Brownie Trifle Recipe: A Decadent Christmas Dessert You’ll Love

Nothing says holiday joy like a Brownie Trifle layered with fudgy brownies, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream. Each spoonful is rich, chocolatey, and downright irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to make and looks stunning on any Christmas dessert table. Perfect for family gatherings or a last-minute party showstopper, this trifle brings smiles every time.

Brownie Trifle Recipe Overview

This Brownie Trifle is a dream dessert that combines the best of brownies, pudding, and whipped cream into one indulgent bowl. You’ll love how quick it is to assemble, especially during the busy Christmas season. The brownies come out rich and fudgy, while the pudding adds a smooth, chocolatey layer that balances beautifully with the light, airy whipped cream. Each spoonful feels like a hug in dessert form.

It serves about ten people and takes just 35 minutes to prepare. That means you can whip it up in the afternoon and still have plenty of time to relax before guests arrive. What makes it even better is how customizable it is—you can add candy bits, toffee, or even a splash of Baileys for a grown-up twist. Because it’s best chilled, it’s an ideal make-ahead dessert for Christmas parties or cozy winter nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll need a few basic pantry staples and some holiday spirit to make this trifle.

• 2 packages Nestlé Toll House Brownies & More Chocolate Baking Mix with Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 6 tablespoons water
• 2 (3.9-ounce) packages instant chocolate fudge pudding mix
• 4 cups cold milk
• 4 cups heavy cream (very cold)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings for garnish

Optional add-ins include peanut butter cups, crushed toffee, or a hint of liqueur like Baileys for extra flair.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bake the Brownies

Start by preheating the oven to 325°F and greasing two 8-inch pans. In a large bowl, mix the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Stir in two-thirds of the chocolate morsels, then spread the batter evenly in your pans. Bake for 10 minutes, sprinkle the remaining morsels on top, and bake for another 20–25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into small squares. This helps keep their fudgy texture perfect for layering.

Make the Chocolate Pudding

While the brownies cool, prepare the pudding. Whisk the instant pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thick. It should set in about 2–5 minutes. Then place it in the refrigerator to chill. This helps it firm up just enough to create clean layers in your trifle.

Whip the Cream

In a chilled bowl, combine cold heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat on high until stiff peaks form. You’ll know it’s ready when the cream holds its shape on the whisk. If you prefer a slightly sweeter topping, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar. Keeping everything cold ensures your whipped cream stays fluffy and light.

Assemble the Brownie Trifle

Now comes the fun part! In a trifle dish, start with a layer of brownie cubes. Spoon a generous amount of pudding over them, then add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the process until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings or even crushed candy canes for a festive touch. Chill until serving time or dig in right away—both ways taste incredible.

Expert Tips & Variations

This dessert is a lifesaver when you’re short on prep time. You can bake the brownies a day ahead, then assemble the trifle just before serving. For extra flair, drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce between layers. If you love boozy desserts, a splash of coffee liqueur or Baileys adds a cozy adult twist.

Want to make it party-friendly? Serve it in mini glasses for individual portions. They look adorable on dessert tables and make for easy cleanup. For a crunch, add chopped nuts or crushed cookies between layers. If you’re a big brownie fan, try mixing in flavors from the Oreo brownies recipe for a fudgy Halloween treat or the Cheesecake brownies recipe for rich and creamy layers. Each one brings a new texture and flavor to your trifle masterpiece.

Serving Suggestions

This brownie trifle fits right in at Christmas parties, potlucks, or family dinners. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, a mug of hot cocoa, or a small glass of liqueur. The layered look makes it a centerpiece-worthy dessert that guests can’t resist. Add a sprinkle of red and green sugar for a festive finish or top with chocolate curls for extra elegance. If you’re going for variety, place it alongside the Frosted Christmas brownies for festive dessert tables for a sweet, holiday-inspired spread.

Storage and Make-Ahead Guide

You can make the Brownie Trifle a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It stays good for up to three days in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more decadent. However, avoid freezing it, as whipped cream doesn’t thaw well. If you prefer preparing parts ahead, bake the brownies early and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.

Related Recipes to Try

• Spooky eyeball fudge brownies for Halloween parties
• French silk brownies with a mousse-like topping
• Mummy brownies for fun Halloween baking

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

This Brownie Trifle is everything a holiday dessert should be—rich, creamy, easy, and absolutely crowd-pleasing. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular night into a celebration. Whether you keep it classic or give it your own twist, it’s guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to save the recipe to your Pinterest board at Cozy Recipes by Clara for your next holiday feast!

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