Brownie Trifle

Prep: 30 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A decadent layered dessert combining fudgy brownie crumbles, rich chocolate mousse, crunchy toffee pieces, and whipped topping, perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 19.8 oz. fudge brownie mix
  • 1/4 cup praline or coffee flavored liqueur (optional)
  • 3.5 oz. instant chocolate mousse mix
  • 8 toffee flavored candy bars (1.4 oz. each), crushed
  • 12 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • chocolate curls (garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare brownie mix and bake according to package directions in a 13 x 9-inch pan.
  2. Prick the top of warm brownies at 1-inch intervals using a meat fork and brush with liqueur, if desired.
  3. Let the brownies cool and crumble into pieces.
  4. Prepare chocolate mousse according to package directions, omitting chilling.
  5. Place half of the crumbled brownies in the bottom of a 3-quart trifle dish.
  6. Top with half of the mousse, crushed candy bars, and whipped topping.
  7. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, ending with whipped topping.
  8. Garnish with chocolate curls, if desired.
  9. Chill for 8 hours before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie mix or replacing some of the water with brewed coffee. If you want a more decadent touch, use homemade chocolate mousse instead of instant. Ensure that the brownies are fully cooled before crumbling to get the best texture for your trifle layers.

Serving Suggestions

This brownie trifle is perfect for parties or gatherings, serving as a show-stopping dessert. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream for added richness. It also complements a cup of coffee or hot cocoa beautifully, making it a delightful end to any meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover brownie trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, so you can enjoy it straight from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the whipped topping may not hold up after thawing.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Brownie Trifle contains roughly 1100 calories, with 8g protein, 150g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (23% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 670mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).

1100 kcal 55% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 8.3g 17% DV
Total Fat 52.1g 67% DV
Carbs 149.9g 54% DV
Fiber 5.5g 20% DV
Sugar 113.6g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 669.5mg 29% DV
Potassium 204mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 28.3mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 45.5mcg 5% DV
Vitamin C 0.3mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 39.6mg 3% DV
Iron 4.2mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, chilling the trifle for 8 hours enhances the flavors and allows the layers to meld beautifully. You can assemble it the night before serving, making it a convenient choice for gatherings or parties.

What can I use instead of coffee-flavored liqueur?

If you prefer not to use liqueur, you can substitute it with brewed coffee or a coffee-flavored syrup for a non-alcoholic option. This will still provide a nice depth of flavor without the alcohol.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free brownie trifle, simply use a gluten-free brownie mix and ensure that the other ingredients, like the mousse mix and whipped topping, are also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same delicious dessert without gluten.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegan recipes → Vegetarian recipes → All recipes →