Description
This Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is a decadent and delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate and peanut butter in a visually stunning presentation. Perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion, this trifle features layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter filling, and plenty of chopped peanut butter cups. It’s easy to assemble and guaranteed to impress your guests with its irresistible taste and texture. This recipe is inspired by deesviral’s original concept, enhanced with additional tips and serving suggestions for a truly memorable dessert experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 box (approximately 13×9 inch size) brownie mix, plus ingredients called for on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 cups cold milk (any kind, but whole milk will provide the richest flavor)
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or chunky, depending on preference)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted to remove any lumps
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed (such as Cool Whip)
- 2 cups mini peanut butter cups, chopped (Reese’s are a classic choice)
- Optional: Chocolate sauce or hot fudge for drizzling
- Optional: Extra chopped peanut butter cups for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the instructions on the box.
- Pour the batter into a greased and lightly floured 13×9 inch baking pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at the temperature specified on the box, usually around 350°F (175°C), for the recommended time.
- Once the brownies are baked and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, remove them from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan.
- Once cooled, cut the brownies into approximately 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
- In a large mixing bowl, pour in 2 cups of cold milk.
- Add the instant chocolate pudding mix to the milk.
- Whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the pudding mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate the pudding for at least 30 minutes to allow it to fully set.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and creamy peanut butter.
- Using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer or a handheld mixer), beat the cream cheese and peanut butter together until they are well combined and smooth.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the mixture, beating on low speed until it is fully incorporated. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, as it can create a cloud of dust.
- Continue to beat the mixture on medium speed until it is light and fluffy.
- Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping until it is evenly distributed throughout the peanut butter cream. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped topping.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
- Select a large trifle dish or a clear glass bowl. The size of the dish will determine how many layers you can create.
- Begin by layering half of the brownie cubes evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Next, spread half of the set chocolate pudding over the brownies.
- Then, spoon half of the peanut butter cream over the chocolate pudding.
- Sprinkle one cup of the chopped peanut butter cups over the peanut butter cream.
- Repeat the layers: Add the remaining brownie cubes, chocolate pudding, peanut butter cream, and the remaining cup of chopped peanut butter cups.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
- Cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer (up to 4 hours), to allow the flavors to meld together and the trifle to fully set.
- Before serving, garnish the top of the trifle with additional chopped peanut butter cups, if desired.
- For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle chocolate sauce or hot fudge over the top of the trifle just before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for several reasons:
- Easy to Make: With pre-made brownie mix and instant pudding, the assembly is quick and straightforward.
- Impressive Presentation: The layered effect in a clear trifle dish makes it a visually stunning dessert.
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and creamy textures is irresistible.
- Customizable: You can adjust the amount of peanut butter cups or add other toppings to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a formal party, this trifle is always a hit.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the trifle chilled directly from the refrigerator.
- Offer individual servings in small bowls or parfait glasses for a more elegant presentation.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Serve with coffee, milk, or a dessert wine to complement the rich flavors.
Tips:
- To prevent the brownies from becoming soggy, you can lightly brush them with chocolate syrup before layering them in the trifle.
- If you don’t have a trifle dish, you can use a large glass bowl or individual parfait glasses.
- For a variation, try using different flavors of pudding, such as vanilla or peanut butter.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the peanut butter cream.
- If you want to make the trifle ahead of time, you can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cream cheese and whole milk.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes (for the brownies)
- Chill Time: 2 hours (minimum)
- Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 600-700 per serving
- Protein: 10-12 grams per serving
- Sodium: 300-400 mg per serving
Conclusion
The Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is the ultimate dessert for chocolate and peanut butter lovers. With its layers of brownies, creamy filling, and peanut butter cups, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and beautiful to serve. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat, this trifle is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for more. Enjoy this delectable creation inspired by deesviral’s original recipe, enhanced with all the tips and tricks for a truly unforgettable dessert experience!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I make this trifle a day in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the trifle up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld together even more!
Q2: Can I use a different type of candy instead of peanut butter cups?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute other chocolate candies like chopped Snickers, M&Ms, or even crushed Oreos for a different flavor profile.
Q3: Can I use sugar-free pudding and whipped topping to reduce the sugar content?
A: Yes, using sugar-free alternatives for the pudding and whipped topping is a great way to reduce the sugar content without sacrificing the taste.
Q4: What if I don’t have a trifle dish?
A: No problem! You can use any large, clear glass bowl or even individual parfait glasses to assemble the trifle. The layered effect will still look beautiful.
Q5: Can I add a layer of chocolate ganache?
A: Definitely! A layer of chocolate ganache would add an extra touch of richness and decadence to the trifle. Simply pour a cooled ganache layer over the brownie layer for an even more indulgent treat.
I hope this comprehensive recipe is exactly what you were looking for! Let me know if you need any adjustments or further details.
