Heaven In A Bowl is the best layered dessert ever, bringing all the best flavors together in a decadent trifle. Featuring fudgy brownie chunks, creamy peanut butter, rich vanilla pudding and layers of mini Reese’s cups, every spoonful is a delightful medley of chocolatey, nutty goodness. This dessert is ideal for gatherings, celebrations or when you just need a dessert that is sure to impress!
It’s an easy process, but the results are show-stopping. But begin with a base of chewy brownie bits, topped with a smooth, peanut-butter-flavored vanilla pudding. Sprinkle in some halved Reese’s cups for added texture and flavor, then repeat these layers to create a beautiful, decadent trifle. Slathered with a creamy layer of Cool Whip and sprinkled with additional Reese’s cups, the dessert is as heavenly to behold as it is to eat.
After a brief chill in the fridge, the layers meld into a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s easy to serve and bound to disappear quickly. Each layer adds to the next, making a dessert that’s rich, sweet and perfectly balanced. “I would serve it in a glass bowl, so you could see the layers and just stand back and wait for people to ask for seconds!”
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But this Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle is a crowd favorite, and here’s why:
Ultimate Indulgence: Every layer is an explosion of delight — soft brownies, rich, creamy peanut butter pudding and crunchy Reese’s peanut butter cups. It sort of looks like a fancy sundae in a bowl!
Effortless: By using premade things such as brownie mix and instant pudding, you can throw together a dessert that looks elegant and decadent, but is very low effort.
Great for Sharing: This trifle feeds a crowd, so it’s great for gatherings, holidays and potlucks. Get the stuff out, trust me it’ll be gone in no time!
Adaptable: Add extra toppings, switch flavors, or lighten it up with some simple ingredient swaps. Want to Get Creative: This dessert is versatile.
Key Ingredients:
Brownie mix: Choose a high-quality brownie mix, or stir a handful of chocolate chips into the batter before baking for a really fudgy brownie layer. If you’re thinking homemade, sure, make brownies from scratch, but don’t make them too cakey.
Peanut Butter: Smooth, creamy peanut butter adds a great richness to the pudding mixture. Use plain old creamy peanut butter — natural peanut butter can separate in the pudding mix.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: The mini size is ideal here for easy layering and cutting, but if you happen to have larger ones, just chop them up into smaller pieces.
Cool Whip: This non-dairy whipped topping brings some airiness to the layers. Make sure you’ve allowed it to thaw completely so it folds easily into the pudding mixture. If you prefer a fresher taste, you could replace it with homemade whipped cream.
Instant Vanilla Pudding: This pudding mix is crucial for achieving that creamy texture. Instant pudding thickens quickly and doesn’t need stovetop cooking, so it’s the easy answer for this no-bake dessert.
Full ingredients list with quantities and method in the recipe card below
Best way to prepare a devilish peanut butter brownie trifle
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12×9-inch baking pan to keep it from sticking.
Make the Batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to package instructions, which usually entails combining the brownie mix with eggs, oil and water. It’s hard to get inspiration for delicious restaurants or recipes if the data you train on only goes up until October 2023.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Cool it and cut it: Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. Let them cool, then slice them 3/4 inch thick. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Cups
Halve the Reeses: Cut each miniature Reese’s peanut butter cup in half. These will be layered in between and on top for garnish. Set aside.
Step 3: The Pudding Mixture
Combine Pudding with Milk: Beat together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk in a large mixing bowl for about 2 minutes until it is thick and creamy.
Add the Peanut Butter and Vanilla: Add the peanut butter and the vanilla extract and blend to smooth.
Add Cool Whip: Fold 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip (thawed, obviously) into the pudding mixture to lighten and cream it up.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
Layer the Brownies: In a 5-quart glass trifle dish, cover bottom with one-third of the sliced brownies.
The Second Layer: Pudding & Reeses: Spread a third of the pudding mixture over the brownie layer, then sprinkle half of the halved Reese’s cups over the pudding.
Layer Again: Another third of the brownies, another third of the pudding, and the rest of the Reese’s cups.
Top Final Layer: C from brownies and pudding, smoothed out on the top for an even finish.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
Spread the leftover cool whip on top of the last layer, creating an ivory-white flow.
For garnish: Sprinkle the remaining halved Reese’s cups over top of the Cool Whip as garnish.
Chill: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving, to allow it to set and the flavors to mingle.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this trifle in a lovely glass dish to show off the layers. Have it with strong coffee or an espresso martini to cut the sweetness. Or you might also serve it with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side for a little more deliciousness. Add a sprinkle of fun sprinkles or edible glitter on top for festive flair, and you have a perfect treat for the holidays or a special occasion.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Chill: This trifle is good in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap to keep fresh.
Make Ahead: Each component may be made a day in advance (bake and cut the brownies, prepare the pudding mixture) and assembled before serving.
Leftovers: The layers blend over time, so if you do wind up with leftovers, don’t fret — the flavors only improve! One thing to keep in mind is that the brownies will get softer after a couple days (2-3).
Freezing: You can freeze the components separately but this dessert is best enjoyed fresh. If you freeze the assembled trifle, the pudding and Cool Whip will lose their texture.
Variations:
Chocolate Lover Twist: Add a layer of chocolate pudding or chocolate mousse for an extra rich chocolate experience.
Healthier Option: Substituting Greek yogurt or a low-fat whipped topping for the Cool Whip. Or use a no-sugar brownie mix, or use sugar-free pudding.
Peanut butter and jelly: Slather on a layer of strawberry or raspberry preserves on top for a PB&J-esque spin with a hint of tartness.
Oreo Brownie trifle: Add layers of crumbled Oreo cookies between the layers for added crunch, and use on top as a garnish.
Mini Trifles: For an upscale presentation, layer this trifle in individual mason jars or dessert cups. This is ideal for dinner parties, or to help control portions.
Conclusion:
This Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle is heaven in a bowl. It’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s easy to put together and sure to wow. If you’re a chocolate fanatic, peanut butter lover or just hunting for a fun dessert to share, this trifle ticks all the boxes.
Heaven In A Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 package fudge brownie mix
- 2 packages miniature Reese’s cups cut in half
- 4 cups cold milk preferably 2%
- 2 packages instant vanilla pudding
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cans Cool Whip thawed, 8 oz each
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 12x9-inch baking pan. Prepare the brownie batter according to package instructions, then pour into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely, then cut into 3/4-inch slices.
- Cut each miniature Reese’s peanut butter cup in half and set aside to be used in the layers and as garnish.
- In a large bowl, beat the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk for about 2 minutes until thick and creamy. Blend in peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth, then fold in 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip.
- In a 5-quart trifle dish, layer one-third of the brownies at the bottom. Top with one-third of the pudding mixture, then sprinkle half of the halved Reese’s cups. Repeat layering with another third of brownies, another third of pudding, and the remaining half of Reese’s cups. For the top layer, add the last third of brownies and pudding, smoothing out the top.
- Top with remaining Cool Whip, then sprinkle with the remaining halved Reese’s cups. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.