This Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle is a show-stopping dessert that layers rich chocolate cake or brownies, creamy peanut butter mousse, whipped topping, and crunchy cookie crumbs or graham crackers. Served in a clear trifle bowl, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. Each spoonful delivers a perfect blend of textures—fudgy, creamy, crunchy—and flavors that dance between sweet and salty. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a holiday, or just craving something decadent, this trifle is guaranteed to impress.
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box of brownie mix (or homemade brownies)
- Ingredients required for the mix (usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Peanut Butter Mousse:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Alternatively, you can use 2 tubs of whipped topping (like Cool Whip) for convenience.
For the Crunchy Layer:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped peanuts or peanut butter cups (optional)
For Garnish:
- Chocolate syrup
- Additional cookie crumbs, chocolate chips, or peanut butter drizzle
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. Bake the Brownies
Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions or use your favorite homemade recipe. Bake in a 9×13-inch pan and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into small cubes or crumble into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Mousse
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, and continue mixing until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture until fully incorporated. This mousse should be light, fluffy, and rich.
3. Prepare the Whipped Cream
If using homemade whipped cream, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside. If using store-bought whipped topping, make sure it’s thawed and ready to use.
4. Assemble the Trifle
In a large trifle bowl or individual dessert glasses, begin layering:
- First Layer: Brownie chunks or crumbles
- Second Layer: Peanut butter mousse
- Third Layer: Whipped cream
- Fourth Layer: Sprinkle crushed cookies, chocolate chips, and chopped peanuts
Repeat the layers until the bowl is full, ending with whipped cream on top. Drizzle chocolate syrup and peanut butter over the final layer. Garnish with extra cookie crumbs and chocolate chips for visual appeal.
5. Chill and Serve
Cover the trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to set. You can make this dessert a day ahead—it actually tastes better after resting overnight.
🍽 Serving Tips:
- Serve chilled with a long spoon to scoop all the layers.
- For a twist, add sliced bananas or strawberries between layers.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free brownies and cookies.
This Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration in a bowl. Rich, creamy, and layered with love, it’s perfect for birthdays, potlucks, or any moment that calls for indulgence. Let me know if you’d like a version with caramel or a vegan alternative!