If you’re looking for a dessert that combines rich chocolate brownies, creamy peanut butter, and decadent fudge, this Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is your dream come true. Layered with brownies, peanut butter mousse, whipped cream, and chocolate fudge sauce, this trifle is the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter and chocolate lovers. It's perfect for parties, family gatherings, or any time you want to impress with a stunning and delicious dessert.
Call to Action: Read on to learn how to make this irresistible Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle with step-by-step instructions, tips, and presentation ideas to make it a dessert that steals the show!
What is a Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle?
A Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a layered dessert that features chunks of rich, fudgy brownies, a creamy peanut butter mousse, chocolate fudge sauce, and whipped cream. The layers come together in a beautiful trifle dish or individual cups, creating a dessert that’s not only visually appealing but also decadent and full of flavor. Every spoonful offers a perfect combination of chocolate and peanut butter, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle:
For the Brownies:
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup (2 sticks), melted
- Granulated sugar – 2 cups
- Cocoa powder – ¾ cup (unsweetened)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Eggs – 4 large
- All-purpose flour – 1 cup
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Chocolate chips – ½ cup (optional, for extra fudginess)
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
- Cream cheese – 8 oz, softened
- Peanut butter – 1 cup (creamy)
- Powdered sugar – ½ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (for whipping)
For the Chocolate Fudge Sauce:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – 1 cup
- Heavy cream – ½ cup
- Butter – 1 tablespoon (optional, for shine)
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- Heavy cream – 1 ½ cups (cold)
- Powdered sugar – ¼ cup
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
For the Toppings:
- Mini peanut butter cups – 1 cup, chopped
- Crushed peanuts or chocolate chips – for garnish
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some ways to customize your Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle to suit your preferences:
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour in the brownie recipe or opt for a gluten-free brownie mix.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese, almond milk-based whipped cream, and dairy-free chocolate for the mousse and fudge sauce.
- Healthier Version: Use natural peanut butter, reduce the amount of sugar, and substitute the brownies with a whole-grain or sugar-free version.
- Add Layers of Bananas: Add fresh banana slices between layers for a twist on the classic peanut butter and banana combination.
- Use Store-Bought Brownies: If you're short on time, you can use store-bought brownies to make assembly quicker.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Make Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s break down the steps to create this incredible Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle!
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. - Make the Brownie Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and cocoa powder until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Sift in the flour and salt, then gently fold them into the wet ingredients until just combined. If using, fold in the chocolate chips. - Bake the Brownies:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake. - Cool and Cut:
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, cut the brownies into small, bite-sized squares for layering in the trifle.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Mousse
- Beat the Cream Cheese and Peanut Butter:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy. - Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla:
Mix in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until fully combined. - Whip the Cream:
In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. The mousse should be light and fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Fudge Sauce
- Heat the Cream:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil. - Melt the Chocolate:
Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes to melt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the butter for extra shine, if desired.
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream Layer
- Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip the cream or it may become grainy.
Step 5: Assemble the Trifle
- Layer the Brownies:
In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, start by adding a layer of brownie pieces on the bottom. - Add the Peanut Butter Mousse:
Spoon a thick layer of the peanut butter mousse over the brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula. - Drizzle with Chocolate Fudge Sauce:
Drizzle a generous amount of the chocolate fudge sauce over the peanut butter mousse. - Add Whipped Cream:
Spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the fudge sauce. - Repeat the Layers:
Repeat the layering process with more brownies, peanut butter mousse, fudge sauce, and whipped cream until you reach the top of the trifle dish. End with a final layer of whipped cream.
Step 6: Add Toppings
- Top with Peanut Butter Cups and Garnish:
Sprinkle the top of the trifle with chopped mini peanut butter cups, crushed peanuts, or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor. - Chill Before Serving:
Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour to allow the layers to set before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the dessert easier to scoop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:
- Overbaking the Brownies:
Brownies should be fudgy, not dry. Keep a close eye on them in the oven and remove them as soon as a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. - Runny Peanut Butter Mousse:
Make sure the whipped cream is properly whipped to soft peaks before folding it into the peanut butter mixture to ensure a thick and creamy mousse. - Not Chilling the Trifle:
Allowing the trifle to chill before serving helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve. Don’t skip this step!
Serving and Presentation Tips
A Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a visually stunning dessert, but you can take it up a notch with these presentation ideas:
How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle
- Serve in a Trifle Dish or Individual Cups:
For a striking presentation, layer the trifle in a clear glass trifle dish or individual glass cups to show off the beautiful layers. - Use a Large Spoon or Scoop:
When serving, use a large spoon or ice cream scoop to ensure you get a bit of each layer in every serving.
Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle
- Top with Extra Chocolate Drizzle:
For an indulgent touch, drizzle extra chocolate fudge sauce over the top of the trifle just before serving. - Garnish with Peanut Butter Cups:
Decorate the top of the trifle with whole or halved mini peanut butter cups for a fun and delicious garnish. - **Add Crushed Pe
anuts**:
Sprinkle crushed peanuts over the top for added crunch and texture.
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead:
You can assemble the trifle a few hours or even a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Storage:
Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it tightly covered to maintain freshness. - Use Store-Bought Brownies:
If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought brownies or brownie mix to save time on preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle in advance?
Yes! You can make this trifle a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Can I use store-bought brownies?
Absolutely! Store-bought brownies are a great time-saving option. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and layer them into the trifle.
3. Can I freeze Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle?
It’s best not to freeze this trifle, as the mousse and whipped cream may not hold up well after thawing. Enjoy it fresh from the fridge!
4. How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
Make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping, and beat it to stiff peaks. You can also add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to help stabilize the whipped cream.
5. How long will the trifle stay fresh?
When stored in the refrigerator, the trifle will stay fresh for up to 3 days. After that, the whipped cream may begin to lose its texture.
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. With its layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, rich chocolate fudge, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a showstopper that will impress at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a party or simply treating yourself to something decadent, this trifle is guaranteed to be a hit. Ready to dig in? Start layering your ingredients and enjoy this deliciously indulgent dessert!
PrintPeanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe
Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a decadent layered dessert featuring fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate fudge. This indulgent trifle is perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion, combining the irresistible flavors of chocolate and peanut butter with layers of whipped cream and crunchy toppings. Easy to assemble and guaranteed to impress, this trifle will satisfy every sweet tooth craving!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 batch of brownies (homemade or store-bought), cut into cubes
For the Peanut Butter Cream Filling:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
For the Fudge Sauce:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Garnish (optional):
- Chopped peanut butter cups
- Crushed peanuts
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Layer:
If making homemade brownies, bake according to your recipe and allow them to cool completely. Cut the brownies into small cubes and set aside. - Make the Peanut Butter Cream Filling:
In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped heavy cream until light and fluffy. - Make the Fudge Sauce:
In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling). Pour it over the chocolate chips and butter in a heatproof bowl. Let sit for 1-2 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Stir in the powdered sugar until fully combined. Let the fudge sauce cool slightly before using. - Make the Whipped Cream Topping:
In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside. - Assemble the Trifle:
In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start with a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom. Add a layer of peanut butter cream filling, followed by a drizzle of fudge sauce. Repeat the layers (brownies, peanut butter cream, fudge sauce) until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of whipped cream. - Garnish and Serve:
Top the trifle with chopped peanut butter cups, crushed peanuts, or chocolate shavings for garnish. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For extra convenience, use store-bought brownies and fudge sauce.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Customize with your favorite toppings, such as peanut butter chips or chocolate sauce
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 300mg
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