Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle: Layers of Decadence in Every Bite 🍫🥜
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Servings: 10-12
Introduction:
What’s better than brownies? Brownies layered with peanut butter, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce in a beautiful trifle! This Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle is a showstopper dessert that delivers everything you love—rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fluffy whipped cream—in one elegant glass dish. Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family gatherings, this dessert is as visually impressive as it is delicious.
Each spoonful is a heavenly combination of soft brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, and chocolate drizzle. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it—this recipe is simple, satisfying, and oh-so-sweet.
Ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 1 box of brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Assembly:
- 1 cup chocolate sauce or hot fudge (warmed slightly)
- 1 cup crushed peanut butter cups
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
- Additional whipped cream (for topping)
Why You’ll Love This Trifle:
- Easy and Impressive: Layered desserts are effortless but look fancy!
- Rich Chocolate & Peanut Butter Combo: Perfect for those who can’t resist this classic pairing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it a few hours ahead, and it only gets better in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Brownies
Start by baking the brownies according to the instructions on the box. For an extra indulgent touch, stir in mini chocolate chips before baking. Once baked, allow them to cool completely, then cut them into small squares or crumble them into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Mousse
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to create a light, airy mousse.
3. Layer the Trifle
Grab a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses for a personal touch. Start layering:
- Brownie pieces on the bottom.
- A generous drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- A layer of peanut butter mousse.
- Crushed peanut butter cups and chopped peanuts for texture.
Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a final layer of peanut butter mousse.
4. Chill and Serve
Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Garnish Before Serving
Before serving, top with extra whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, and more crushed peanut butter cups for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips for the Perfect Trifle:
- Use Homemade Brownies for Extra Love: If you have the time, homemade brownies can elevate the flavor even more.
- Add Texture with Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle in some crunchy peanuts between the layers for added texture.
- Customize It: Swap out peanut butter cups with caramel or chocolate candies for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this trifle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for even more indulgence.
- Add a side of espresso to balance the sweetness.
- Use mini mason jars for individual servings—perfect for parties and picnics!
Why Trifles Are So Popular:
Trifles are visually stunning and incredibly versatile. They allow you to layer multiple flavors and textures, which makes every bite a new experience. Plus, the layers look beautiful through a glass dish, making it the perfect dessert for special occasions.
Storage:
Store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, making it even better the next day!
FAQs:
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! Trifles taste even better when made a few hours (or a day) ahead. Just wait to add the toppings until you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze the trifle?
While the brownies and mousse can be frozen separately, the assembled trifle isn’t ideal for freezing due to the whipped cream.
What other toppings can I use?
Try topping the trifle with caramel sauce, crushed pretzels, or even chocolate-covered almonds for a fun variation.