Indulge in a truly spectacular dessert experience with the Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle. This show-stopping creation is a symphony of flavors and textures, meticulously layered to deliver pure bliss in every bite. Imagine sinking your spoon through rich, fudgy brownie bites infused with molten peanut butter cups, followed by a creamy, dreamy peanut butter cheesecake mousse, then a cloud of decadent whipped cream, all crowned with a generous sprinkle of buttery toffee bits and even more mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. It’s a dessert that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also captivates with its stunning visual appeal, making it the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.
The magic of this trifle lies in its harmonious combination of beloved ingredients. Each layer contributes to an unforgettable taste journey: the intense chocolate of the brownies, the salty-sweet allure of peanut butter, and the luxurious smoothness of the cheesecake mousse and whipped cream. It’s an elevated take on the classic peanut butter and chocolate pairing, transformed into an elegant, yet incredibly easy-to-make dessert. If you’re a fan of layered delights, you might also enjoy exploring other popular recipes like the Heavenly Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle or the refreshing Strawberry Brownie Trifle Delight, but for a truly iconic combination, this Reese’s rendition stands supreme.
Embrace the Moment with a Decadent Dessert
Life moves quickly, and sometimes, the best way to savor the moment is with a truly exceptional treat. This Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to pause, celebrate, and indulge. Its effortless preparation belies its grand appearance, making it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a birthday party, or simply a weekend gathering with loved ones, this easy trifle recipe promises to be the highlight, bringing smiles and sweet memories.
The universal appeal of peanut butter cups, the satisfying crunch of toffee, and the comforting chewiness of brownies, all enrobed in creamy layers, creates a dessert that is virtually impossible to resist. It’s a flavor profile that speaks to the child in all of us, yet presented in a sophisticated manner that suits any adult palate. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a moment of pure, unadulterated joy that beckons you to dive in.
Building on the success of past holiday favorites, such as the OMG Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Brownie Trifle, this Reese’s version was conceived to continue a tradition of delightful holiday trifles. It was born from the desire to combine classic flavors into a new, exciting format that would become an instant crowd-pleaser. This dessert recipe, rich in both peanut butter and chocolate, guarantees to capture everyone’s attention and leave a lasting impression.
Crafting Your Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle
Creating this magnificent trifle is a rewarding process, made simple with a few key ingredients and straightforward steps. The beauty of a trifle lies in its layered presentation, allowing each distinct component to shine while contributing to a cohesive, delightful whole. Here’s a comprehensive look at what you’ll need and how to assemble this dessert masterpiece.
Essential Ingredients for a Heavenly Trifle
Each component of this trifle is carefully chosen to create a symphony of taste and texture. From the foundational brownies to the crowning toffee bits, every ingredient plays a vital role in its ultimate deliciousness.
Brownie Layers: The Fudgy Foundation
- 2 boxes Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie Mix, plus ingredients to prepare (using Ghirardelli ensures a rich, deep chocolate flavor and fudgy texture)
- 1 bag (8 oz) REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups (these will be baked into the brownies for an extra burst of flavor)
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Mousse Layers: Creamy and Dreamy
This mousse is the heart of the trifle, offering a light yet intensely flavorful peanut butter experience.
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened (ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mousse)
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (choose your favorite brand for the best flavor)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (to sweeten and thicken the mousse to perfection)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (for a light, airy texture that complements the rich peanut butter; alternatively, use 16 oz whipped cream like Cool Whip for a shortcut)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (enhances the overall flavor profile)
Peanut Butter Cup Layers: The Signature Sweetness
No Reese’s trifle would be complete without plenty of these iconic candies, generously sprinkled between layers.
- 3 bags (8 oz each) REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups (these are distributed throughout the trifle, ensuring a delightful surprise in every scoop)
Whipped Topping Layers: The Airy Crown
The final layer adds a light, fluffy contrast and serves as a canvas for the irresistible toppings.
- 2 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream (for making fresh whipped cream with stiff peaks; or 20 oz store-bought whipped topping for convenience)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (if making fresh whipped cream; omit if using pre-made whipped topping)
- Optional: ¼ cup Heath Toffee Sprinkles (for a delightful crunch and buttery flavor)
Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling Your Trifle
Follow these detailed instructions to create each component and then layer them into a stunning dessert that will impress everyone.
1. Preparing the Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- Begin by preparing the two boxes of Ghirardelli brownie mix according to package directions. For optimal results and a generous batch, use a 9×13 inch baking pan. If you prefer a completely homemade touch, you can also use your favorite scratch brownie recipe.
