This easy Strawberry Brownie Trifle is made with layers of chocolate brownies, vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and cool whip. This trifle recipe is packed with flavor and a refreshing sweet everyone will enjoy! Perfect for parties, gatherings, picnics, and more!
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Strawberry Brownie Trifle Dessert
Years ago, when I went to a potluck and tried my first trifle, I was immediately hooked. Since then, I have made several variations from a Death by Chocolate Trifle to Oreo Brownie, Lemon Pound Cake Fruit Trifle, and even Holiday versions! This Strawberry Chocolate Brownie Trifle may still go down as my favorite because not only does it satisfy my love for chocolate, but it also has a refreshing addition by using the fresh slices of strawberry throughout.
I tend to take a shortcut on this one and use a boxed brownie mix. You can’t go wrong, right?! If you have more time, go ahead and make the homemade brownies as those will taste just as good! Either way, you’ll have a hit dessert!
Ingredients Needed for this Strawberry Brownie Trifle Recipe
See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions.
- Brownie Mix– if you’re taking a shortcut, you will need a boxed brownie mix and ingredients listed on box. You can also make homemade brownies.
- Cool Whip– allow this to thaw slightly so it’s easier to spread onto each layer.
- Vanilla Pudding– look for Instant pudding, you can also use instant chocolate pudding if desired.
- Strawberries– fresh is best versus frozen. Slice into smaller pieces.
- Chocolate Chips– optional, but highly recommended. Once melted, you can drizzle the chocolate over the top of the trifle for a sweet and pretty addition.
How to make a Chocolate Strawberry Trifle
- Bake brownies in a pan according to box mix directions and allow to cool completely. Once brownies are cooled, cut the brownies into small squares.
- Slice the strawberries and remove the stems/leaves.
- In a bowl, mix the pudding according to directions on package. Once pudding is set, fold in the cool whip to create a custard.
- To assemble, layer half the brownies on the bottom of trifle bowl. Pour half the custard on top of brownies. Layer half the strawberries on top of the custard. Repeat steps one more time ending with the strawberries on top.
- Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and carefully drizzle melted chocolate on top of the finished trifle.
- Chill in refrigerator until eating, enjoy!
Assembling this Brownie Trifle Dessert
The best part about trifles is that they are fool proof. There are no right and wrong ways to assemble this, so if you get out of order, no worries! I like to start with small pieces of brownie on the bottom of my trifle bowl followed by pudding whipped cream mixture, and fresh strawberries. Once repeated one time, I end with the strawberries on top in a pretty pattern.
Variations and Substitutions
- If you aren’t a brownie lover, you can also use chocolate cake in this recipe.
- To change this up from strawberries, feel free to use raspberries, blackberries, or even blueberries. Any berry works great!
- Instant Chocolate Pudding can be used in place of the vanilla pudding for all the chocolate lovers out there!
- If you don’t have a trifle dish, any large glass bowl will work in its place.
- To make mini strawberry brownie parfaits, you can assemble this trifle as directed, only in mini glass dishes or cups. This is a great option for parties and if you use clear plastic cups, it makes clean up a breeze.
Brownie and Strawberry Trifle Storage Tips
- If preparing ahead of time, cover trifle bowl with plastic wrap and store in fridge up to 24 hours before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the trifle dish with plastic wrap. This brownie trifle can be stored in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
- We don’t recommend freezing leftovers as the strawberries get too mushy once thawed and don’t hold up well.
Strawberry Brownie Trifle FAQ’s
Should a trifle be made the night before?
In most cases, this is the preferred method as it really allows the flavors to fuse together. This is more common with cake-based trifles versus brownies. It is all based on preference. To save on time, I like to prepare this in the morning and serve it in the evening. With brownies being the base, I haven’t noticed a big difference preparing earlier rather than just before needed.
What is the correct way to layer a trifle?
The best part about trifles is they can be made however YOU decide. There are no right or wrong methods. Layers all the goodies in the order you desire, play around with fun additions such as flavors, candies, sprinkles, and toppings. Make it your own and enjoy!
More Trifle Desserts to try
Chocolate Mousse and Brownie– a creamy peanut butter mixture combined with peanut butter cups and brownies make a decadent dessert recipe everyone will love!
S’mores Chocolate– layers of rich pudding, crushed graham cracker, moist cake, and cool whip in one tasty dessert!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie– a creamy peanut butter mixture combined with peanut butter cups and brownies make a decadent dessert recipe everyone will love!
Summertime Angel Food Cake– a refreshing, layered dessert that includes fruit, angel food cake, pudding, and more!
Lemon Pound Cake Fruit– includes lemon pound cake, fresh berries, a lemon pudding mixture, and whipped cream. Ready in no time, this is a flavor packed dessert option everyone will enjoy!
