Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe

Are you a fan of rich, indulgent desserts? If so, you’re in for a treat! This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is the perfect combination of creamy peanut butter, chewy fudge brownies, and luscious whipped cream. With layers of deliciousness in every bite, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Read on for a step-by-step guide to creating this show-stopping dessert, plus helpful tips to make sure it turns out perfect every time!

this Recipe

What is a Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle?

A Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a layered dessert that combines chunks of moist brownies, creamy peanut butter filling, and smooth fudge. These elements are stacked in a glass bowl or trifle dish to create a stunning visual presentation, with the distinct layers of flavors and textures shining through. The brownie adds a rich, chocolaty base, while the peanut butter filling brings a sweet and salty creaminess that perfectly complements the chocolate. Whipped cream lightens the dessert and adds a fluffy, airy touch to balance out the richness.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

Before you get started on this mouthwatering dessert, make sure you have all the ingredients you need on hand. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, but their combination makes for an unforgettable trifle.

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 box of brownie mix (or use your favorite homemade brownie recipe)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup water

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping

For the Fudge Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Layers and Garnishes:

• 2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping (for layering)
• Mini peanut butter cups (optional)
• Crushed peanuts (optional)
• Chocolate shavings or chips (optional)

Ingredient List for the Fudge Sauce

The fudge sauce in this trifle is a key player in bringing rich, chocolaty goodness to each layer. It’s also super simple to make, so don’t worry about any complicated techniques. You’ll need the following:

• 1 cup heavy cream: Provides a silky texture and rich base for the sauce.
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This adds the deep chocolate flavor.
• ½ cup sugar: Balances the bitterness of the cocoa powder and adds sweetness.
• ¼ cup butter: Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor and adds a nice aroma.

With these ingredients in hand, you'll be able to create a thick and decadent fudge sauce that complements the other elements in the trifle.

Substitutions and Variations

While the classic combination of peanut butter, brownies, and fudge is hard to beat, you can definitely switch things up to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or make your own gluten-free brownies from scratch.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use a non-dairy whipped topping or coconut whipped cream. You can also swap the butter in the fudge sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Nut-Free: If you need to avoid nuts, you can use cookie butter in place of the peanut butter for a similar creamy texture and sweet flavor.
• Add Fruit: For a bit of freshness, consider adding some sliced bananas or strawberries between the layers. The fruit adds a nice contrast to the richness of the other ingredients.

Feel free to experiment with your own favorite flavors to make this trifle your own!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! The process is broken down into easy steps so you can enjoy the layering fun without any hassle.

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

1. Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix or your homemade brownie recipe instructions.
2. In a bowl, mix together the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Stir until well combined.
3. Pour the brownie batter into a greased baking pan and bake according to the package directions or your recipe. Once baked, let the brownies cool completely.
4. Once cooled, cut the brownies into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue mixing until well combined.
3. Gently fold in the whipped cream or whipped topping, ensuring the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 3: Prepare the Fudge Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, and butter. Heat over medium-low heat, whisking continuously until everything is melted and smooth.
2. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Let the fudge sauce cool slightly before using.

Step 4: Layer the Trifle

1. In a large glass bowl or trifle dish, start by adding a layer of brownie pieces.
2. Spoon a layer of peanut butter filling over the brownies, spreading it out evenly.
3. Drizzle a generous amount of fudge sauce over the peanut butter layer.
4. Add a layer of whipped cream or whipped topping.
5. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, ending with whipped cream on top.

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

• Start by baking your brownies: Whether you’re using a mix or baking from scratch, brownies are the base of this delicious trifle. Cool them completely before cutting into pieces.
• Make the peanut butter filling: Whip together creamy peanut butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Fold in whipped cream to give it a light, fluffy texture.
• Prepare your fudge sauce: This sauce is easy to make, but make sure to keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning the chocolate. Let it cool before drizzling over the layers.
• Layer, layer, layer: Begin layering your ingredients in a glass dish. Start with brownies, add the peanut butter filling, then the fudge sauce, and repeat. End with a topping of whipped cream.
• Chill: For best results, let the trifle chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not cooling the brownies: If your brownies are still warm, they’ll melt the peanut butter filling and whipped cream, ruining the distinct layers.
• Overmixing the peanut butter filling: Gently fold in the whipped cream to keep the filling light and airy. Overmixing will deflate the whipped cream.
• Skipping the chilling step: This trifle needs time to set up in the fridge so that the flavors can develop and the layers stay intact.
• Using too much fudge sauce: Be careful not to drown the layers in fudge sauce—it can overpower the other flavors and make the trifle too heavy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when it comes to trifles, as the layers are the star of the show. Here are a few ways to make your trifle look even more irresistible.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Use a clear glass dish: A trifle dish or any large glass bowl works best so you can show off the distinct layers.
• Serve in individual glasses: For a fancier presentation, divide the trifle into individual portions using clear glasses or jars. Each person gets their own little dessert!
• Chill before serving: Let the trifle chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Top with garnishes: Add mini peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, or crushed peanuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
• Drizzle extra fudge: Just before serving, drizzle a bit of fudge sauce over the top for a dramatic effect.
• Sprinkle chocolate shavings: Use a vegetable peeler to make chocolate curls for a more elegant presentation.

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: This dessert is perfect for making in advance. Prepare it a day ahead, and it will be even more flavorful.
• Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality peanut butter and cocoa powder for the best flavor.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The layers may meld together a bit, but it will still taste amazing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this trifle the night before? A: Yes, this trifle can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, letting it sit overnight helps the flavors develop even more.

Q: What type of brownie mix should I use? A: Any brownie mix will work, but if you want a super-rich trifle, go for a fudge brownie mix.

Q: Can I freeze leftover trifle? A: While you can freeze the individual components (like brownies), the assembled trifle doesn’t freeze well due to the whipped cream and peanut butter filling.

Q: How long does the trifle last in the fridge? A: It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days in the fridge. After that, the whipped cream may start to break down.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With its decadent layers and show-stopping presentation, it’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual get-togethers. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a go-to recipe for impressing guests. Now that you know how to make it step by step, you’re ready to dive into one of the most indulgent desserts you’ll ever taste. Enjoy!

Print