- Once the brownie batter is in the pan, evenly sprinkle one bag of Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups over the top. Make sure to keep the peanut butter cups slightly away from the very edges of the pan to prevent them from melting and sticking too much. Bake as directed. After baking, allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into bite-sized pieces. This ensures clean cuts and prevents crumbling. Set these delicious brownie bites aside, as they will form the foundational layers of your trifle.
2. Creating the Luscious Peanut Butter Mousse
This creamy mousse adds a luxurious texture and rich peanut butter flavor to the trifle.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, whip 2 cups of heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, which can result in a grainy texture. Gently set this aside.
- In a separate large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip this mixture together for 2-3 minutes until it’s thick, smooth, and utterly delightful. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese for the best texture.
- Carefully fold the reserved whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture. Use a spatula to gently combine until just incorporated, maintaining the airy texture of the whipped cream. Avoid vigorous mixing.
- This incredible peanut butter mousse will be divided into two portions for layering within your trifle. Keep it chilled until ready to assemble.
3. Preparing the Fluffy Whipped Topping
A light and airy whipped topping is essential for balancing the rich flavors of the trifle.
- In another clean, large bowl, whip the remaining 2 ¼ cups of heavy whipping cream with ½ cup of powdered sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes, or until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks mean that when you lift the beaters, the whipped cream holds its shape firmly. This beautifully fluffy whipped cream will be used for layering and garnishing. Set aside.
Assembling Your Masterpiece: Layering the Trifle
The visual appeal of a trifle is just as important as its taste. Follow these steps for an artfully layered dessert that will mesmerize your guests.
- Brownie Base: Carefully place half of your peanut butter cup brownie bites into the bottom of a large trifle bowl. Arrange them as evenly as possible to create a solid, delicious base.
- First Peanut Butter Cup Sprinkle: Sprinkle one entire 8 oz bag of REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups evenly over the brownie layer. This ensures that every bite will contain those classic chocolate and peanut butter flavors.
- Mousse Layer: Gently spread half of the prepared peanut butter cheesecake mousse over the peanut butter cups. Take care to spread it smoothly to the edges of the bowl.
- Whipped Cream Layer: Add approximately one-third of your freshly whipped cream (or store-bought whipped topping) and spread it out evenly over the mousse. This adds a beautiful visual contrast and a light texture.
- Repeat Layers: Now, repeat the sequence. Place the remaining brownie bites over the whipped cream.
- Second Peanut Butter Cup Sprinkle: Sprinkle another 8 oz bag of REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups on top of the second brownie layer.
- Final Mousse Layer: Spread the remainder of the peanut butter mousse over the peanut butter cups, ensuring full coverage.
- Second Whipped Cream Layer: Add another third of the whipped cream and spread it evenly over the second mousse layer.
- Decorative Peanut Butter Cups: You should now have one 8 oz bag of REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups remaining. Artfully sprinkle these around the outer edge of the trifle bowl on top of the whipped cream, creating a visually appealing border.
- Center Whipped Cream & Garnish: Pipe or spoon the remaining whipped cream into the center of the trifle. You can create decorative swirls or peaks for an elegant finish.
- Optional Center Garnish: If desired, add any remaining REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups to the very middle of the piped whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Toffee Crunch: Finally, sprinkle some Heath Toffee Bits over the whipped cream, adding a delightful buttery crunch and a beautiful golden color.
- Chill to Perfection: Place the assembled trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled, before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to set.
Expert Tips, Time-Saving Shortcuts, and Creative Substitutions
Making this trifle an enjoyable experience is key, and these insights will help you customize it to your taste and schedule.
- Brownie Shortcut: For those busy days when baking from scratch isn’t an option, feel free to purchase pre-made brownies or mini brownie bites from your local grocery store. Just ensure they are plain chocolate or a flavor that complements peanut butter. This shortcut significantly reduces prep time without sacrificing flavor.
- Candy and Cake Substitutions: While Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are iconic for this trifle, don’t hesitate to personalize it! Substitute them with other favorite candies like chopped Snickers, Butterfingers, or even M&M’s. For a different texture, you can also use chocolate cake layers instead of brownies.
- Whipping Cream Tip: When making your own whipped cream, ensure your heavy whipping cream, bowl, and beaters are very cold. This helps the cream whip up faster and achieve those desirable stiff peaks. Beat on medium-high speed with powdered sugar until the cream holds its shape.
- Brownie Edge Tip: After baking and cooling your brownies, try trimming off the slightly chewier, drier edges (about an inch in) before cutting them into pieces for the trifle. This ensures every brownie bite in your trifle is soft, fudgy, and moist, providing a consistently delightful texture. The trimmed edges are perfect for a chef’s treat!
