Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe

Looking for a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines chocolate and peanut butter? This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a must-try! Layer upon layer of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter filling, and rich chocolate ganache come together in a stunning dessert that’s perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you need an indulgent treat. The combination of textures and flavors—rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and smooth whipped topping—make every bite an absolute delight.

Ready to make this irresistible dessert? Let’s get started!

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What Is a Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle?

A Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is a layered dessert that includes fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, and chocolate ganache or fudge sauce. The layers are stacked in a trifle dish or individual glasses, creating a beautiful presentation with alternating chocolate and peanut butter layers. This dessert is rich and indulgent, perfect for any peanut butter and chocolate lover. The trifle is typically topped with whipped cream and garnished with crushed peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, or peanuts for an extra touch of decadence.

Ingredients List for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite homemade recipe)
• Ingredients required for brownie mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Peanut Butter Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)

For the Chocolate Ganache (or Fudge Sauce):

• 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra shine)

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes:

• Crushed peanut butter cups
• Mini chocolate chips
• Crushed peanuts
• Chocolate shavings or chocolate curls

Substitutions and Variations

Here are a few ways to customize your Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or your favorite gluten-free brownie recipe to make the trifle gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese, dairy-free whipped topping, and substitute coconut cream for heavy cream to make the trifle dairy-free.
• Add Texture: Add chopped peanut butter cups, crushed chocolate cookies, or peanut brittle between the layers for added texture and crunch.
• Healthier Version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and peanut butter, and opt for a lighter whipped topping or whipped Greek yogurt in place of the whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Preparing the Brownies:

1. Bake the brownies: Prepare the brownies according to the instructions on the box or your homemade recipe. Bake them in a 9x13-inch pan for easy cutting. Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into 1-inch cubes for layering in the trifle.
2. Cool and cut: Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into bite-sized cubes and set them aside for layering.

2. Preparing the Peanut Butter Filling:

1. Beat the cream cheese and peanut butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and peanut butter together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until fully combined and smooth.
3. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.
4. Fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture in batches until the mixture is light and fluffy. Set aside.

3. Preparing the Chocolate Ganache (or Fudge Sauce):

1. Heat the cream: In a small saucepan or microwave, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Do not let it boil.
2. Melt the chocolate: Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 1-2 minutes. Stir until smooth and glossy.
3. Add butter (optional): Stir in the butter for extra shine and richness. Let the ganache cool slightly before using.

4. Preparing the Whipped Cream Topping:

1. Whip the cream: In a large bowl, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form.

5. Assembling the Trifle:

1. Layer brownies: In a large trifle dish or individual glasses, begin by adding a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom.
2. Add peanut butter filling: Spoon or pipe a generous layer of the peanut butter filling over the brownies.
3. Drizzle with ganache: Drizzle a layer of chocolate ganache or fudge sauce over the peanut butter layer.
4. Repeat layers: Continue layering brownies, peanut butter filling, and ganache until the trifle dish is filled. Finish with a layer of whipped cream on top.
5. Garnish: Garnish the top with crushed peanut butter cups, mini chocolate chips, or peanuts for added flair.
6. Chill the trifle: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the peanut butter filling to set.

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

1. Bake the brownies: Prepare and bake the brownies, then cool and cut into cubes.
2. Make peanut butter filling: Beat cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, then fold in whipped cream.
3. Prepare ganache: Heat cream and pour over chocolate chips to make a smooth ganache.
4. Assemble the trifle: Layer brownies, peanut butter filling, and chocolate ganache, and top with whipped cream.
5. Chill and garnish: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and garnish with peanut butter cups, chocolate chips, or crushed peanuts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not chilling long enough: Let the trifle chill for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the peanut butter filling to set and the flavors to meld together.
• Over-whipping the cream: Be careful not to over-whip the cream when making both the peanut butter filling and whipped cream topping. Over-whipped cream can become grainy or too stiff.
• Cutting the brownies too large: Keep the brownie cubes small, around 1-inch, to ensure a good balance of brownie, peanut butter, and ganache in every bite.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Chilled: Serve the trifle straight from the refrigerator for the best texture. The cool, creamy layers are refreshing and indulgent.
• Individual servings: You can make individual trifles by layering the ingredients in smaller glasses or jars, which makes for an elegant presentation at parties.

Presentation Ideas for Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle

• Peanut butter cups and chocolate chips: Garnish the top of the trifle with crushed peanut butter cups, mini chocolate chips, or chopped peanuts for an extra crunchy and visually appealing topping.
• Chocolate drizzle: Drizzle some extra ganache over the top of the trifle and down the sides for a dramatic and mouth-watering look.
• Layers of flavor: For a beautiful presentation, layer the trifle so that each section has distinct layers of brownies, peanut butter, and ganache. This will create a stunning visual effect when served in a glass dish.

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle Recipe Tips

• Make ahead: This trifle can be made the night before serving, making it perfect for parties or gatherings. Store it in the refrigerator, covered, and let the flavors deepen overnight.
• Use high-quality chocolate: For the ganache, use high-quality chocolate chips or chocolate bars for the best flavor and texture.
• Customize the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the powdered sugar in the peanut butter filling or whipped cream.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this trifle without peanut butter?
A: Yes! You can substitute the peanut butter with Nutella, almond butter, or another nut butter of your choice for a different flavor. You can also omit the peanut butter for a plain chocolate cheesecake filling.

Q: How long does this trifle last in the fridge?
A: The trifle can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After that, the whipped cream and peanut butter filling may begin to lose their texture.

Q: Can I use store-bought brownies?
A: Absolutely! Using store-bought brownies will save time and make this dessert even easier to assemble without sacrificing flavor.

Q: Can I freeze this trifle?
A: While the brownies and peanut butter filling can technically be frozen, the whipped cream and ganache may not hold up well in the freezer. It’s best to enjoy this trifle fresh or refrigerated.

Q: Can I add alcohol to the trifle?
A: Yes! For a boozy twist, you can add a splash of Baileys Irish Cream

, Kahlua, or bourbon to the peanut butter filling or drizzle it over the brownie layers.

Conclusion

This Peanut Butter Fudge Brownie Trifle is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and peanut butter. With its rich layers of fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, and smooth chocolate ganache, this trifle is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making it for a party, holiday, or just a special treat for yourself, this dessert is indulgent, easy to make, and absolutely delicious. Enjoy every decadent bite!

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