I love making this St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle when I want a dessert that feels festive, rich, and easy to assemble. Layers of fudgy brownie cubes, minty chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy chocolate toppings come together in a beautiful dessert that looks impressive in a clear trifle dish. The hint of mint and the soft green color give it a fun St. Patrick’s Day twist while keeping the classic chocolate-and-mint flavor combination that I always enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 box brownie mix
Eggs, oil, and water as required on brownie mix box
2 cups heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
½ teaspoon mint extract
4 drops green food coloring
1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
½ cup mini chocolate chips
½ cup chopped mint chocolate candies
Directions
I start by preparing the brownies according to the package instructions, using the eggs, oil, and water listed on the box. I bake them in a 9x13-inch pan and allow them to cool completely before cutting them into small cubes.
Next, I make the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, I beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. I place the whipped cream in the refrigerator while I prepare the other components.
In another bowl, I whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about two minutes until it thickens.
Once the pudding is thick, I stir in the mint extract and the green food coloring until I achieve a soft minty green color.
To assemble the trifle, I place a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom of a large trifle dish or clear serving bowl.
I spoon a generous layer of the mint chocolate pudding over the brownies and then spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
After that, I sprinkle crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, mini chocolate chips, and chopped mint candies over the whipped cream.
I repeat these layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cookies and chocolate pieces on top.
Finally, I refrigerate the trifle for at least one hour so the layers can set and the flavors can blend together before serving.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: approximately 420 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes like to change this recipe slightly depending on what I have available. For example, I can use homemade brownies instead of boxed brownie mix if I want a richer flavor.
Another variation I enjoy is replacing the chocolate pudding with white chocolate pudding and still adding mint extract for a lighter-colored dessert.
I can also add layers of chocolate ganache or drizzle chocolate syrup between layers to make the trifle even more decadent.
For extra crunch, I sometimes mix crushed peppermint candies or chocolate-covered pretzels into the topping.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover brownie trifle covered in the refrigerator. It usually stays fresh for about two to three days.
Because this dessert contains whipped cream and pudding, I do not freeze it since the texture may change after thawing.
There is no reheating required for this recipe. I simply keep it chilled and serve it directly from the refrigerator. If the whipped cream settles slightly, I sometimes add a fresh dollop of whipped cream on top before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
I often prepare this trifle several hours ahead of serving. Making it earlier actually helps the flavors blend together, and the brownies absorb some of the pudding, making the dessert even more delicious.
Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?
I absolutely can. Homemade brownies work perfectly in this recipe and can make the dessert even richer.
What can I use instead of mint extract?
If I prefer a plain chocolate dessert, I simply leave out the mint extract. I can also substitute peppermint extract for a slightly stronger mint flavor.
Do I need a trifle dish?
I do not necessarily need a trifle dish. I can assemble the dessert in any large glass bowl or even individual serving cups for smaller portions.
Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
If I want to save time, I sometimes replace the homemade whipped cream with store-bought whipped topping. It still creates a creamy and delicious layered dessert.
Conclusion
I enjoy making this St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle because it is both simple and impressive. The layers of chocolate brownies, mint pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy toppings create a dessert that feels festive and indulgent without requiring complicated steps. Whether I prepare it for a holiday party or a casual family dessert, it always becomes a colorful centerpiece that everyone enjoys.
📖 Recipe:
St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive layered dessert made with fudgy brownie cubes, mint chocolate pudding, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy chocolate toppings. The soft green layers and refreshing mint flavor make it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix
Eggs, oil, and water as required on brownie mix box
2 cups heavy cream
¼ cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk
½ teaspoon mint extract
4 drops green food coloring
1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
½ cup mini chocolate chips
½ cup chopped mint chocolate candies
Instructions
- Prepare the brownies according to the package instructions using the eggs, oil, and water listed on the box. Bake in a 9x13-inch pan, allow them to cool completely, then cut into small cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Refrigerate the whipped cream until ready to use.
- In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
- Stir the mint extract and green food coloring into the pudding until it reaches a soft minty green color.
- Place a layer of brownie cubes at the bottom of a large trifle dish or clear serving bowl.
- Spoon a generous layer of mint chocolate pudding over the brownies, then spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Sprinkle crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, mini chocolate chips, and chopped mint candies over the whipped cream.
- Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cookies and chocolate pieces on top.
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving so the layers can set and the flavors blend.
Notes
Homemade brownies can be used instead of boxed mix for a richer flavor.
White chocolate pudding can replace chocolate pudding for a lighter-colored variation.
Drizzle chocolate syrup or add a thin layer of chocolate ganache between layers for extra richness.
Crushed peppermint candies or chocolate-covered pretzels can add additional crunch.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
This dessert should not be frozen because the whipped cream and pudding may change texture.
If the whipped cream settles slightly before serving, add a fresh dollop on top.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
