Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe

If you're a fan of the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is about to become your new favorite dessert! This indulgent trifle features layers of rich, fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, all topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce and peanut butter cups for extra decadence. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or any special occasion, this trifle is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

What is a Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle?

A Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a layered dessert made up of fudgy brownies, a light peanut butter mousse, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, all stacked in a trifle dish or individual serving glasses. The layers of chocolate and peanut butter complement each other beautifully, creating a rich, creamy, and indulgent dessert that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The texture contrast between the dense brownies, creamy mousse, and smooth pudding makes this dessert an absolute delight in every bite.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious trifle. We’ll break it down into components for the brownies, peanut butter mousse, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream.

For the Brownies (or use store-bought):

• 1 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)

For the Peanut Butter Mousse:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

• 1 (3.9 oz) package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold whole milk

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Mini peanut butter cups (chopped)
• Chocolate sauce or hot fudge drizzle
• Crushed peanuts or chocolate chips

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, or use gluten-free store-bought brownies.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream, dairy-free chocolate pudding, and non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk).
• Store-Bought Brownies: If you're short on time, feel free to use store-bought brownies or brownie mix to speed up the process.
• Add Crunch: Add chopped peanut butter pretzels or crushed Oreos between layers for a fun texture.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down how to make this indulgent Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle step by step. Follow along for a foolproof dessert that will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
3. Add eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
5. Add chocolate chips (optional): If you want extra fudgy brownies, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut them into bite-sized cubes for layering.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Mousse

1. Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Set aside.
2. Mix peanut butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. The mousse should be light, fluffy, and well combined.
4. Chill: Place the peanut butter mousse in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the trifle.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer

1. Make the pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened, about 2-3 minutes. Let the pudding chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Whipped Cream

1. Whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Keep the whipped cream chilled until it’s time to assemble the trifle.

How to Assemble Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that all your components are ready, it’s time to assemble the trifle! You can use a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses for a more personalized touch.

1. Start with a brownie layer: Add a generous layer of brownie cubes to the bottom of your trifle dish or glasses.
2. Add peanut butter mousse: Spoon a thick layer of the peanut butter mousse over the brownies, smoothing it out evenly.
3. Add chocolate pudding: Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding on top of the peanut butter mousse, spreading it out smoothly.
4. Repeat the layers: Continue layering brownie cubes, peanut butter mousse, and chocolate pudding until you reach the top of your trifle dish or glasses.
5. Top with whipped cream: Finish the trifle with a layer of whipped cream on top.
6. Garnish: For the final touch, sprinkle the trifle with chopped peanut butter cups, drizzle with chocolate sauce or hot fudge, and add any additional garnishes like crushed peanuts or chocolate chips.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the layers to set.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not letting the brownies cool: Be sure to let the brownies cool completely before assembling the trifle. Warm brownies can melt the mousse and pudding layers.
2. Over-whipping the cream: When whipping the cream for the mousse and topping, be careful not to over-whip it. Over-whipped cream can become grainy. Stop when stiff peaks form.
3. Not enough chilling time: Chilling the trifle allows the flavors to come together and the layers to set. Be sure to let it sit in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours before serving.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a showstopper, and with the right presentation, you can make it even more impressive.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Chilled: Serve the trifle chilled for the best flavor and texture. The layers of mousse and pudding taste even better when cold.
• In Individual Glasses: For a more elegant presentation, layer the trifle in individual serving glasses or mason jars, so each guest gets their own portion.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Chopped Peanut Butter Cups: Garnish the top of the trifle with chopped mini peanut butter cups for a fun and colorful touch.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle chocolate sauce or hot fudge over the top layer for an extra decadent finish.
• Peanut Butter Drizzle: Warm a tablespoon or two of peanut butter and drizzle it over the top of the trifle for added flair.
• Crushed Peanuts or Pretzels: Add a bit of crunch by sprinkling crushed peanuts or pretzels over the whipped cream layer.

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This trifle can be made a day in advance, making it perfect for parties or gatherings. Just store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you're ready to serve.
• Layer Evenly: For a beautiful presentation, take your time spreading each layer evenly to create clean, distinct layers in the trifle.
• Use a Serrated Knife: When cutting the brownies, use a serrated knife for clean cuts and to avoid crumbling the brownies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
A: Yes! This trifle can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and garnish just before serving.

Q: How long will the trifle last in the fridge?
A: The trifle will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the brownie layer may soften the longer it sits.

Q: Can I use store-bought brownies?
A: Absolutely! Store-bought brownies or boxed brownie mix work perfectly in this recipe and save time.

Q: Can I freeze the trifle?
A: It’s not recommended to freeze the trifle, as the pudding and mousse layers don’t freeze well and may become grainy once thawed.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. With its layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, and rich chocolate pudding, this trifle is a decadent, showstopping dessert that will impress guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you're making it for a party, holiday gathering, or just as a treat, this dessert is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every delicious, peanut buttery bite!

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