- Mousse Customization: If you prefer an even quicker mousse, you can substitute the peanut butter cheesecake mousse with instant vanilla pudding mix. Simply prepare the pudding according to package directions, then fold in some creamy peanut butter and a scoop of softened cream cheese or whipped cream to achieve a similar rich and fluffy consistency, tailored to your preferred taste.
The Irresistible Allure of Peanut Butter and Chocolate
There’s a reason why the combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a perennial favorite. The rich, slightly bitter notes of chocolate perfectly complement the creamy, salty sweetness of peanut butter, creating a balance that’s simply addictive. This trifle harnesses that beloved synergy, amplifying it with multiple textures and layers of pure decadence. If you’re a devout peanut butter cup enthusiast, prepare for an experience that transcends your wildest dessert dreams. This ultimate dessert is truly a celebration of these two powerhouse flavors.
To truly elevate your trifle presentation, a beautiful trifle dish is a must-have. Its clear glass allows the stunning layers to be admired by all, making your dessert an edible work of art. If you’re looking to purchase one, Amazon offers a variety of elegant options that can be conveniently delivered right to your door, saving you the hassle of searching. A quality trifle bowl is an investment that will serve you well for many special occasions to come.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to create an unforgettable dessert. This easy peanut butter brownie trifle recipe is poised to become a beloved favorite in your culinary repertoire!
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Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle
Kim Lange
Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle is generously loaded with mini Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, tempting brownie bites with peanut butter cups baked in, rich peanut butter cheesecake mousse, decadent whipped cream and a sprinkle or six of buttery toffee bits.
Pin Recipe
30 mins
25 mins
2 hrs
Dessert
16 Servings
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Layers
- 2 boxes Ghirardelli Chocolate Brownie Mix plus ingredients to prepare
- 1 (8 oz) bag of REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut Butter Cheesecake Mousse Layers
- 2 (8 oz) cream cheese softened
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream or 16 oz whipped cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Peanut Butter Layers
- 3 (8 oz) bags of REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Whipped Topping Layers
- 2 ¼ cups heavy whipping cream or 20 oz Whipped Topping
- ½ cup powdered sugar omit if using whipped topping
- Optional: 1/4 cup Heath Toffee Sprinkles
Instructions
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- Prepare the 2 boxes of brownies in a 9×13 pan.
- Add 1 bag of peanut butter cups to brownies by pouring them evenly on top of brownies (but keeping away from the edge of the brownies) and bake, then cool, then cut into bite size pieces. Set aside.
Peanut Butter Mousse
- In a large mixing bowl, whip together 2 cups of whipping cream for 3-5 minutes, set aside.
- In another large bowl, whip together both softened cream cheese, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla for 2-3 minutes until thick and smooth.
- Add the whipped cream to the peanut butter mixture and whip together until just combined.
- The filling will be divided into two to layer the trifle. Set aside.
Whipped Topping
- In another large bowl, whip another 2 1/4 cups of heavy whipping cream and 1/2 cup powdered sugar together 3-5 minutes, until you have stiff peaks. Set aside.
Layer Trifle Bowl in This Order
- Place half of the peanut butter cup brownie bites in the bottom of the trifle bowl.
- Next, sprinkle 1 bag (8 oz) REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups on top of brownies.
- Spread a layer of half of the peanut butter mousse.
- Add 1/3 of the whipped cream and spread out evenly.
- Repeat Layers, add remainder of brownie bites.
- Next, sprinkle 1 bag (8 oz) REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups on top of brownies.
- Spread remainder of the peanut butter mousse.
- Add 1/3 of the whipped cream and spread out evenly.
- You should have 8 oz REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups remaining. Sprinkle around the edge of the bowl.
- Pipe or spoon the remaining whipped cream in center of trifle.
- Add remaining REESE’S Mini Peanut Butter Cups to the middle if desired.
- Sprinkle some Heath Toffee Bits on top of whipped cream.
- Put in fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
- For a shortcut, you can also buy brownies or get those mini brownie bites at your local store if you don’t have time to bake brownies!
- You can also substitute your favorite candies for the peanut butter cups or use cake instead of brownies.
- Tip: When using whipping cream to make your own whipped cream for the recipe, use a mixer and beat on med-high until you get stiff peaks, along with your powdered sugar.
- Tip: After you bake your brownies, I like to trim off the chewier edges about an inch or so in, then use the rest for the trifle.
chocolate, fluffy desserts, layered dessert, peanut butter, peanut butter cups, peanut butter mousse, reeses, trifle
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