Heaven in a Bowl: Decadent Peanut Butter and Chocolate Brownie Trifle Recipe
Heaven In A Bowl is a luscious layered dessert combining fudgy brownie squares, creamy peanut butter-infused vanilla pudding, and whipped topping, all garnished with miniature peanut butter cups. This no-bake trifle-style treat is perfect for peanut butter lovers seeking an easy yet indulgent dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Layer
- 1 box (18.3 oz) Fudge Brownie Mix (plus required eggs, oil, water as per package instructions)
Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 3 cups Cold Milk (Whole or 2%)
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Creamy Peanut Butter (do not use natural/stir varieties)
Topping and Garnish
- 1 tub (16 oz) Whipped Topping, thawed and divided
- 2 bags (about 36 total) Miniature Peanut Butter Cups, unwrapped and halved
Instructions
- Bake the Brownies: Prepare and bake the fudge brownie mix in a 9×13-inch pan according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into 1-inch squares.
- Mix the Pudding: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add Peanut Butter Flavor: Whisk the creamy peanut butter into the thickened pudding until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then gently fold in 1 ½ cups of the thawed whipped topping, creating a light, creamy peanut butter pudding layer.
- Layer One: In a large trifle dish, arrange half of the brownie squares evenly at the bottom. Sprinkle ⅓ of the halved miniature peanut butter cups over the brownies to add texture and flavor.
- Spread Pudding Layer: Evenly spread half of the peanut butter pudding mixture over the brownie layer, then top with half of the remaining whipped topping to add creaminess and volume.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining brownies as the next layer, followed by another ⅓ of the peanut butter cups. Spread the rest of the peanut butter pudding mixture on top and finish with the final layer of whipped topping.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the last remaining peanut butter cups over the top for a decorative and tasty finish.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter to ensure smooth blending; natural or stir varieties may affect texture.
- Allow brownies to cool fully before cutting to avoid crumbling.
- For best results, chill the dessert for more than 2 hours or overnight to enhance flavors.
- This dessert serves well as a make-ahead option for gatherings and parties.
- You can substitute low-fat milk to reduce calories slightly.
Keywords: peanut butter dessert, brownie trifle, layered dessert, no bake pudding, easy peanut butter treat
