezing.
A clear trifle bowl highlights the layers and makes an impressive presentation, but you can assemble the dessert in any deep dish or individual cups if needed.
If you try this Brownie Trifle Recipe, please leave a star rating and share your feedback in the comments below.
Brownie Trifle Recipe
Ingredients
- Brownie pieces 2 box mixes, prepared in 9Ă—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.
- Whisk together milk and pudding mix until the pudding begins to thicken.
- Stir in about 1 cup of whipped cream to lighten the pudding.
- Cover the bottom of a trifle dish with brownie pieces. Layer half of the pudding mixture and half of the whipped cream over the brownies.
- Add another layer of brownies and the remaining pudding. Dollop or pipe the remaining whipped cream on top.
- Shave dark chocolate over the whipped cream and top with a few more brownie pieces to garnish.
Notes
For homemade whipped cream, use 32 oz heavy cream sweetened with about 1 cup sugar. Whip to soft peaks, add sugar, then whip to stiff peaks. Avoid overwhipping.
We use two boxed mixes baked in a 9Ă—13 pan and reserve extra brownie pieces for garnish.
Prepare brownies and pudding ahead if needed, but make whipped cream just before assembling for the best texture.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 19 g
| Protein: 4 g
| Fat: 11 g