If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter, you've come to the right place. This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is an irresistible layered dessert that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent. Imagine biting into layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter filling, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped cream—all topped with crushed peanut butter cups! Sound tempting? Keep reading to learn how to make this heavenly trifle from scratch.
What is a Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle?
A Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a multi-layered dessert that combines the best of several worlds. It starts with a base of fudgy brownies, followed by a rich peanut butter filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. This combination creates a flavor explosion in every bite. The trifle is typically served in a large glass bowl or individual cups to showcase the beautiful layers of deliciousness. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly easy to make and perfect for entertaining.
Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle
For this Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle, you’ll need a variety of ingredients to create each layer of this delightful dessert. Here’s what you’ll need:
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box of brownie mix (or homemade brownies, if you prefer)
- Ingredients required to make the brownies (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
Chocolate Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Whipped Cream Topping:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 10-12 mini peanut butter cups, chopped
- Chocolate syrup for drizzling (optional)
- Peanut butter chips for garnish (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle recipe is its flexibility. You can easily make substitutions or variations to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free brownie mix and ensure all other ingredients (like pudding mix) are gluten-free.
- Healthier Version: Substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter peanut butter layer. You can also use sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat whipped cream.
- Flavor Twist: Add a layer of banana slices for a peanut butter banana twist, or use caramel sauce instead of chocolate syrup for extra richness.
- Nut-Free Version: Swap out the peanut butter for a nut-free alternative like sunflower seed butter. Use chopped chocolate candies in place of peanut butter cups.
- Make it Boozy: Add a splash of bourbon or Kahlúa to the whipped cream or pudding layer for an adult-friendly dessert.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients and chosen any substitutions, it’s time to assemble this beautiful trifle. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Prepare the brownies according to the package instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Let them cool completely, then cut them into small bite-sized squares. You can also crumble the brownies if you prefer a more rustic look.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to create a fluffy, mousse-like filling.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Pudding
In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and cold milk. Let the pudding set for about 5 minutes in the refrigerator to thicken.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Using an electric mixer, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. This will be used for the final layer and for garnishing the trifle.
How to Assemble the Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Assembling the trifle is one of the most fun and rewarding parts of making this dessert. The key is to layer the ingredients neatly to create a visually stunning dessert. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with the Brownies: Begin by layering half of the brownie pieces in the bottom of your trifle dish. If you're making individual trifles, divide the brownies equally among the cups.
- Add the Peanut Butter Layer: Spoon half of the peanut butter filling over the brownies. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure to cover all the brownie pieces.
- Layer the Chocolate Pudding: Next, pour half of the chocolate pudding over the peanut butter layer. Smooth it out evenly.
- Add Whipped Cream: Spread half of the whipped cream over the pudding layer. This will add a light and airy texture to balance out the rich layers beneath.
- Repeat the Layers: Add another layer of brownies, followed by the remaining peanut butter filling, pudding, and whipped cream.
- Garnish: Top the trifle with chopped peanut butter cups, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a handful of peanut butter chips if desired. You can also add more whipped cream for an extra decorative touch.
- Chill: Let the trifle chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to scoop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is relatively easy, there are a few common mistakes that could affect the outcome of your trifle:
- Not Letting the Brownies Cool: If you layer the brownies while they’re still warm, the peanut butter filling and pudding can melt, leading to a messy trifle.
- Overmixing the Whipped Cream: Be careful not to overwhip the cream, as it can turn into butter. Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Don’t skip the recommended chill time. It helps the layers set and ensures the trifle holds its shape when served.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving, the Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle can be as simple or fancy as you like. Here are some tips to make it look as good as it tastes:
- Glass Trifle Dish: Serve the trifle in a large glass trifle dish to showcase the beautiful layers. The clear sides let your guests see each delicious component.
- Individual Servings: For a more elegant presentation, divide the trifle into individual glass cups or mason jars. This works particularly well for parties or events where you want everyone to have their own serving.
- Extra Garnishes: Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce, or even a dusting of cocoa powder to the top layer for extra flair.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle
When serving your Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle, make sure to use a large spoon or trifle scoop to dig deep into the layers so each serving includes brownies, peanut butter filling, pudding, and whipped cream. This dessert is rich, so smaller portions can be a good idea—although your guests might be coming back for seconds!
Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle
Want to make your trifle stand out even more? Here are some creative presentation ideas:
- Layering in Jars: Assemble the trifle in mini mason jars for a rustic, individual dessert. This is great for picnics or outdoor events.
- Chocolate Drizzle Art: Drizzle chocolate syrup in a zig-zag pattern inside the glass before you start layering. This adds an artistic touch to the presentation.
- Top with Whole Peanut Butter Cups: Instead of chopping the peanut butter cups, place whole mini cups on top for a bold and decorative garnish.
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead: This trifle can be made up to a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator, and don’t add the garnish until just before serving.
- Brownie Texture: For extra fudgy brownies, slightly underbake them by 2-3 minutes. The softer texture pairs perfectly with the creamy layers.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the brownie layer may soften over time as it absorbs moisture from the pudding and cream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use store-bought brownies for this recipe? A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought brownies work just as well. Just make sure they’re fudgy for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle? A: It’s not recommended to freeze this trifle, as the whipped cream and pudding layers may separate and become watery when thawed.
Q: How long can I store the trifle in the fridge? A: You can store the trifle in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the texture may become too soft.
Q: Can I add other toppings? A: Yes! Feel free to add other toppings like crushed pretzels for a salty crunch or extra chocolate chips for more texture.
Conclusion
This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. It’s rich, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you're serving it for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just because, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Now that you know how to make it step-by-step, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start creating this layered masterpiece. Happy baking!
PrintPeanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe
This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle recipe combines layers of decadent brownie chunks, smooth peanut butter fudge, and light whipped cream, creating the perfect dessert for any occasion. Packed with rich flavors and textures, this trifle is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Brownie mix or homemade brownies
- Peanut butter
- Powdered sugar
- Cream cheese
- Heavy whipping cream
- Chocolate pudding mix
- Milk
- Whipped topping
Instructions
- Bake the brownies and let them cool, then cut into chunks.
- Make the peanut butter fudge layer by mixing cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
- Prepare chocolate pudding according to package instructions.
- In a trifle dish, layer brownies, peanut butter mixture, pudding, and whipped cream. Repeat layers.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
You can make the brownies a day ahead for easier preparation. Add crushed peanut butter cups for extra flavor!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 320mg
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