This decadent St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is a delicious and visually striking dessert, perfect for your celebrations. Featuring rich, fudgy brownies, minty vanilla pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping, all layered beautifully to create an irresistible treat. With a touch of green food coloring to bring the festive spirit to life, this trifle is the ultimate indulgence for the holiday. It’s easy to make but looks impressive, making it perfect for parties, gatherings, or a special family dessert.
Total Time: 30 minutes prep (plus chilling time)
Servings: 8-10
Ingredients:
- 1 box of brownie mix (plus the ingredients required to prepare the brownies, usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 2 cups cold milk (use full-fat milk for a richer taste)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (you could substitute with a chocolate pudding mix for a twist)
- ½ teaspoon mint extract (use peppermint extract for a stronger mint flavor)
- Green food coloring (just a few drops to give the pudding a vibrant green hue)
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping (or freshly whipped cream for a more homemade touch)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet for a deep chocolate flavor)
- ¼ cup chocolate shavings (optional, but it adds a nice touch for garnish)
- Green sprinkles (optional, for an extra festive flair)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional but adds a fresh, vibrant look)
Instructions:
1. Bake the Brownies:
- Prepare and bake the brownies according to the package instructions. Make sure to grease your pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Let the brownies cool completely once baked, so they firm up and crumble easily.
- Once cooled, cut the brownies into bite-sized pieces or tear them into chunks. These brownie pieces will form the base layer of your trifle.
2. Make the Mint Pudding:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, and mint extract.
- Add a few drops of green food coloring to get a vibrant mint green color, mixing well to ensure the color is evenly distributed throughout the pudding.
- Let the pudding sit for 5 minutes to allow it to set and thicken. It should have a smooth, creamy consistency by now.
3. Assemble the Trifle:
- In a large glass trifle dish (or individual cups for individual servings), begin layering your dessert.
- Layer 1: Start with the crumbled brownies at the bottom of the dish, spreading them evenly to form the base.
- Layer 2: Next, spoon the mint pudding over the brownies, smoothing it out to cover the entire layer of brownies.
- Layer 3: Add a layer of whipped topping on top of the pudding, spreading it evenly across the pudding layer.
4. Repeat the Layers:
- Continue to alternate layers of crumbled brownies, mint pudding, and whipped topping until you’ve used up all your ingredients. Make sure to finish with a layer of whipped topping on the top for a smooth and creamy finish.
5. Garnish & Chill:
- Once your trifle is assembled, sprinkle the top with chocolate chips and chocolate shavings for added richness.
- Add a generous sprinkle of green sprinkles to give it a fun, festive touch.
- For the finishing touch, garnish with a few fresh mint leaves on top for a fresh and vibrant pop of green.
- Chill the trifle in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the layers set and the flavors meld together. You can also make it the night before and allow it to chill overnight for maximum flavor.
Additional Tips:
- Customize the Flavors: While the mint and chocolate combination is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, you could make this dessert your own. Try using a chocolate pudding mix in place of vanilla for an extra chocolatey trifle, or substitute almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Make it Your Own: Add your own mix-ins to the brownie layer. Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even dried cherries for a twist. If you like extra sweetness, drizzle some caramel sauce over the brownies before layering the mint pudding.
- Whipped Topping Alternative: If you prefer, you can make your own whipped cream using heavy cream and a bit of powdered sugar. Beat it until it forms stiff peaks, and use it as a fresh alternative to store-bought whipped topping for an even more decadent dessert.
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need to make the trifle gluten-free, simply substitute the brownie mix with a gluten-free brownie mix. Many brands offer great-tasting gluten-free options that will work perfectly in this recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick & Easy: This trifle is easy to assemble and requires no baking skills beyond making the brownies, making it a great option even for beginner bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: The large size and layered presentation make it ideal for parties, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Customizable: You can adapt the trifle to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, from adding your favorite toppings to using different pudding flavors.
- Festive & Fun: The green color and rich layers of flavor make it a showstopper for any St. Patrick’s Day celebration or themed event.
This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle will be the highlight of your holiday dessert table—layered, delicious, and fun! Whether you’re a fan of chocolate, mint, or both, this dessert brings them together in a way that’s perfect for the occasion.