In the midst of a bustling kitchen, I overheard someone say, “Dessert is the best part of dinner!” How true that is! The spotlight often shines brightest on indulgent treats, and one that never fails to steal the show is this Easy Strawberry Brownie Trifle. With layers of fudgy chocolate brownies, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh strawberries, this delightful dessert is not only a visual masterpiece but also a sensational experience for the taste buds. One of the best perks? It’s a fantastic make-ahead treat that allows you to spend more time enjoying your gatherings instead of stressing over last-minute preparations. Plus, it’s perfect for any occasion and a true crowd-pleaser. So, are you ready to embark on a delicious journey and learn how to whip up this delightful trifle? Why is Strawberry Brownie Trifle a Must-Try? Irresistible Layers: This trifle packs multiple textures and flavors in every bite, from fudgy brownies to creamy pudding and fresh strawberries. Easily Customizable: Switch up the flavors with chocolate pudding or even crushed Oreos for a crunchy twist! Make Ahead Delight: Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, freeing you to focus on what really matters—hosting! Crowd Favorite: It’s a show-stopper for any gathering, guaranteed to impress your guests while satisfying their sweet cravings. With this amazing dessert, you can create a stunning centerpiece for your table or try more decadent variations like the Red Velvet Strawberry for a unique touch. Strawberry Brownie Trifle Ingredients • Dive into the delightful layers! For the Brownie Base Brownie Mix – Perfect for a rich chocolate flavor; you can swap in homemade brownies for an even more indulgent taste. For the Creamy Layer Cool Whip – Provides a light, fluffy texture; make sure it’s completely thawed before using. Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix – Forms a creamy base; for an extra chocolatey experience, use chocolate pudding mix instead. Milk – Necessary to prepare the pudding mix; whole or low-fat milk yields the best results. For the Fresh Touch Fresh Strawberries – Adds sweetness and freshness; opt for fresh over frozen for superior texture. In a pinch, thawed, well-drained frozen strawberries can work. For the Finishing Touch Chocolate Chips – For optional drizzling on top, elevating the dessert’s richness. Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s bring this luscious Strawberry Brownie Trifle to life! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Strawberry Brownie Trifle Step 1: Bake the Brownies Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix package instructions, typically around 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly. Whisk the brownie mix with the required ingredients and pour it into the pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely, then cut them into 1-inch squares. Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries While the brownies cool, wash about 2 cups of fresh strawberries under cold water. Remove the stems and slice the strawberries into thin pieces, ensuring you maintain enough firmness to add structure to your Strawberry Brownie Trifle. Set aside the sliced strawberries, and if desired, sprinkle a little sugar to enhance their sweetness. Step 3: Make the Pudding Layer In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together one package of instant vanilla pudding mix and 2 cups of cold whole or low-fat milk. Stir the mixture until it thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Once thickened, gently fold in 1 cup of thawed Cool Whip until fully combined and smooth. This creamy layer is a key component of your trifle. Step 4: Assemble the Trifle Grab your favorite trifle bowl or a large glass dish to layer the ingredients. Start by placing half of the brownie squares evenly at the bottom. Next, spoon half of the pudding mixture over the brownies, spreading it out evenly. Then, layer half of the sliced strawberries over the pudding, creating a beautiful contrast of colors. Step 5: Repeat the Layers Repeat the layering process with the remaining brownie squares, followed by the rest of the pudding mixture, and finish with the rest of the strawberries. Make sure each layer is visible and vibrant. This Strawberry Brownie Trifle should have three delicious layers, showcasing the delectable textures and colors. Step 6: Add Finishing Touches If you like a little extra indulgence, melt some chocolate chips in the microwave at 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top layer of strawberries for a rich and enticing finish. Step 7: Chill and Serve Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely. This chilling time helps the layers set, making it much easier to serve. Once ready, you can scoop out generous portions of this vibrant Strawberry Brownie Trifle to impress your guests! Strawberry Brownie Trifle Variations Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful trifle to your taste! Chocolate Pudding: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate for an extra chocolaty treat. Each layer will become even more indulgent and satisfying. Oreo Crunch: Add crushed Oreo cookies between the layers for an irresistible crunch and a delightful chocolate twist. It’s a party in your mouth! Berry Mix: Instead of strawberries, use a medley of berries like blueberries or raspberries. This will provide a beautiful color contrast and tangy flavor. Nutty Flavor: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds in the brownie layer for added texture and depth. The nutty crunch complements the creaminess of the pudding beautifully. Minty Fresh: Add fresh mint leaves as a garnish or mix some into the pudding. The mint adds a refreshing twist that pairs perfectly with chocolate and strawberries. Salted Caramel Drizzle: Pour a salted caramel sauce over the top for a sweet and salty contrast. This will take your trifle to gourmet heights! Dairy-Free: Substitute the dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and coconut whipped cream. You can still enjoy a rich dessert without the dairy. Decadent Layering: Use brownie chunks from my Brownie Cookie Dough recipe for an even richer base. It adds a unique flavor twist you won’t want to miss! Explore these variations to make your Strawberry Brownie Trifle uniquely yours, and savor every delightful bite! What to Serve with Strawberry Brownie Trifle? Elevate your dessert experience with these delightful pairings that beautifully complement the rich and refreshing layers of your trifle. Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful medley of seasonal fruits adds a bright, tangy contrast, enhancing the sweetness of the trifle. