Description

This Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the perfect layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, and light, fluffy whipped cream, all topped with chopped peanut butter cups and drizzled with chocolate sauce. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday, or a casual weekend treat, this trifle is sure to impress with both its presentation and irresistible flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Each layer adds a unique texture and taste, from the chewy brownies to the smooth mousse and airy whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

1 package fudge brownie mix
2 packages miniature Reese’s cups
4 cups cold milk preferably 2%
2 packages instant vanilla pudding
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cans Cool Whip thawed (8 oz each)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 12×9-inch baking pan. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour into the pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Let cool completely, then cut into 3/4-inch slices.
Cut the miniature Reese’s cups in half. Set aside for filling and garnish.
In a large bowl, beat the instant pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip.
In a 5-quart trifle dish, layer one-third of the brownies, one-third of the pudding mixture, and half of the Reese’s cups. Repeat layers twice, finishing with a smooth layer of the pudding mixture.
Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top and garnish with halved Reese’s cups. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brownies: You can use store-bought brownies for convenience, but homemade brownies will add a more fudgy, rich flavor. Be sure to let the brownies cool completely before crumbling to avoid soggy layers in the trifle.
Peanut Butter Layer: The peanut butter mousse offers a smooth and creamy contrast to the dense brownies. Adding whipped cream to the peanut butter mixture lightens the texture, making it perfect for layering. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with a peanut butter or vanilla pudding mix.
Whipped Cream: Freshly whipped cream provides a luxurious, airy texture that balances the richness of the brownie and peanut butter layers. Stabilize it with a bit of gelatin if you plan to make the trifle ahead of time, as it will help the cream hold its shape.
Assembly: For the best visual impact, assemble the trifle in a clear glass trifle bowl or any transparent dish so that the layers are clearly visible. Start with a base layer of crumbled brownies, followed by peanut butter mousse, and then whipped cream. Repeat these layers until the bowl is full, finishing with a whipped cream layer topped with chopped peanut butter cups and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Make Ahead: The components of the trifle (brownies, peanut butter mousse, whipped cream) can be made a day ahead and stored separately. Assemble the trifle a few hours before serving to ensure the best texture and presentation.
Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days, though the trifle is best enjoyed within 24 hours to keep the layers fresh and distinct.
Variations: You can easily switch things up by using different candies like Reese’s Pieces, adding Nutella as a layer, or even incorporating ice cream for a frozen treat. If you need gluten-free or vegan options, substitute the brownies, whipped cream, and peanut butter cups with suitable alternatives.