Brace yourself for a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is impressive — the Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle is a showstopper! Packed with layers of fudgy brownie chunks, fluffy peanut butter mousse, creamy chocolate pudding, and plenty of chopped Reese’s, this no-bake layered masterpiece is what dessert dreams are made of.
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Ingredients
- 1 box fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to prepare)
- 2 boxes (3.9 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub (16 oz) Cool Whip, divided
- 15-20 mini Reese’s cups, chopped
- Chocolate syrup or hot fudge for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare brownies: Bake brownies according to package directions. Let cool completely, then cut into small cubes.
- Make chocolate pudding: Whisk pudding mix with milk for 2 minutes. Chill until thickened.
- Prepare peanut butter mousse: Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1/2 of the Cool Whip.
- Assemble trifle: In a large glass trifle dish or bowl, layer half the brownies, half the peanut butter mousse, half the pudding, and half the chopped Reese’s. Repeat the layers.
- Top it off: Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with extra chopped Reese’s and drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Trifle
- Let brownies cool completely before cubing to prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a clear trifle dish for that stunning layered effect.
- Make sure the peanut butter mousse is fluffy by using whipped topping and softened cream cheese.
- Chop Reese’s cups just before assembling to keep them fresh and soft.
Make Ahead & Storage
You can make this dessert the day before an event! Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. The flavors deepen, and the texture stays incredible. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Substitutions & Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter and nut-free chocolate candies.
- From Scratch: Want homemade brownies or pudding? Go for it — just make sure they’re fully cooled before layering.
- Mini Trifles: Make individual servings in mason jars or cups for parties and events.
Serving Ideas
- Serve chilled with a spoon or scoop.
- Pair with a shot of espresso for a rich dessert course.
- Top each serving with extra Cool Whip or ice cream for even more indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Trifle
- Perfect blend of textures: chewy, creamy, fluffy
- Visually stunning presentation
- No special tools required
- Customizable to any size crowd
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Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle is the ultimate no-bake dessert when you need something indulgent, easy, and jaw-droppingly delicious. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, birthday bash, or just treating yourself, this dessert hits every rich, chocolatey, peanut buttery note. Save it, share it, and savor every bite!
🍫 Behind the Layers – Why Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle Works
Let’s talk about why this dessert is so beloved and how each layer brings something essential to the overall experience. The base of this trifle starts with a dense, chewy brownie, which creates a strong and chocolate-forward foundation. Brownies are more substantial than cake and soak up just the right amount of moisture from the mousse and pudding without becoming soggy — making them ideal for layered desserts like trifles.
The peanut butter mousse is what sets this trifle apart. By blending peanut butter with cream cheese and powdered sugar, then folding in whipped topping, you get a mousse that’s not overly sweet, incredibly creamy, and packed with that unmistakable salty-sweet peanut butter flavor. It’s a match made in dessert heaven when paired with the chocolate layers above and below it.
Then there’s the chocolate pudding — a smooth, rich layer that adds a velvety contrast to the fluffy mousse and chewy brownies. It melds beautifully between textures and keeps the whole trifle from being too dense. Instant pudding is a time-saver and delivers consistent results, making this trifle quick to prepare and hard to mess up.
Finally, the chopped Reese’s add both flavor and crunch, giving you pops of texture and bursts of peanut butter chocolate in every bite. It’s not just decoration — these candy pieces are layered inside and sprinkled on top for both flavor and flair.
🍰 Entertaining With Trifles: Why They’re a Host’s Best Friend
When you’re hosting a party or event, the last thing you want is a complicated dessert that requires precision or last-minute baking. That’s where trifles shine. They’re visually stunning, can be made ahead of time, and serve a crowd without needing special plating or utensils. This Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle serves 12–14 people easily, making it a smart and indulgent choice for potlucks, BBQs, birthdays, and holidays.
Want a showpiece centerpiece? Layer this trifle in a tall glass dish and let the desserts speak for themselves. Want individual portions for easy serving? Assemble mini trifles in mason jars or clear cups. You’ll get the same effect — layers of indulgence — in a more portable, party-friendly form.
🥄 Allergy-Friendly & Custom Versions
If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, there are plenty of ways to modify this recipe:
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free brownie mix and double-check your pudding and candy labels.
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Nut-Free: Swap the peanut butter and Reese’s for cookie butter and mini chocolate chips.
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Low Sugar: Opt for sugar-free pudding and Cool Whip, and use low-sugar brownies or homemade alternatives.
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free whipped topping, plant-based milk for the pudding, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.
These changes still produce a rich, decadent dessert that everyone can enjoy — without sacrificing flavor.