Desserts

Caramel Brownie Trifle

Caramel Brownie Trifle is the kind of dessert that instantly steals the spotlight at any gathering. A stunning layered treat, it combines rich fudgy brownies, velvety smooth whipped cream, luscious caramel sauce, and creamy chocolate pudding.

Each bite feels indulgent and luxurious—like a chocolate lover’s dream wrapped in soft whipped clouds and silky caramel ribbons.

What makes this dessert so special is its balance of flavors: deep chocolate mingles perfectly with buttery caramel, and the light whipped topping keeps everything fluffy instead of overly dense. The layering creates texture in every spoonful—soft, creamy, chewy, and dreamy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect chord between comfort food and elegance. It looks like something straight out of a bakery window, yet it’s incredibly easy to prepare.

There’s something magical about how simple ingredients—brownies, pudding, and cream—can come together to form a dessert that’s both nostalgic and luxurious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dessert is:

✔ Visually gorgeous
✔ Easy enough for beginners
✔ Make-ahead friendly
✔ Ideal for feeding a crowd
✔ Customizable in endless fun ways

Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, bringing dessert to a potluck, or treating yourself, this trifle guarantees happy faces and empty glasses at the end.

Basic Details

CategoryInformation
CourseDessert
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time30 minutes
Chill Time1 hour (optional but recommended)
Total Time30–90 minutes
Servings8–10 servings

Ingredients

For the Brownies

  • 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownies, about 4 cups cubed)
  • Ingredients required per package (usually eggs, oil, and water)

For the Pudding Layer

  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 box (3.9 oz /110g) instant chocolate pudding

Caramel and Cream Layers

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 2 cups cool whip)
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

  • Sea salt flakes
  • Chopped pecans or walnuts
  • Mini chocolate chips

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Bake the Brownies

  1. Prepare and bake brownies according to package directions.
  2. Allow them to cool completely.
  3. Cut into bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Make the Pudding

  1. In a bowl, whisk cold milk and chocolate pudding mix.
  2. Refrigerate for 5 minutes until thick.

Step 3: Make Whipped Cream

  1. Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Build the Trifle

Repeat these layers in a trifle dish:

  1. Brownie cubes
  2. Chocolate pudding
  3. Caramel drizzle
  4. Whipped cream

Repeat until full, finishing with whipped cream.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (optional but enhances flavor and texture).

How to Serve

Serve chilled in:

  • A glass trifle bowl
  • Individual dessert cups
  • Mason jars for parties

Top with caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, or nuts.

Recipe Tips

Chill before serving for best texture.
Use homemade brownies for an extra rich flavor.
Let brownies fully cool before layering to prevent melting cream.
Add sea salt for a salted caramel twist.

Variations

  • Salted Caramel Trifle: Add sea salt flakes between layers.
  • Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle: Swirl melted peanut butter into pudding.
  • Mocha Trifle: Add 1 tbsp espresso powder to pudding.
  • Berry Trifle: Add fresh raspberries or strawberries between layers.
  • Oreo Crunch Layer: Add crushed Oreos for extra texture.

Freezing & Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store covered up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended (cream and pudding texture will change).

Special Equipment Needed

  • Electric mixer (for whipped cream)
  • Large bowl
  • Trifle dish or tall serving glasses
  • Rubber spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead?
Yes! It’s even better when chilled overnight.

Q2: Can I use store-bought whipped topping?
Absolutely — Cool Whip works great.

Q3: Can I use leftover brownies?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for leftover or slightly dry brownies.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes—use coconut whip, dairy-free pudding, and vegan brownies.

Conclusion

Caramel Brownie Trifle is one of those unforgettable desserts—rich, creamy, dreamy, and beautifully irresistible. Whether you prepare it for a festive dinner, a birthday, or just because you’re craving something spectacular, this dessert always delivers. It’s simple, stunning, and delicious—everything a great dessert should be.

Caramel Brownie Trifle

Recipe by Rhonda AndersonCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Total time

1

hour 

30

minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Brownies

  • 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownies, about 4 cups cubed)

  • Ingredients required per package (usually eggs, oil, and water)

  • For the Pudding Layer

  • 2 cups cold milk

  • 1 box (3.9 oz /110g) instant chocolate pudding

  • Caramel and Cream Layers

  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream (or 2 cups cool whip)

  • ¼ cup powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • Optional Add-Ins

  • Sea salt flakes

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts

  • Mini chocolate chips

Directions

  • Step 1: Bake the Brownies : Prepare and bake brownies according to package directions. Allow them to cool completely. Cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • Step 2: Make the Pudding : In a bowl, whisk cold milk and chocolate pudding mix. Refrigerate for 5 minutes until thick.
  • Step 3: Make Whipped Cream : Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  • Step 4: Build the Trifle : Repeat these layers in a trifle dish: Brownie cubes Chocolate pudding Caramel drizzle Whipped cream Repeat until full, finishing with whipped cream.
  • Step 5: Chill : Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (optional but enhances flavor and texture).