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, a scoop of vanilla ice cream provides a delightful balance to the rich brownie layers. Whipped Cream Topping: A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the fluffy texture and adds a touch of elegance to each serving. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent delights echo the trifle’s strawberry goodness, making for a whimsical and indulgent treat. Café Mocha: A rich coffee blend perfectly complements the chocolate notes of the trifle, creating a harmonious ending to your meal. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery and crisp, these delicate cookies add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the trifle’s creamy texture. Sparkling Water with Lemon: This refreshing drink cleanses the palate, making each spoonful of the rich dessert feel light and invigorating. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic and comforting, they pair well with the chocolate aspect of the trifle, ensuring a sweet finish to your gathering. Feel free to mix and match to create your own dessert spread that will leave your guests asking for more! How to Store and Freeze Strawberry Brownie Trifle Refrigerator: Store the assembled trifle covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and layers intact. Make Ahead: You can prepare the Strawberry Brownie Trifle up to 24 hours in advance, making it a wonderful option for parties and gatherings without compromising taste. Freezer: Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh strawberries; they may become mushy when thawed, affecting the dessert’s beautiful layers and texture. Reheating: Since this is a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat. Simply serve it cold directly from the refrigerator for a refreshing treat. Make Ahead Options These Strawberry Brownie Trifles are a dream for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature, ensuring it stays fudgy and delicious. Additionally, the pudding mixture can be made and refrigerated for up to 3 days; just remember to fold in the Cool Whip right before assembling to maintain the light texture. When you’re ready to impress your guests, simply layer the prepped components in a trifle bowl as directed, and let it chill for at least an hour before serving. This way, you can enjoy your time with friends while serving a dessert that’s just as delightful! Expert Tips for Strawberry Brownie Trifle Cool Brownies First: Allow the brownies to cool completely to prevent sogginess in the trifle layers. This ensures your dessert maintains its intended texture. Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for fresh strawberries as they offer the best flavor and texture. Overly juicy strawberries can make the layers mushy—avoid them! Chill Before Serving: Give your assembled Strawberry Brownie Trifle at least 1 hour in the fridge to let flavors meld and layers set nicely. Layer Smartly: When layering, ensure even distribution of brownie, pudding, and strawberries for aesthetic appeal and balanced flavor in every bite. Add Crunch: For an extra texture, consider layering crushed Oreo cookies between layers for delightful crunch and sweetness! Strawberry Brownie Trifle Recipe FAQs How do I select ripe strawberries for my trifle? Absolutely! Look for strawberries that are vibrant red, firm, and free from dark spots. These indicate ripeness and freshness. Gently squeeze the berry; if it yields slightly without being mushy, it’s perfect for your trifle! How should I store my Strawberry Brownie Trifle? Store the assembled trifle covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps it fresh and ensures the layers maintain their beautiful structure. I often prepare it a day in advance to let the flavors meld; just make sure to keep it chilled! Can I freeze the Strawberry Brownie Trifle? Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh strawberries. They tend to become mushy upon thawing, ruining the lovely texture of your dessert. Instead, enjoy it fresh or prepare it up to 24 hours in advance for optimal taste and presentation. What if my pudding doesn’t thicken properly? Very! If your pudding mix doesn’t thicken after whisking for 2 minutes, check the milk temperature; it should be cold. Sometimes, whisking for a bit longer can help. If you’re still facing issues, try adding a little more pudding mix to boost thickness—don’t worry, it happens to the best of us! Are there any allergy considerations I should keep in mind? Absolutely! Ensure to check for allergies, particularly with the Cool Whip and brownie mix, which may contain gluten, dairy, or nuts. You can substitute with allergy-friendly brands or make homemade versions if needed. Always prioritize labeling if you’re sharing this delicious treat with others! Indulge in Strawberry Brownie Trifle for Any Occasion Enjoy this delightful Strawberry Brownie Trifle, a layered dessert that combines fudgy brownies, creamy pudding, and fresh strawberries. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsChilling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs Servings: 8 servingsCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Brownie Base1 box Brownie Mix Swap for homemade brownies for a richer flavor.For the Creamy Layer1 container Cool Whip Make sure it's completely thawed.1 package Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix Can use chocolate pudding for a richer taste.2 cups Milk Whole or low-fat milk works best.For the Fresh Touch2 cups Fresh Strawberries Choose fresh over frozen for better texture.For the Finishing Touch1 cup Chocolate Chips Optional, for drizzling on top. Equipment 9x13 inch baking panmixing bowlwhisktrifle bowl or large glass dish Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan, whisk brownie mix with required ingredients, pour into pan, and bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely and cut into 1-inch squares.Wash 2 cups of fresh strawberries, remove stems, and slice thinly. Set aside and sprinkle with sugar if desired.In a mixing bowl, whisk one package of instant vanilla pudding mix with 2 cups of milk until it thickens. Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip until smooth.Layer half of the brownie squares in a trifle bowl, spoon half of the pudding mixture over them, and layer half of the sliced strawberries.Repeat the layering with remaining brownie squares, pudding mixture, and strawberries.Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the top layer of strawberries if desired.Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg NotesFor best results, cool brownies completely and use fresh strawberries. Chill before serving for optimal texture and flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
