If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and impresses guests, this Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle is the ultimate treat. It’s a celebration of rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy peanut butter filling, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy chocolate and peanut toppings.
This trifle is perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion where you want to deliver maximum dessert satisfaction. With every bite, you’ll experience a luscious mix of flavors and textures, making it impossible to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients:
To make this indulgent trifle, you will need the following:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box of brownie mix (or homemade brownies)
- Ingredients listed on the brownie mix (eggs, oil, water)
- 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups (optional)
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 1 (3.9 oz) box of instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Whipped Cream:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crushed Nutter Butter cookies
- 1/2 cup chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate chunks
- Chocolate sauce (optional, for drizzling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Start by preparing your brownie layer. If you’re using a boxed brownie mix, follow the package instructions to bake them. If you prefer to make brownies from scratch, you can use your favorite recipe for extra richness. For an additional peanut butter kick, consider folding chopped peanut butter cups into the batter before baking.
Once the brownies are baked and cooled, cut them into small cubes or crumble them into chunks. These will be used to create the rich chocolate base of your trifle.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mousse
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and peanut butter. Beat them together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until fully incorporated.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, creating a light and fluffy peanut butter mousse. This will add a creamy and slightly salty contrast to the sweet brownies and pudding.
Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding begins to thicken. Let it set in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes while you prepare the other layers.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream
For the fresh whipped cream, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. The whipped cream will add lightness and balance to the dessert, contrasting with the richness of the peanut butter and chocolate layers.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
Now for the fun part – assembling your trifle! You’ll want to use a clear glass trifle dish or individual serving glasses to show off the beautiful layers.
- Brownie Layer: Start by adding a layer of brownie chunks to the bottom of your trifle dish. Crumble them slightly for a rustic, textured look.
- Chocolate Pudding Layer: Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding over the brownies, spreading it evenly. This will seep into the brownie chunks and make them extra fudgy.
- Peanut Butter Mousse Layer: Add a generous layer of the peanut butter mousse over the pudding. Be sure to spread it out evenly to create distinct layers.
- Whipped Cream Layer: Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the peanut butter mousse.
- Repeat the Layers: Continue layering until your trifle dish is full, typically repeating each layer 2-3 times depending on the size of your dish. Make sure to end with a layer of whipped cream on top.
Step 6: Add Toppings
Once your layers are complete, it’s time to garnish your trifle with some delicious toppings!
- Crushed Nutter Butter cookies: These add a crunchy texture that complements the creamy layers.
- Chopped peanut butter cups: Sprinkle chopped peanut butter cups or chocolate chunks on top for added indulgence.
- Chocolate sauce: Drizzle chocolate sauce over the whipped cream for an elegant touch and extra chocolatey goodness.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
Chill Before Serving
Let the trifle chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the layers to firm up slightly, making it easier to scoop out servings.
Serving Tips
Serve your Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle in a large trifle dish for an impressive centerpiece or create individual servings using clear glasses or mason jars. Each guest can enjoy their own personal layered dessert, and the presentation will be just as stunning in smaller portions.
Storage
This trifle can be made a day ahead, making it a perfect dessert for entertaining. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, note that the brownies may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will become more pronounced as the layers blend together.
Why You’ll Love This Trifle
Decadent and Indulgent
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle is an absolute dream for anyone who loves rich, indulgent desserts. The fudgy brownie chunks, creamy peanut butter mousse, and smooth chocolate pudding combine to create an unforgettable treat. The homemade whipped cream and crunchy toppings add a perfect balance to the richness of the dessert, making each bite feel light and satisfying.
No-Bake Layers (Mostly!)
With the exception of baking the brownies (which you can even skip by using store-bought brownies), this dessert is no-bake and easy to assemble. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to create a show-stopping dessert without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Customizable
You can easily customize this trifle to suit your preferences. Swap out the peanut butter mousse for Nutella or chocolate mousse if you prefer, or use caramel sauce instead of chocolate sauce for a different flavor twist. If you want to add a bit of crunch to the brownie layer, fold in some chopped nuts or toffee bits.
Variations and Additions
Nutella Twist
For Nutella lovers, replace the peanut butter mousse with Nutella mousse by simply substituting Nutella for the peanut butter in the mousse layer. You’ll still get that creamy, rich layer but with a hazelnut twist.
Caramel Drizzle
If you’re a fan of caramel, drizzle some salted caramel sauce between the layers for a sweet and salty kick. It complements the peanut butter and chocolate beautifully.
Candy Bar Explosion
For a fun and colorful variation, add chopped candy bars like Snickers, Kit-Kats, or Twix to the brownie and whipped cream layers. The mix of textures and flavors from the candy bars will make the trifle even more indulgent.
Healthier Option
If you want to lighten up this trifle, you can substitute the whipped cream with a lower-fat whipped topping, use sugar-free pudding, or opt for a lighter peanut butter alternative. You can also use whole wheat brownies or gluten-free brownies to accommodate dietary needs.
Conclusion: A Show-Stopping Dessert for Any Occasion
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter fans. The layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream create a decadent treat that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Whether you’re making this for a special event, holiday gathering, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this trifle is guaranteed to be a hit. The best part is how easy it is to customize and make ahead of time, so you can enjoy a stress-free dessert experience that looks as good as it tastes.
Enjoy creating and serving this indulgent trifle! With its rich layers and bold flavors, it’s sure to be a favorite at any dessert table.
