Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe

If you’re a fan of the chocolate and peanut butter combination, this Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is the dessert of your dreams! This indulgent trifle features layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter filling, rich chocolate pudding, and whipped cream. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a party or just treating yourself, this trifle is easy to make and impossible to resist. With the perfect blend of textures and flavors, each bite is rich, creamy, and utterly delicious. Let’s get started!

this Recipe

What is a Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle?

A Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a decadent layered dessert that alternates between fudgy brownie pieces, a peanut butter-flavored cream filling, and chocolate pudding, all topped with fluffy whipped cream. This dessert combines the rich flavors of brownies and chocolate pudding with the creaminess of peanut butter for a truly indulgent experience. The layers are typically served in a large glass trifle dish, or you can make individual servings in mason jars or dessert glasses for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle:

For the Brownies (or use a box mix):

• ¾ cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream (whipped to stiff peaks)

For the Chocolate Pudding Layer:

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

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Decoration (Optional):

• Mini peanut butter cups or chopped Reese’s cups
• Chocolate shavings
• Crumbled brownies or cookie crumbs
• Peanut butter drizzle

Substitutions and Variations

Want to personalize your Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle? Here are some substitution ideas and fun variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or make gluten-free brownies.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cream cheese, heavy cream, and milk with dairy-free alternatives, and use dairy-free chocolate pudding mix.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed chocolate or peanut butter cookies between the layers for added texture.
• Peanut Butter Oreo Trifle: Swap the brownies with chunks of peanut butter Oreos for an easy, no-bake twist.
• Banana Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle: Add sliced bananas between the layers for a fruity twist that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and chocolate.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this irresistible Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle from scratch.

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

Start by making the brownies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.

In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips if using. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.

How to Make Peanut Butter Filling: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 2: Beat the Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and beat until well combined.

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Cream

In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until light and fluffy. Set aside.

How to Make Chocolate Pudding: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding

In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens. Let the pudding set in the fridge for 5 minutes to firm up slightly before layering.

How to Make Whipped Cream Topping: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 5: Whip the Cream for Topping

In a chilled mixing bowl, beat 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This will be your whipped cream topping for the trifle.

Assembling the Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

Step 6: Layer the Trifle

Now it’s time to assemble the trifle! You can use a large trifle dish or individual dessert glasses for this step.

1. Bottom Layer – Brownies: Add a layer of brownie pieces to the bottom of the trifle dish or cups.
2. Second Layer – Peanut Butter Filling: Spread a generous layer of the peanut butter filling over the brownies, smoothing it out with a spatula.
3. Third Layer – Chocolate Pudding: Add a layer of chocolate pudding on top of the peanut butter layer, spreading it evenly.
4. Repeat Layers: Depending on the size of your trifle dish or cups, repeat the layers (brownies, peanut butter filling, and pudding) until you reach the top.

Step 7: Top with Whipped Cream

Finish the trifle with a thick layer of whipped cream, spreading it evenly across the top.

Decorating and Serving the Trifle

Step 8: Decorate the Trifle

For the final touch, garnish the trifle with mini peanut butter cups, chocolate shavings, or crumbled brownie pieces. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate sauce over the top for extra flair.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not Letting the Brownies Cool: Make sure the brownies are completely cool before cutting them and assembling the trifle. Warm brownies could melt the peanut butter filling and pudding, causing a mess.
• Overmixing the Whipped Cream: Be careful not to overbeat the whipped cream, as it can turn into butter. Stop mixing once stiff peaks form.
• Too Many Layers: Avoid adding too many layers, as this can cause the trifle to collapse or become overly heavy. Stick to two or three rounds of each layer for the best presentation.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Your Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is ready to impress! Here’s how to serve and present this decadent dessert.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Temperature: This trifle is best served chilled. After assembling, refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
• Portion Size: Because this dessert is rich and indulgent, smaller servings are perfect. If you’re serving in a large trifle dish, spoon generous portions into dessert bowls.
• Accompaniments: Serve with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee to complement the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Individual Servings: For an elegant touch, assemble the trifle in individual dessert glasses or mason jars. This makes serving easy and gives each guest a perfectly portioned treat.
• Layered Presentation: Use a clear trifle dish or glass cups to show off the beautiful layers of brownies, peanut butter filling, and pudding.
• Garnishes: Top each serving with chopped peanut butter cups, chocolate curls, or a drizzle of melted peanut butter for a stunning finish.

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble this trifle a day in advance. Cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
• Storage: Store any leftover trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious!
• Freezing: While the trifle is best served fresh, you can freeze the individual components (like the brownies and peanut butter filling) ahead of time. Thaw them in the refrigerator before assembling the trifle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a boxed brownie mix for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a boxed brownie mix to make the brownies for this trifle. Just follow the package instructions and let the brownies cool before cutting them into pieces.

Q: Can I make this trifle without peanut butter?
A: Yes! You can replace the peanut butter filling with a plain cheesecake filling or a chocolate mousse for a different flavor profile.

Q: How long should I refrigerate the trifle before serving?
A: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving. This gives the layers time to set and allows the flavors to meld together.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the layers?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative by adding layers of chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

There you have it—an indulgent, creamy, and absolutely delicious Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle that’s sure to be the star of any dessert table. With layers of fudgy brownies, rich peanut butter filling, chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, this trifle is the ultimate treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a dinner party, or just because, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this decadent layered dessert!

Enjoy every spoonful! 🍫🥜

Print