If you are searching for a dessert that’s rich, playful, and irresistibly delicious, you’ve got to try the Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe. This decadent layered dessert combines moist, fudgy brownies with silky chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and the crunchy, buttery sweetness of crushed Butterfinger bars. It’s like the ultimate chocolate and candy bar party in a dish that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Every bite brings a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to creating this show-stopping trifle. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that gorgeous chocolate appeal.
- Brownie mix (18-oz box): The foundation of our dessert, providing rich, fudgy chocolate cakes.
- Instant Jell-O Chocolate Pudding (2 boxes): Adds a silky, smooth chocolate layer that complements the brownies perfectly.
- Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped to fluffy perfection, this gives the trifle that airy, creamy dimension.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 tsp): A hint of warm vanilla rounds out the cream’s flavor beautifully.
- Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream just right without overpowering the chocolate.
- Butterfinger candy bars (6 bars, crushed): The star topping that adds buttery crunch and a nostalgic candy bar essence.
How to Make Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake and Prepare Brownies
Start by baking your brownies according to the package instructions in a 9×9-inch pan. These brownies are the chewy, chewy base of your trifle, so allow them to cool completely before cutting into neat 1-inch pieces. The cooling process prevents them from falling apart when you layer them later.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding
Prepare two boxes of instant chocolate pudding using the package directions, then let it set in the fridge for about 5 to 10 minutes. This pudding layer adds a luscious, creamy chocolate component to balance the dense brownies perfectly.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, pure vanilla extract, and sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream layer adds lightness and a velvety texture that contrasts wonderfully with the other layers.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
In a 9×13-inch glass baking dish, arrange an even layer of brownie pieces on the bottom. Next, spread a layer of chocolate pudding over the brownies and smooth it out. Follow up with a thick layer of the freshly whipped cream, levelling it gently. Sprinkle a generous handful of crushed Butterfinger bars over the cream to create that signature crunch.
Step 5: Layer Again and Finish
Repeat layering by spreading more pudding over the Butterfinger-covered cream, then top again with whipped cream. Finish your masterpiece by sprinkling the remaining crushed Butterfinger candy bars on top. This not only adds visual appeal but also ensures every bite has that buttery, crunchy surprise.
Step 6: Chill Until Ready
Cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until cold. Chilling helps the flavors meld, and the layers set beautifully, making for easier serving and an even more delightful taste experience.
How to Serve Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
When it’s time to serve, you can elevate your Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe with a few simple garnishes. Consider adding fresh mint leaves for a pop of color or a drizzle of chocolate syrup to enhance the presentation. A dusting of cocoa powder or a few whole Butterfinger pieces on top can make it look irresistible and refined.
Side Dishes
This dessert stands out on its own but pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a fruit salad or whipped coffee. Since the trifle is rich and indulgent, pairing it with something crisp and fruity balances the palate and keeps the meal from feeling too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, try serving the Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe in individual glass jars or pretty parfait glasses. These mini servings look elegant and allow everyone to get a full mix of all the layers in one delightful spoonful. You can also create a trifle tower in a clear glass vase for a stunning centerpiece with layers clearly visible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover your trifle tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert for busy weekends or special occasions.
Freezing
While freezing a layered trifle is possible, the texture of the whipped cream might become a little watery when thawed. If you have leftovers you want to freeze, consider freezing just the brownies separately and assembling the trifle fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. The contrast of cold pudding and whipped cream with the chewy brownies is what makes the Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe so special, so keep it cool for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make the Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream for whipping and use a dairy-free pudding mix to adapt this recipe to dairy-free diets without sacrificing texture or flavor.
How far in advance can I assemble the trifle?
You can assemble the trifle up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to cover it well and refrigerate to keep the layers fresh and flavorful.
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies add a personal touch and can be tailored to your taste. Just make sure they are fully cooled before cutting and layering.
What type of Butterfinger bars are best?
Original Butterfinger bars work best for this recipe due to their crisp, flaky texture and signature peanut butter flavor, which adds a wonderful crunch and contrast to the creamy layers.
Is there a way to make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, consider using a reduced sugar brownie mix, sugar-free pudding, or cutting back slightly on the sugar in the whipped cream. Balancing sweetness allows the chocolate and Butterfinger flavors to shine without overwhelming your palate.
Final Thoughts
The Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe is truly a celebration in a dessert dish, combining ease, flavor, and texture in a way that’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Whether you’re making it for a party or simply treating yourself, this trifle brings happiness by the spoonful. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to dessert!
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Butterfinger Brownie Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Butterfinger Brownie Trifle is a decadent layered dessert featuring rich homemade brownies, creamy chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy Butterfinger candy bars. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, it combines textures and flavors for a crowd-pleasing treat that’s easy to assemble and serves 12.
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 (18-oz) box brownie mix, plus ingredients required to prepare brownies (usually eggs, oil, and water as per package)
Chocolate Pudding
- 2 (3.9-oz) boxes instant Jell-O Chocolate Pudding, plus ingredients to make pudding (usually milk)
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup sugar
Topping
- 6 (1.9-oz) Butterfinger candy bars, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare Brownies: Follow the package directions to bake the brownies in a 9×9-inch baking pan. Once baked, allow them to cool completely before cutting into 1-inch pieces for layering.
- Make Chocolate Pudding: Prepare the instant chocolate pudding according to the package instructions. Let it set for 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until stiff peaks form, indicating it is firm enough for layering.
- Layer the Brownie Pieces: Place the cut brownie pieces evenly at the bottom of a 9×13-inch glass baking dish as the first layer of the trifle.
- Add Chocolate Pudding Layer: Spread the prepared chocolate pudding evenly over the brownie pieces, smoothing out the surface gently.
- Add Whipped Cream Layer: Spoon the whipped cream over the pudding layer and smooth it out to create a creamy top layer.
- Sprinkle Candy Topping: Evenly distribute the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the whipped cream layer to add a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
- Refrigerate: Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled before serving, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- You can substitute boxed pudding with homemade chocolate pudding for a fresher flavor.
- For extra crunch, toast the crushed Butterfinger bars lightly before adding.
- Brownies should be completely cooled before assembling to prevent melting the pudding and cream layers.
- Use full-fat heavy cream for best whipping results and richer texture.
- The dessert can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavor.
