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Home » Recipes » Desserts Recipes

Easy Chocolate Brownie Trifle (Punch Bowl Cake)

Published: Feb 5, 2024 · Updated: Jan 13, 2025 by Marye

Brownie trifle is made of layers of fudgy brownies, creamy fudge pudding, rich cheesecake flavored pudding, and toffee. All are layered in a glass bowl then topped with a cloud of sweet whipped cream. It's a quick and easy show stopped of a dessert! You may. know it as punch bowl cake if you're from the south.
Total time for the recipe to be finished.Total Time 35 minutes minutes
Jump to Recipe
Closeup of the garnish on the trifle.
The finished layered dessert in a glass dish with text overlay for Pinterest.

Create this decadent chocolate dessert from scratch or use mixes to make it super quick and easy!

Save this recipe by clicking on the ❤️ heart on the right-hand side of the screen or in the recipe card.

A side view of the dish showing the layers clearly.

Don't want to scroll through the page to get to the recipe? Use the table of contents to click on the section you want to go to.

Table of Contents
  • 🗝️ Key takeaways
  • 🧾 Ingredients for chocolate brownie trifle
  • 📖 Variations
  • 🔪 Instructions
  • 🥫 How to store leftovers
  • Expert Tip:
  • 💭 Things to know
  • 👩‍🍳 FAQs
  • 📚 Related recipes
  • 📞 The last word
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Comments

🗝️ Key takeaways

  • This east recipe is a real crowdpleaser! It's an easy dessert to make and there are plenty of ways to customize it to your own tastes.
  • Perfect for Valentine's Day, Potlucks, or as a sweet end to family dinners.
  • Use a boxed mix or make your own brownies and pudding to make it quicker and easier.

This brownie trifle recipe is a show-stopping layered dessert that chocolate lovers dream about!

With layers of fudgy brownies, two flavors of creamy pudding, toffee, and a cloud of fluffy whipped cream, the only thing that's difficult about this trifle dessert is not eating the whole thing in one sitting!

If you're from the south you probably know this as "punch bowl cake". If you're looking for something a little fresher and lighter in flavor try this pineapple fluff!

🧾 Ingredients for chocolate brownie trifle

This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

📖 Variations

Chocolate brownie trifle is one of the easiest recipes to modify, so feel free to pick the best way to do it for you!

  • Make homemade brownies, or use your favorite brownie mix.
  • Try these vanilla brownies instead of traditional chocolate
  • Stay a bit more classic and use chocolate cake instead of brownies.
  • Swap vanilla pudding for the cheesecake flavor if you can't find it.
  • You can use instant pudding for the fudgy, chocolate layer instead of making your own.
  • Feeling fancy? Swap chocolate mousse in place of the pudding.
  • Cool Whip is a quick alternative to homemade whipped cream.
  • Chopped-up candy, like Heath bars, is a great substitute for toffee.
  • Instead of a grated chocolate bar, use chocolate chips for topping.
  • Have an extra-sweet sweet tooth? Add a drizzle of butterscotch or caramel sauce for more decadence.
  • Make a black forest brownie trifle by spooning a bit of cherry pie filling on top of each brownie layer.
  • Crumble some Oreo cookies in place of the toffee for a cookies-and-cream twist!
  • Add gummy worms for the kids, making it a "Dirt Cup" trifle.
  • Lighten up the brownie trifle by adding some fresh berries to the top.
  • Garnish with chopped peanut butter cups—chocolate and peanut butter are a perfect match!
  • If it's an adults-only party, drizzle the brownie layers with Kahlua, Irish cream, rum, bourbon, port, brandy, sherry, or whatever you like. For this recipe, Kahlua is my booze of choice.
  • Make mini trifle parfaits by portioning the ingredients evenly into wine glasses or plastic or glass dessert cups—this is a fun idea to do with kids, so everyone can "make" their own dessert
  • Tint the cheesecake pudding with food coloring for a festive touch! I like red for Christmas, pink for Valentine's day, orange during the "spooky season," and so on!

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

A collage of step by step images of the brownie trifle.

