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
Saber says
Made this,it was GREAT.
Kristin says
Yea!! So glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Priya Shiva says
This looks delicious!
Phyllis Luff says
I had a similar one of these at a family reunion. Your recipe looks like the one. I know I’ll enjoy it, looks delicious.
I was wondering if needed add little sugar to strawberries & blueberries?
Kristin says
Yay! Hope you enjoy! Nope, no added sugar is needed to any of the fruit! Keep me posted what you think!!
Anna Royal says
I made this for my sister. I included bananas and instead of vanilla pudding, I used banana pudding. Delicious!
Anna Royal says
I made it for my sister. I included bananas and instead of vanilla pudding, I used banana pudding. Delicious!
Anonymous says
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 says
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 says
I made it & it was easy & delicious!
John Ward says
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 says
try poking holes and then pouring condendensed milk over the brownies before you break them up.
Denise Johnson says
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 says
This is real good using Oreos instead of the brownies then also add some bananas too….really yummy!!
Anonymous says
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 says
Making this for my babies different from the everyday; thanks!
Nancy says
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 says
I got to try this