Brownies, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream are layered to create this easy brownie trifle dessert. It sounds fancy, but it is SUPER easy to make.
If you love layered desserts you'll love our layered eclair dessert and our angel food berry trifle.
It's my oldest's birthday and, once again, he has requested a brownie trifle instead of cake for his dessert. This is the fifth year that I've made it for him! I honestly don't blame him; I'd rather have something other than birthday cake, too. This recipe is an oldie, but a goodie. A definite favorite in our family!
Why I Like This Recipe
- Make it in any kind of dish. Don't have a trifle bowl? No worries! I've made this trifle in a 9x13 casserole dish, a large mixing bowl, individual cups, and my classic trifle bowl. No matter how you layer it, it will taste the same!
- Make-ahead dessert. You can enjoy this trifle the same day you make it, or make it a day or two in advance! It keeps well in the refrigerator, and the longer it sits, the better. I recommend serving it after allowing it to chill for 6-8 hours. This gives the brownies time to soften and meld with the layers of cream and pudding.
- Comes together quickly. This brownie trifle couldn't be easier to make. Once the brownies are made, the trifle takes less than 5 minutes to assemble!
What Others Are Saying
This has been my go to party dessert since I found this recipe several years ago. I make individual servings in small mason jars and store it in the fridge before parties and then store leftovers in the freezer. People literally ask if I'll make this when we host and have been disappointed if we don't have it. Thank you so much for this recipe--- it's the easiest and best!---Amy
My all time favorite dessert!---Brooke
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Tips and Tricks
- Tip for making individual cups of trifle. I typically make this dessert in a large dish, but it's fun to make individual portions for baby showers or parties. To do this, simply layer everything in small punch cups or Mason jars!
- Garnish ideas. You can serve it as is, like I did in these photos, but to take it up a notch, you can just top it with a grated Hershey bar or mini chocolate chips!
- Chill the trifle for 6-8 hours. As mentioned before, this trifle is best after having a chance to chill in the refrigerator. 6-8 hours is ideal, but it can also be served after 3-4 hours if needed.
Ingredients
- Brownie mix: You'll need a box of brownie mix (any kind) and the eggs, oil, and water that the box calls for.
- Chocolate pudding: A regular-sized box of instant chocolate pudding.
- Milk: Any kind of milk.
- Sweetened condensed milk: Regular or fat-free.
- Whipped cream: I use store-bought whipped topping because it's quick and easy, but you can use homemade whipped cream if you'd like.
- Hershey bar: Optional garnish.
How To Make Brownie Trifle
Step 1: Make the brownie mix according to directions. Cool and cut into 1" squares.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Fold in 8 ounces whipped topping until no streaks remain.
Step 4: In a trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place half of the brownies, half of the pudding mixture, and half of the whipped topping.
Step 5: Repeat layers. Shave chocolate onto the top layer for garnish.
Step 6: Refrigerate 6-8 hours before serving.
Brownie Trifle FAQs
Don't have a trifle bowl? No worries! I've made this trifle in a 9x13 casserole dish, a large mixing bowl, individual cups, and my classic trifle bowl. No matter how you layer it, it will taste the same!
Store the brownie trifle in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can eat it right away if you'd like, but it really is better after chilling for 6-8 hours. This gives the brownies time to soften and meld with the layers of cream and pudding. My angel food berry trifle is another dessert that is better with time.
More Layered Desserts To Make
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Chocolate Brownie Trifle
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz. box)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz.)
- 16 oz. whipped topping divided
- 1 Hershey chocolate bar optional
Instructions
- Make the brownie mix according to directions. Cool and cut into 1" squares.
- In a large bowl, combine pudding mix, milk and sweetened condensed milk. Mix until smooth, then fold in 8 ounces whipped topping until no streaks remain.
- In a trifle bowl or glass serving dish, place half of the brownies, half of the pudding mixture, and half of the whipped topping. Repeat layers. Shave chocolate onto the top layer for garnish. Refrigerate 6-8 hours before serving.
Notes
- Tip for making individual cups of trifle. I typically make this dessert in a large dish, but it's fun to make individual portions for baby showers or parties. To do this, simply layer everything in small punch cups or Mason jars!
- Garnish ideas. You can serve it as is, like I did in these photos, but to take it up a notch, you can just top it with a grated Hershey bar or mini chocolate chips!
- Chill the trifle for 6-8 hours. As mentioned before, this trifle is best after having a chance to chill in the refrigerator. 6-8 hours is ideal, but it can also be served after 3-4 hours if needed.
Nutrition
Other Ways To Serve Brownie Trifle
These cups are a great way to serve brownie trifle to a large crowd! So cute, easy, and delicious.
Large Glass Bowl
Small Casserole Dish (8x8 or similar size)
Brandy says
Our go-to birthday dessert for over a decade! I love how easy this trifle is to make. Seems fancy, but isn't!
Amy says
This has been my go to party dessert since I found this recipe several years ago. I make individual servings in small mason jars and store it in the fridge before parties and then store leftovers in the freezer. People literally ask if I'll make this when we host and have been disappointed if we don't have it. Making it in small Mason jars also makes it easy to send leftovers home with friends. I also typically substitute gluten free brownie mix and sometimes lower fat cool whip and you can't tell the difference. Thank you so much for this recipe--- it's the easiest and best!
Brandy says
Serving in mason jars is a great idea! Would be cute too.
Amy says
My teenage boys request this now, too! I've made it with gluten free brownie mix and it was just as fabulous. I love to make individual servings in 8 oz mason jars---so easy to transport.
Brandy says
Individual servings is a great idea!!
Marie says
Hmmmmmmmm.
You are sooooo mean.
I have hungry
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
I'll fight you for the entire pan! 🙂
Brooke says
My all time favorite dessert!
Brittany says
This looks SO good! Too bad I can't eat chocolate while I'm nursing 🙁
Susan-Chasing Marcus says
You moved to the Sac Area right? You know Thursday and Friday are going to be worse right? We are almost always above 100 for July and Aug. Just a tip (and welcome) from a Sac area reader.