This is such an easy dessert because it's just a matter of layering the prepared ingredients!

  1. Prepare the brownies, puddings, whipped cream, toffee, and garnish. Layer half of the brownies in the bottom of a glass trifle bowl.
  2. Top with chocolate pudding and half the toffee bits.
  3. Add the remaining brownies. Top with cheesecake pudding and remaining toffee.
  4. Add the whipped cream and garnish to the top of the trifle.

If you're looking for something gorgeous but a little more challenging try the peppermint bark cheesecake.

Closeup of the chocolate curl garnish on the top of the dessert.

🥫 How to store leftovers

You know how it goes—the best desserts don't usually stick around long enough to get to the "leftover" stage. However, if you do have some extra brownie trifle, it'll last in the fridge for about three days.

Unlike traditional English trifle recipes that use sponge cake, the chocolate brownies in our recipe hold up a little better to the moist pudding. This means you can make the trifle a day or so ahead of time.

To store, cover the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap, or spoon out the leftovers into a smaller storage container. Don't forget to refrigerate it! Serve chilled straight from the fridge or let the yummy dessert come to room temperature, first.

Personal size brownie trifle parfaits in wine glasses.
You can even make mini brownie trifle parfaits!

Expert Tip:

Use a large bowl if you don't have a traditional trifle dish. I prefer a large glass bowl so that you can see the beautiful alternating layers of brownie, pudding, and toffee. After all, we eat with our eyes, first!

💭 Things to know

  • Follow the package directions carefully when making the brownies and puddings. This easy chocolate trifle recipe tastes best when the brownies are chewy and soft, and the pudding layer creamy and thick.
  • Spoon the pudding into the center of the bowl, then use the back of the spoon to smooth it out towards the edges. This keeps the glass clean and free of smudges to impress all the guests at your dinner party!
  • Let the trifle chill in the fridge for a few hours, if you can, so that the pudding sets.
  • Make sure you have a thin, long-handled serving spoon so that you can scoop all the way to the bottom, getting a few bites of each delicious layer.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

Wait, what is trifle?

Traditional English trifle is a layered dessert made with ladyfingers, pound cake, or angel food cake that is soaked in sherry. Then, it's topped with berries, custard, and a final layer of whipped cream.

Can I use gluten-free brownies?

Sure thing! You can use any type of brownie you prefer. Even the small fudgy brownie bites from the store will do the trick. However, if you're gluten-free, keep in mind that some pudding mixes use flour as a thickener—just an FYI!

Do you have a homemade brownie recipe you prefer?

Why, of course—I'm glad you asked! Sorry Ms. Betty Crocker, but these chewy brownies are my family's absolute favorite (the nuts are optional, but a welcome addition!)

How do I freeze trifle?

Sorry, but you cannot! Fresh is best in this case—brownie trifle just doesn't thaw very well. Plus, you don't really need to freeze it since it's so easy and quick to make and store.

A scoop of the dessert on a serving spoon.

📚 Related recipes

  • Love layered desserts? Try my easy chocolate chip cookie delight!
  • This Banana Pudding recipe is packed with old-fashioned flavor and Southern love—it's layered like a trifle to show off all the decadence!
  • Worthy of an award, if you love a chocolate/cheesecake combination as much as I do, you'll go crazy for this Brownie Cheesecake.
  • Red Velvet Brownies are a fun, tasty twist on the popular dessert. Plus they make a festive addition to any red-themed holiday celebration!
  • Close up of the finished cake in a bowl.
    Strawberry Punch Bowl Cake
  • A closeup of the ice cream cake showing the layers.
    Strawberry Shortcake Crunch Ice Cream Cake Recipe
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📞 The last word

Whether you call it a Brownie Trifle or a Chocolate Punch Bowl Cake it's a showstopper dessert!

Layers of fudgy brownies, creamy chocolate fudge pudding, cheesecake filling, and toffee are crowned with a cloud of whipped cream and garnished with more chocolate.

It's a make-ahead dessert that's absolutely addictive.

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

Closeup of the garnish on the trifle.

