BROWNIE TRIFLE

This show-stopping Brownie Trifle is loaded with tender, fudgy brownie bites, a creamy vanilla filling, and fresh berries. It’s easy to make and assemble, and is a crowd pleaser wherever you serve it.

And don’t let a gluten intolerance stop you from enjoying this trifle, you can always make these gluten free brownies to add in!

Delicious Brownie Trifle is courtesy of my sister; it’s one of her favorite desserts that she made throughout college. A few weeks ago, she gave me a copy of her recipe and we made it together. My boys had a few bites and it was such a hit that my youngest son requested it for his 4th birthday. Of course we made it for his birthday and I knew I had to share it here in time for Valentine’s Day.

If you’re doing Valentine’s Day at home, this would be the perfect treat to make.

How To Make Brownie Trifle

Below is a description of what’s happening in each picture for the image collage below.

Start with preparing the cream mixture: It’s made with sweetened condensed milk and instant vanilla pudding.
Add whipped cream: Whip heavy cream in a stand mixer with some vanilla and a little powdered sugar. Then fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. This will make up the cream layer of the trifle.
Add a layer of chopped brownie pieces.
Add the prepared cream mixture on top.
Press the bottom of each raspberry (or any berry) into the cream mixture
Layer of raspberries complete.
Time to repeat layers! Brownies — cream — berries.
And then one more layer of each: brownies — cream — berries.

Brownie Trifle Tips

Use a good quality brownie mix. I highly recommend Ghirardelli’s® chocolate triple fudge brownie mix (not sponsored). It yields ultra fudgy, chewy, and chocolaty brownie bites. Of course, homemade brownies would be delicious as well, but add a lot of prep time.
Switch up the berries. You can use just one berry (like the raspberries in this photo), or use a combination of a few. My sister claims the best combo is raspberries, blackberries, and sliced strawberries.
Make sure the berries are 100% dry before adding them to the trifle. If there is leftover condensation from being washed, it will water down the trifle and make for an unpleasant texture.
Let the brownies cool completely before adding. The cream layer is cold, so you don’t want warm (or hot) brownies melting that cream layer.
Don’t forget to line the brownie pan with parchment paper. Food52 breaks down how to do that perfectly!

How To Serve A Trifle Dessert

If you’re looking for a fancier way to serve this dessert, you can do individual clear trifle cups (affiliate link). Otherwise this trifle serves just how you’d think — with a large spoon. Since the brownies are cut into pieces, it comes out of the trifle dish very nicely.

Here’s the exact trifle dish (affiliate link) I use for this brownie trifle. 🙂

How Long Does Trifle Take To Set?

Honestly, you can enjoy this trifle right after it’s made. But if you want it to soften more and to be thoroughly chilled, give it 1-3 hours in the fridge (covered) before serving. You can even make it the night before if desired (see below).

Can I Make A Trifle The Night Before?

Some people prefer a Brownie Trifle made a day in advance, as it gives the brownies a chance to really soften and the cream to intensify in flavor. If you’re that person, it can certainly be prepared the night before.

I like it best the same day (more chew to the brownies). If you’re similar, here are a few tips to making it the night before without assembling:

Wash the berries a few hours or up to a day in advance. Dry throughout and then store in the fridge
Prepare the brownies up to a day in advance. Cut into 1-inch pieces and store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Prepare the cream filling up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will thicken quite a bit overnight.
With all the components prepared ahead of time, assembly goes quickly!

More Dessert Recipes

Cosmic Brownies brownies with fudge ganache topping and mini chocolate candies
Strawberry Shortcake the best homemade biscuits with fresh cream and sugared strawberries
Chocolate Pudding Pie with an Oreo crust and only 6 ingredients
Chocolate Cake three layers of fudgy chocolate cake with triple chocolate buttercream
Icebox Cake with Oreos and chocolate cream

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