This easy Strawberry Brownie Trifle is layered with fudgy chocolate brownies, creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and fluffy Cool Whip. It's a rich yet refreshing chocolate and strawberry dessert that's perfect for parties, holidays, and any time you need a simple make-ahead treat everyone will love.
I've loved trifles ever since trying one at a potluck years ago. I've made all kinds of versions over the years, from my rich Death by Chocolate Trifle to Oreo Chocolate Brownie Trifle, fruity pound cake trifles, and fun holiday twists. But this Strawberry Chocolate Brownie Trifle is still one of my favorites because it combines rich chocolate with the fresh, sweet flavor of strawberries in every layer.
I usually take a shortcut and use a boxed brownie mix, but homemade brownies, like my lunch lady brownies, work just as well. Either way, this easy brownie trifle always turns out to be a crowd-pleasing dessert.
Quick Look: Strawberry Brownie Trifle
- 🍫 Flavors: Chocolate and strawberry layered dessert
- 🧁 Layers: Fudgy brownies, creamy vanilla pudding, fresh strawberries, and Cool Whip
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 45 minutes
- ❄️ Chill Time: At least 1 hour for best texture
- 🥄 Make Ahead: Yes, even better after chilling
- 🎉 Best For: Valentine's Day, potlucks, holidays, and parties
- 👍 Difficulty: Easy, beginner-friendly dessert
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Ingredient Notes
See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step directions.
- Brownie Mix– A boxed mix keeps this strawberry brownie trifle quick and easy, but homemade brownies like my lunch lady brownies work great too.
- Cool Whip– Thaw slightly for easy spreading. Adds light, fluffy layers to this brownie trifle with Cool Whip dessert. Homemade whipped cream can also be used if preferred.
- Vanilla Pudding– Use instant pudding for the classic creamy texture in a brownie trifle with pudding. Chocolate pudding can be substituted.
- Strawberries– Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture in this chocolate and strawberry trifle. Slice into small pieces.
- Chocolate Chips– Optional for drizzling on top, but adds extra chocolate flavor and a pretty finish.
Variations & Substitutions
- Not a brownie fan? Swap brownies for chocolate cake, like my chocolate mayonnaise cake.
- Swap strawberries for raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries.
- Want more chocolate? Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla.
- Add layers of whipped cream or a light cream cheese mixture for a richer twist.
- Make mini trifles in jars or cups for easy party servings.
- No trifle dish? Use any large glass bowl.
- For a pretty look, line sliced strawberries around the bowl before layering.
How to Make This Chocolate Strawberry Brownie Trifle
Step 1. Bake the brownies according to package directions and let cool completely. Cut into small, bite-sized 1-inch squares.
Step 2. Prepare the strawberries by washing, removing stems, and slicing into small pieces.
Step 3. Make the pudding mixture by preparing the instant vanilla pudding as directed, then folding in the Cool Whip until smooth and creamy.
Step 4. Add half of the brownie pieces to the bottom of a trifle bowl. Spread half of the pudding and Cool Whip mixture over the brownies.
Step 5. Top with half of the sliced strawberries. Repeat the layers with remaining brownies, pudding mixture, and strawberries, finishing with strawberries on top.
Step 6. Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the top (optional). Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Assembling this Brownie Trifle Dessert
Layer brownies, the pudding and Cool Whip mixture, and fresh strawberries in a trifle bowl. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with strawberries on top for a beautiful strawberry brownie trifle.
Don't worry about perfection, this chocolate and strawberry trifle looks impressive no matter how you layer it.
Storage
- Cover and refrigerate the strawberry brownie trifle up to 24 hours before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing is not recommended, as the strawberries can become watery once thawed.
Strawberry Brownie Trifle Recipe FAQs
You can make this brownie trifle up to 24 hours ahead. It actually tastes better after chilling, which helps the layers set and the flavors blend.
Yes! The creamy layers in this strawberry brownie trifle are made by combining instant pudding with Cool Whip for a light, fluffy texture.
Let the brownies cool completely before layering and avoid overly juicy fruit. Chilling the trifle also helps the layers hold together better when serving.
Absolutely. Chocolate pudding makes this more of a chocolate strawberry trifle and adds an even richer chocolate flavor.
Fresh strawberries are best for texture, but thawed and well-drained frozen strawberries can work in a pinch.
More Trifle Desserts You’ll Love
This easy Strawberry Brownie Trifle is a rich yet refreshing chocolate and strawberry dessert that's perfect for any occasion. With layers of brownies, creamy pudding, strawberries, and fluffy Cool Whip, it's a simple make-ahead treat that always impresses.
Tried this recipe? Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and let me know what you think in the comments! You can also follow me on Pinterest for even more easy, family-friendly recipes.
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Strawberry Brownie Trifle with Pudding and Cool Whip
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix plus ingredients listed on box
- 12 oz Cool Whip thawed
- 5 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups milk for pudding
- 2 lb fresh strawberries sliced
- ½ cup chocolate chips melted, optional for topping
Instructions
- Prepare brownies according to package directions. Let cool completely, then cut into small bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and slice the strawberries, removing stems.
- In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk until thickened. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until smooth.
- In a trifle bowl, layer half of the brownie pieces on the bottom. Spread half of the pudding mixture over the brownies, then top with half of the strawberries.
- Repeat layers with remaining brownies, pudding mixture, and strawberries.
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the top, if desired.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- This strawberry brownie trifle can be made up to 24 hours in advance.
- For a richer flavor, substitute chocolate pudding for vanilla pudding.
- Homemade brownies can be used instead of a boxed mix.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh strawberries.
Nutrition
Carrie says
I made this for a birthday with my brownie recipe. It came out really good, everybody liked it .
Kristin says
Yay! Glad you all enjoyed it!!
Eva Busi says
How many people does this serve
Kristin says
About 12+ servings!
TxMomto5 says
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 says
Yea!! Glad to hear you enjoyed this! Great addition of blueberries, I bet that was tasty!
Lucille Villegas says
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 says
Glad you found this! You’ll love it!! Let me know how it turns out!!
Saber says
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 says
Oh how great!! I love hearing that and am SO glad it is a hit!! Yum!!! 🙂