Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this indulgent Brownie Trifle Recipe a dreamy, chocolatey, minty masterpiece layered with fudgy brownies, creamy chocolate pudding, and a vibrant peppermint whipped cream. It’s a fun, festive, and ultra-decadent dessert that’s perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just treating yourself! Plus, those layers of green and chocolate? Absolutely stunning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich & Chocolatey : Fudgy brownie chunks and smooth chocolate pudding make this a chocoholic’s dream.
Festively Green : A pop of green from the peppermint cream gives this dessert the perfect St. Patrick’s Day touch!
Easy to Assemble : No complicated steps—just layer and go!
Perfect for Make-Ahead : Chill it in the fridge and serve when ready, making party prep a breeze.
Customizable : Switch up the flavors, add fun toppings, or make it kid-friendly—this trifle is super versatile!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Brownie Base
- Brownies : Use homemade or store-bought brownies, cut into small cubes. Want extra festivity? Add green food coloring to the batter before baking.
Mint Cream Layer
- Heavy whipping cream : Whips into a light, fluffy layer.
- Powdered sugar : Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
- Peppermint extract : Infuses a cool, refreshing minty flavor.
- Green food coloring (optional) : For that vibrant green hue!
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- Instant chocolate pudding mix : The easiest way to get a rich, creamy pudding.
- Cold milk : Helps the pudding set to the perfect consistency.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Heavy whipping cream : Because no trifle is complete without a fluffy whipped topping!
- Powdered sugar : A touch of sweetness for balance.
- Vanilla extract : Adds warmth and depth to the cream.
Garnishes
- Crushed chocolate cookies : Oreos or chocolate graham crackers add crunch.
- Chocolate shavings or sprinkles : Because more chocolate is always a good idea.
- Mini chocolate coins or shamrock candies (optional) : A fun St. Patrick’s Day touch!
Full ingredient measurements are listed in the recipe card below!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Brownies
Cut your brownies into small cubes. If you want to go all-out with the festive theme, mix a few drops of green food coloring into the brownie batter before baking!
2. Make the Chocolate Pudding
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
3. Prepare the Mint Cream Layer
In a large bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form. If using, add a few drops of green food coloring and gently fold until evenly colored.
4. Whip the Cream Topping
In another bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
5. Assemble the Trifle
In a large trifle dish or individual cups, start layering:
- Brownie cubes
- Chocolate pudding
- Mint cream
Repeat the layers until your dish is full, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
6. Add the Toppings
Sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies, chocolate shavings, and any festive candies for an extra fun touch!
7. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Then, grab a spoon and dig in!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
- Serve in a large trifle bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- For individual portions, layer in small glasses, mason jars, or dessert cups.
- Pair with a hot cup of Irish coffee or a festive green milkshake!
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate : Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze : The pudding and whipped cream don’t hold up well to freezing.
Helpful Notes
Use Fresh Brownies : If using store-bought brownies, make sure they’re moist and fudgy for the best texture.
Chill Before Serving : This helps the layers firm up and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Adjust the Mint Flavor : Like a strong minty taste? Add an extra ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract. Prefer it mild? Reduce the amount slightly.
Make it Boozy : Add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream or Creme de Menthe to the pudding or whipped cream for an adults-only treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to serve.
What’s the best way to layer a trifle?
Start with a solid base (brownies), then alternate between pudding and cream layers. Try to make each layer even so every spoonful has the perfect mix of flavors.
Can I use Cool Whip instead of homemade whipped cream?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, Cool Whip works as a convenient substitute.
Can I use homemade chocolate pudding instead of instant?
Yes! If you prefer homemade pudding, just make sure it’s fully cooled before layering.
St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- Trifle Dish or Individual Serving Cups
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 batch brownies homemade or store-bought, cut into small cubes
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix about 3.9 oz
- 2 cups cold milk
Mint Cream Layer
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp peppermint extract
- 2-3 drops green food coloring optional
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Garnishes
- 1/2 cup crushed chocolate cookies Oreos or chocolate graham crackers
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings or sprinkles
- mini chocolate coins or shamrock candies optional
Instructions
- Cut your brownies into small cubes. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to the batter before baking for a festive touch.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a large bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and peppermint extract until stiff peaks form. If using green food coloring, add a few drops and fold until evenly colored.
- In another bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- Assemble the trifle in a large dish or individual cups by layering brownie cubes, chocolate pudding, and mint cream. Repeat the layers until full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle with crushed chocolate cookies, chocolate shavings, and festive candies if desired.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow layers to set.
Notes
Final Thoughts
This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is an irresistible combination of rich chocolate, refreshing mint, and fluffy whipped cream. It’s fun, festive, and totally delicious—the kind of dessert that gets people asking for seconds!