If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to assemble, impossible to resist, and guaranteed to impress, look no further than the Brownie Trifle. This decadent treat layers fudgy brownies, creamy chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and add-ins like chocolate chips or crushed candy for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating the holidays, or just indulging your inner chocoholic, brownie trifle is the perfect make-ahead dessert that checks all the boxes: rich, creamy, crunchy, and crowd-pleasing.
Why You’ll Love This Brownie Trifle
🍫 Layers of fudgy brownie and rich chocolate pudding
🍦 Topped with clouds of whipped cream
🍬 Fun to customize with candy, cookies, or fruit
🍽️ Feeds a crowd and looks beautiful in a trifle dish
👨👩👧👦 Kid-friendly, adult-approved, and easy to make ahead
🧁 No fancy equipment needed — just layer and chill!
What Is a Trifle?
A trifle is a traditional English dessert made of sponge cake, custard, fruit, and whipped cream, layered in a large glass dish. The Brownie Trifle is a rich American twist — swapping cake for chocolate brownies and adding chocolate pudding for extra indulgence. It’s all about the layers: soft, creamy, rich, and crunchy — creating the perfect bite every time.
Ingredients for a Classic Brownie Trifle
You can keep it simple or dress it up, depending on your taste and time.
🍫 For the Brownie Base:
- 1 batch of fudge brownies (homemade or boxed mix)
(Make in advance and let cool completely before cubing)
🍮 For the Chocolate Layer:
- 2 boxes (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 ½ cups cold milk (whole milk preferred for richness)
🍦 For the Cream Layer:
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
OR make your own:- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
🍫 Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
- Crushed Oreos, Heath bars, or mini peanut butter cups
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
- Caramel or chocolate syrup for drizzling
How to Make Brownie Trifle (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
- Bake brownies according to box or recipe instructions.
- Cool completely and cut into 1-inch cubes. You’ll want them firm enough to hold their shape.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding
- In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk.
- Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken. Chill if making ahead.
Step 3: Prepare Whipped Topping
Option 1: Cool Whip – Ready to use from the tub (thawed in fridge).
Option 2: Homemade Whipped Cream
- Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Don’t over-whip or it’ll turn grainy.
Step 4: Layer the Trifle
In a glass trifle bowl or large clear serving dish, layer as follows:
- Brownie cubes (enough to cover the bottom)
- Spoonfuls of chocolate pudding
- A layer of whipped topping
- Sprinkle of chocolate chips or candy bits (optional)
Repeat layers until the bowl is full, ending with a whipped cream layer and decorative toppings (like more brownie chunks, shaved chocolate, or berries).
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight
- This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld
- Serve with a big spoon and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Brownie Trifle
✅ Cool brownies completely before cubing
✅ Use whole milk for creamier pudding
✅ Don’t over-whip homemade cream
✅ Add crunchy candy or fruit for texture variety
✅ Make it a day ahead for maximum flavor fusion
Brownie Trifle Variations
🍓 Chocolate Strawberry Trifle – Add layers of sliced strawberries
🥜 Peanut Butter Cup Trifle – Add peanut butter chips and Reese’s
🍒 Black Forest Trifle – Add cherries and whipped cream layers
🍫 S’mores Trifle – Add mini marshmallows, graham cracker crumbs
🎃 Pumpkin Brownie Trifle – Alternate with pumpkin mousse in fall
☕ Mocha Trifle – Add a touch of espresso or coffee-flavored pudding
Individual Brownie Trifles
Want a party-friendly dessert table idea? Assemble the trifle in mason jars, plastic cups, or mini dessert glasses for individual servings! Great for holidays, weddings, or potlucks.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
🧊 Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance
🥶 Leftovers: Store in the fridge for 2–3 days (may get softer over time)
🚫 Do not freeze: The texture of pudding and whipped cream can separate
What to Serve with Brownie Trifle
This dessert is rich, so it pairs well with:
- Coffee or espresso
- Fresh fruit salad
- A light, savory entrée (like grilled chicken or a garden salad)
- For holidays: serve with eggnog, hot cocoa, or sparkling cider
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving – 12 servings)
- Calories: 380–450
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 32g
- Carbs: 45g
- Protein: 4g
Varies depending on ingredients and toppings used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes! Store-bought or bakery brownies work great. Just make sure they’re not overly soft or gooey for easier layering.
Can I make this trifle gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free brownies and ensure the pudding and add-ins are certified gluten-free.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, but you’ll need to sub in dairy-free pudding mix, coconut or almond whipped topping, and non-dairy brownies. It’s doable, but textures may vary slightly.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, brownie trifle tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight.
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Rich, indulgent, but easy to make
✅ Perfect make-ahead dessert for stress-free hosting
✅ Customizable for holidays, seasons, or events
✅ Combines fudgy, creamy, and crunchy textures in one bite
✅ Impresses every time — and feeds a crowd!
Final Thoughts: A Crowd-Pleasing Chocolate Dream
Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a birthday party, or just a weekend treat, this Brownie Trifle is the ultimate layered dessert that never disappoints. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.
Fudgy brownies, creamy pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and endless customization possibilities — what’s not to love?
Print
Brownie Trifle: The Ultimate Chocolate Lover’s Layered Dessert
Ingredients
• 1 batch chocolate brownies, cooled and cubed • 2 cups heavy cream • ½ cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 8 oz cream cheese, softened • ¼ cup powdered sugar • 1 cup chocolate chips • ½ cup heavy cream for ganache • 2 tbsp chocolate syrup • ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Cut cooled brownies into 1-inch cubes
- Beat 2 cups heavy cream with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form
- In separate bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth
- Fold cream cheese mixture into whipped cream gently
- Heat ½ cup cream until simmering
- Pour over chocolate chips, let stand 2 minutes
- Stir until smooth for ganache
- Layer brownie cubes in trifle dish
- Add dollops of cream mixture
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache
- Repeat layers until dish is full
- Top with remaining cream and ganache
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts
- Refrigerate 4 hours before serving
PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 30 mins, Cook Time: 0 mins, Total Time: 4 hours 30 mins, Servings: 8, Calories: 380, Net Carbs: 35g, Fats: 26g, Protein: 6g