This Brownie Trifle Dessert is a chocolate lover's dream. It's layered with fudgy brownies, silky chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. It's rich, decadent, easy and tastes amazing.

By the way, don't forget to check out these Brownie Mix Cookie Bars if you're into chocolatey gooey fudge brownie desserts.

Recipe Ingredients

Your favorite boxed brownie mix (or homemade brownies)
Your favorite instant chocolate pudding (or homemade)
Your favorite whipped topping (or homemade)

What is a trifle dessert

A trifle dessert is a 3 or 4 layered dessert that consists of a layer of cubed cake or brownies, a layer of custard or pudding, a layer of whipped topping, and topped with nuts or shavings as a garnish.

Brownie trifle is probably one of the easiest desserts you can make if you're looking to impress your family and friends. It's 100% a crowd-pleaser and is appropriate for serving on any given holiday or casual weeknight dessert.

Although trifle desserts are traditionally served in a round deep dish, it's also beautiful if served in a deep rectangular dish as shown in the photos below.

No matter what vessel you choose, I promise you will wow your guests.

Can you make a trifle a day ahead

Yes, you can certainly make a trifle a day ahead. In fact, trifles are best the longer they have time to chill and set in the fridge, and they will not become soggy. In fact, the flavors begin to meld together creating an even more delicious dessert.

How to make brownie trifle

Brownie: Follow the instructions on the back of your favorite boxed brownie mix. If you're up for it, you can make homemade brownies.

Tip - When the brownies are done, remove them from the baking dish and place on a wire rack to cool for at least 1 to 2 hours. The longer they have time to cool, they'll cut much neater. You can also place in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes until they have completely cooled.

Chocolate Pudding: Follow the instructions on the back of your favorite instant pudding. If you prefer making chocolate pudding from scratch, feel free.

Tip - If you're using instant pudding, pour the milk in the mixing bowl first then gradually add the contents from the box while whisking vigorously. This technique will prevent lumps from forming in your pudding. You may see bubbles but no lumps.

Whipped Cream (topping): You can either make homemade or use your favorite store brand. If using store bought whipped cream, go for one that doesn't contain high fructose corn syrup.

After the brownies have cooled completely, cut into cubes or small squares. Also, prepare the chocolate pudding and whipped topping.

By the way, if you do not have a trifle dish (which is a clear, deep round dish), a deep salad bowl will work or a deep rectangular dish as shown in the photos below.

Then assemble... (read the next section on assembling).

Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to chill up to 24 hours. I tend to chill for at least 4 hours before serving, but 2 hours will definitely work.

Note: Photo missing showing the 2nd layering of the cubed brownies

What is the best way to layer a trifle

The best way to layer this brownie trifle is to start in this order:

Layer the bottom of the dish with half of the cubed brownies
Top with half of the chocolate pudding
Layer with the other half of cubed brownies
Top with the other half of the chocolate pudding
The final top layer is the whipped cream
Garnish with shaved or grated chocolate or nuts for texture

Recipe Tips

When preparing the ingredients for the brownies, substitute oil for unsweetened applesauce to cut back on calories and fat if you'd like.
Allow brownies to cool completely on countertop for 1 to 2 hours or in the fridge for 30 to 45 minutes, so they'll cut nicely.
If using instant pudding, use a wire whisk and whisk vigorously to prevent lumps in the pudding.
If you make a cake and the cake sticks to the pan, do not get upset instead make a trifle (no one will ever know since you would need to cut the cake into cubes anyway). Think along the lines of a strawberry shortcake trifle.
Save some of the brownies and crumble for garnish (optional).
Honestly, you do not have to wait for the brownie to cool completely as you will be cutting it up into small cubes anyway for layering. Personally, I like to have the brownie cut into neat little squares, but it isn't necessary.

📖 Recipe