St. Brownie Trifle is a rich, layered dessert that brings together fudgy brownies, creamy pudding, whipped topping, and fun green sprinkles or candies to give it a festive St. Patrick’s Day twist. I love how each spoonful has a mix of textures and flavors—from the dense chocolatey brownie chunks to the light and creamy layers on top. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive but is super easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how customizable and crowd-pleasing this trifle is. It’s the perfect dessert for parties or potlucks, especially around St. Patrick’s Day. I can make it ahead of time, it serves a bunch of people, and I don’t need any fancy tools—just a trifle dish or a big glass bowl. The layers look beautiful, and it tastes as good as it looks with all that chocolate, cream, and crunch.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fudgy brownies (homemade or boxed mix), baked and cooled
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Instant chocolate pudding mix
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Cold milk (to prepare the pudding)
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Whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed
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Crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies (optional for crunch)
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Green sprinkles, mint candies, or crushed Andes mints (for decoration)
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Optional: green food coloring for a festive swirl in the whipped topping
directions
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I bake the brownies according to the package or recipe instructions, let them cool, and then cut them into bite-sized cubes.
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I prepare the chocolate pudding by whisking the mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened.
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In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, I start with a layer of brownie chunks.
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I spoon a layer of chocolate pudding over the brownies and spread it evenly.
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Next, I add a layer of whipped topping, spreading it gently to avoid mixing the layers.
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I repeat the layers—brownies, pudding, whipped topping—until I run out of ingredients.
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For decoration, I sprinkle green candies, crushed Oreos, or mint pieces on top. If I’m feeling festive, I tint part of the whipped topping with green food coloring for a swirl effect.
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I refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving so the flavors can meld together.
Servings and timing
This trifle serves about 12 to 14 people. It takes around 20 minutes to assemble, plus 2 hours of chilling time in the fridge. If I use a boxed brownie mix, prep and baking add about 40 minutes total.
Variations
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I swap the chocolate pudding for mint-flavored pudding for a more St. Patrick’s Day vibe.
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I layer in chocolate chips or mini marshmallows for extra texture.
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For a boozy version, I drizzle a little Irish cream over the brownie layer.
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I sometimes use green-tinted vanilla pudding instead of chocolate for a colorful look.
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If I want to keep it lighter, I use angel food cake cubes instead of brownies.
storage/reheating
I store the trifle in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The layers hold up well, but I try to serve it within the first 48 hours for the best texture. Since it’s a chilled dessert, there’s no need to reheat—just serve it cold straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make this trifle a day in advance?
Yes, I actually prefer making it ahead of time. It gives the layers time to blend and makes serving easier on the day of my event.
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Absolutely. When I’m in a rush, I grab pre-made brownies to save time—they work just as well.
How do I keep the layers from mixing?
I spoon each layer gently and spread it carefully. Using a piping bag for whipped topping helps keep things tidy too.
Can I freeze leftovers?
I don’t recommend freezing this trifle—the pudding and whipped topping don’t thaw well and can separate.
What size dish should I use?
A standard trifle bowl or a large glass bowl that holds about 3 to 4 quarts works great. I like using clear glass so the layers show through.
Conclusion
St. Brownie Trifle is my go-to dessert when I want something festive, chocolatey, and no-fuss. It’s rich, indulgent, and has that wow factor thanks to its beautiful layers. Whether I’m celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just treating myself, this dessert always hits the sweet spot and disappears fast at any gathering.
Print
St. Brownie Trifle
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–14 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
St. Brownie Trifle is a festive, crowd-pleasing dessert perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. This easy-to-make layered trifle combines fudgy brownies, creamy chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and fun green candies for a deliciously indulgent treat. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want a no-fuss dessert, this chocolatey trifle with a holiday twist is always a hit.
Ingredients
- Fudgy brownies (homemade or boxed mix), baked and cooled
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix
- Cold milk (as required for pudding mix)
- Whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip), thawed
- Crushed Oreos or chocolate cookies (optional)
- Green sprinkles, mint candies, or crushed Andes mints (for garnish)
- Optional: green food coloring (for tinted whipped topping)
Instructions
- Bake brownies according to package or recipe instructions. Cool and cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Prepare chocolate pudding by whisking the mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened.
- In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, start with a layer of brownie cubes.
- Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding over the brownies and spread evenly.
- Add a layer of whipped topping, spreading gently.
- Repeat layers until ingredients are used up.
- Top with green candies, crushed Oreos, or mint pieces.
- Optional: Tint some whipped topping green and swirl on top for a festive look.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute mint pudding or green-tinted vanilla pudding for a fun twist.
- Add chocolate chips, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of Irish cream for extra flair.
- Best served within 48 hours for optimal texture.
- Not recommended for freezing.
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