Favorite Strawberry Recipes on the blog
Strawberry Pretzel Salad– an old-fashioned treat everyone will enjoy! A perfect blend of salty and sweet. Featuring a buttery pretzel crust, followed by a light cream cheese layer, and mouthwatering strawberry Jell-O topping filled with more strawberries!
Tasty Strawberry Bread– a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of juicy, ripe strawberries with the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread.
Old Fashioned Strawberry Crumb Coffee Cake– moist, packed with juicy strawberries, and an irresistible buttery crumb topping that everyone will love.
Strawberry White Chocolate Pie– creamy, delicious, and perfectly sweet! Next time that sweet tooth craving hits, this is just the pie to try!
Easy Strawberry Lemon Shortbread Bars– moist, dense, tangy, and sweet!
This easy Chocolate Strawberry Trifle recipe is a delicious and impressive dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With layers of rich vanilla pudding, sweet strawberries, and fluffy whipped cream, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re looking for a quick and simple dessert to whip up for a weeknight treat or want to impress guests at your next gathering, this brownie strawberry trifle is the perfect choice. Give it a try and enjoy the decadent combination of flavors in every bite!
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Strawberry Chocolate Brownie Trifle
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (and ingredients needed on box)
- 12 oz cool whip
- 5 oz vanilla pudding, instant
- 2 lb strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted *for drizzling on top
Instructions
- Bake brownies according to directions and allow to cool completely. Once brownies are cooled, cut the brownies into small squares.
- Slice the strawberries and remove the stems/leaves.
- In a bowl, mix the pudding according to directions on package. Once pudding is set, fold in the cool whip to create a custard.
- To assemble, layer half the brownies on the bottom of trifle bowl. Pour half the custard on top of brownies. Layer half the strawberries on top of the custard. Repeat steps one more time ending with the strawberries on top.
- Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and carefully drizzle melted chocolate on top of the finished trifle.
- Chill in refrigerator until eating, enjoy!
Nutrition
Carrie
I made this for a birthday with my brownie recipe. It came out really good, everybody liked it .
Kristin
Yay! Glad you all enjoyed it!!
Eva Busi
How many people does this serve
Kristin
About 12+ servings!
TxMomto5
We loved your recipe! Blueberries were on sale so i
did half strawberries and half blueberries. Didn’t have chocolate chips so I skipped that. Trifle was light and sweet…just right! Got many compliments and a friend’s husband even asked me to send the recipe to his wife!
Kristin
Yea!! Glad to hear you enjoyed this! Great addition of blueberries, I bet that was tasty!
Lucille Villegas
I was searching for a trifle that used pudding with chocolate cake and berries, this came as close to what I was looking for after searching for hours on pinterest and internet!!! Thank you.
Kristin
Glad you found this! You’ll love it!! Let me know how it turns out!!
Saber
Today is the second time i’ve made this,it was sooo good the first time that i’m making it for another group.
Kristin
Oh how great!! I love hearing that and am SO glad it is a hit!! Yum!!! 🙂
Saber
Made this,it was GREAT.
Kristin
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Priya Shiva
This looks delicious!
Anna Royal
I made this for my sister. I included bananas and instead of vanilla pudding, I used banana pudding. Delicious!
Anna Royal
I made it for my sister. I included bananas and instead of vanilla pudding, I used banana pudding. Delicious!
Anonymous
I made this last night for dinner with another couple. It was a huge hit! It turned out wonderfully, and the fruit and light whipped custard paired beautifully with the brownies. My husband was concerned it would be a heavy dessert, but it definitely wasn’t. I look forward to making this again sometime.
Anonymous
Made this today to share with my supper club…tonight’s my turn for dessert!! I made a low fat version, using low cal homemade brownies, sugar free/fat free pudding for the custard and lite cool whip. It looks amazing, even though I have it in an amber bowl because I don’t have a clear one. Hope they like it!!
Anonymous
I made it & it was easy & delicious!
John Ward
A variation would be a Peche Melba Trifle. Rather than regular Brownies, use Fairytale Bars’ Raspberry White Chocolate Blondies; substitute sliced peaches and raspberry jam for strawberries; and white chocolate chips for drizzling on top. Yum!
Anonymous
try poking holes and then pouring condendensed milk over the brownies before you break them up.
Denise Johnson
I’m adding cream cheese to the pudding/cool whip mix and possibly using blood orange extra virgin olive oil instead of vegetable oil just to add another dimension of flavor.
Anonymous
This is real good using Oreos instead of the brownies then also add some bananas too….really yummy!!
Anonymous
It sounds great, but I’m tired of strawberries, it’s always strawberries, but I think I’d try this with raspberries and be delighted!
Anonymous
Making this for my babies different from the everyday; thanks!
Nancy
Thank you so much for sharing this receipe. I am going to make the brownie gluten free and using your receipe make it for my husband for valentine day. he will love it.
Anonymous
I got to try this