Brownie Trifle with Toffee

5 from 6 votes
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Brownie trifle is made of layers of fudgy brownies, creamy fudge pudding, rich cheesecake flavored pudding, and toffee. All are layered in a glass bowl then topped with a cloud of sweet whipped cream. It's a quick and easy show stopped of a dessert! You may. know it as punch bowl cake if you're from the south.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American - Southern
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Chill: 3 hours hours
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings:12
Calories:249
Author:Marye Audet-White

Ingredients

Brownie Layer

  • 24 Brownies, Homemade (13x9 pan) or 2 packages mix

Chocolate Pudding Layer

  • 2 cups Chocolate Pudding, Homemade or 1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate fudge pudding mix prepared with 2 cups whole milk

Cheesecake Layer

  • 2 cups Cheesecake Pudding, 1 (3.9) ounce package instant cheesecake pudding mix prepared with 2 cups whole milk.

Toffee Layers

  • 2 cups toffee bits, , or chopped toffee bars

Whipped Cream

  • 2 cups heavy cream, very cold
  • 4 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ tablespoon instant white chocolate pudding mix

Garnish

  • White Chocolate shavings to garnish
  • Grated chocolate for garnish.

Instructions

  • Prepare brownies according to instructions in recipe or on box - let cool completely.
  • Prepare chocolate pudding according to instructions in recipe or on box.
  • Prepare cheesecake pudding according to instructions on box
  • Whip the cream with the sugar and 1 teaspoon white chocolate pudding mix, or 1 teaspoon vanilla (the pudding mix will help stabilize it and make it last longer.

White Chocolate Shavings

  • Soften a white chocolate bar in the microwave until soft but not melted.
  • Use a vegetable peeler to create shavings and curls - this takes a little practice!

Chocolate Shavings

  • Soften a dark chocolate bar and prepare as for white chocolate shavings.

Assembly

  • Cut the brownies into small 2-inch cubes.
  • Reserve 1 or 2 to make crumbs for garnish.
  • Add about ½ of the cubes to the bottom of a punch bowl.
  • Top with a the chocolate pudding.
  • Top with half the toffee.
  • Add the remaining brownies.
  • Top with the cream cheese pudding.
  • Top with the remaining toffee.
  • Cover with the whipped cream.
  • Garnish with chocolate curls, grated chocolate, and brownie crumbs
  • Chill until serving time.

Notes

Since this recipe has several variations the nutritional info is only an estimate based on about a ⅓ cup serving. This is not diet friendly!
Storage:
You can make the trifle a day or so ahead of time. To store, cover the trifle dish tightly with plastic wrap, or spoon out the leftovers into a smaller storage container and refrigerate. It will be fine for 3 days or so.
This recipe does not freeze well.
Tips:
  • Use a large bowl if you don't have a traditional trifle dish.  
  • Spoon the pudding into the center of the bowl, then use the back of the spoon to smooth it out towards the edges. This keeps the glass clean and free of smudges to impress all the guests at your dinner party!
  • Let the trifle chill in the fridge for a few hours, if you can, so that the pudding sets.
  • Make sure you have a thin, long-handled serving spoon so that you can scoop all the way to the bottom, getting a few bites of each delicious layer.
 
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 249kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 305mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 21g | Vitamin A: 605IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.

First published October 19, 2018. Last updated February 5, 2024 for editorial corrections and better images.

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About Marye

Meet Marye Audet, a wizard in the kitchen and a storyteller at heart. Marye is like your eccentric but fun aunt who knows all the secret recipes and isn't afraid to spill them.

Comments

    5 from 6 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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    Love it? Give it 5 stars!




  1. Sue says

    February 04, 2023 at 10:41 am

    5 stars
    Made with homemade chocolate pudding and cheesecake pudding. Kids loved it!

    Reply
Marye Audet-White, founder of Restless Chipotle Media

Hey Y'all, I'm Marye

Welcome to my kitchen! ☕

NY Times bestselling author. 10 cookbooks. Mom of 8 kids. Homeschooling mom for 22 years. Addicted to Hallmark Christmas Movies. Collector of old cookbooks.

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