Why I Love This Recipe
This Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle is a dessert dream come true! It’s the perfect balance of rich, chocolatey brownies, creamy peanut butter, and luscious vanilla pudding—made even better with a bit of crunch from the mini peanut butter cups. The recipe is super easy to follow, and the layers create a beautiful, indulgent treat that’s both comforting and impressive for any occasion. Plus, it’s made in the Air Fryer, so the brownies come out just right every time—soft and fudgy on the inside with a slight crisp on top.
Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle
A delightful and decadent dessert featuring layers of fudgy brownies, creamy vanilla pudding, peanut butter, and mini peanut butter cups. Perfect for anyone who loves rich, indulgent treats!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 12-16
Calories per Serving: 350 kcal (approx.)
Ingredients
- 1 packet of fudge brownie mix
- 2 packs of mini peanut butter cups (13 ounces each)
- 4 cups cold 2% milk
- 2 packages of instant vanilla pudding (5.1 ounces each)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 x 8 ounces cold whipped cream (thawed)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
- Follow the instructions on the fudge brownie mix package to prepare the brownie batter.
Step 2: Bake the Brownies
- Grease a 12″ x 9″ skillet and pour in the prepared brownie batter.
- Preheat your Air Fryer to 320°F (160°C). Place the skillet in the air fryer and bake for 20-25 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s ready. Be careful not to overcook it.
Step 3: Cool the Brownies
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the Air Fryer and let them cool completely.
Step 4: Cut the Brownies
- Once the brownies have cooled, cut them into 3/4-inch pieces.
Step 5: Prepare Peanut Butter Cups
- Cut the mini peanut butter cups in half to use as a garnish. Set them aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Pudding Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk the 4 cups of milk and 2 packages of instant vanilla pudding for about 2 minutes, until it thickens to a batter-like consistency.
- Add the 1 cup of peanut butter and 4 teaspoons of vanilla extract to the mixture. Whisk until smooth and homogeneous.
Step 7: Layer the Trifle
- Begin layering the trifle in a 5-quart glass jar or a large trifle dish.
- Start with 1/3 of the brownie pieces on the bottom.
- Spread a layer of halved peanut butter cups on top of the brownies.
- Pour 1/3 of the pudding mixture over the peanut butter cups.
- Repeat the layering process two more times with the remaining brownies, peanut butter cups, and pudding mixture.
Step 8: Top the Trifle
- Once all the layers are assembled, top the trifle with the remaining whipped cream and garnish with the reserved halved peanut butter cups.
Step 9: Chill
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Tips & Tricks
- Air Fryer Tip: Make sure to check the brownies towards the end of the baking time to avoid overcooking. Air fryers can vary, so the cooking time might be slightly shorter or longer.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the trifle a day ahead. The flavors will develop even more overnight, making it even more delicious.
- Layering: For the best presentation, ensure that each layer is spread evenly, especially the whipped cream and peanut butter cup pieces.
- Peanut Butter Variations: If you prefer a more pronounced peanut butter flavor, you can add a bit more peanut butter to the pudding mixture.
Notes
- Peanut Butter Cup Alternatives: If you don’t have mini peanut butter cups, you can substitute them with regular-sized cups or even chopped peanut butter candies.
- Milk Options: Feel free to use almond milk or another non-dairy milk if you prefer a dairy-free version, but be sure to check that your pudding mix is suitable for dairy-free diets.
- Whipped Cream Substitution: If you don’t have whipped cream, you can also use cool whip or homemade whipped cream for the topping.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this dessert without an Air Fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an Air Fryer, you can bake the brownies in a conventional oven according to the package instructions. Use a greased 9×9-inch pan, and adjust the baking time as needed.
Q2: Can I use another type of pudding?
While vanilla pudding works wonderfully here, you can also try chocolate pudding or butterscotch pudding for a fun variation of this dessert.
Q3: How can I make this dessert more decadent?
For extra richness, drizzle chocolate syrup or caramel sauce between the layers or on top of the trifle. You could also sprinkle some crushed nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
Storage
- Leftovers: Store any leftover trifle in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This trifle is best served fresh and is not ideal for freezing due to the pudding and whipped cream layers.
This Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle is a decadent, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fudgy brownies, creamy pudding, and peanut butter cups is sure to be a crowd favorite. Whether you’re serving it at a party or indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, this trifle will be a hit every time
