Decadent Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle

Prepare to embark on a truly unforgettable dessert journey with this exquisite Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle. This show-stopping creation is an absolute dream for any chocolate and hazelnut enthusiast, a symphony of textures and flavors meticulously layered to create a dessert that is as visually stunning as it is incredibly delicious. Imagine sinking your spoon through decadent strata of rich milk chocolate hazelnut brownies, followed by an airy yet intensely flavorful chocolate Nutella mousse, all interspersed with delightful crunchy bits of milk chocolate hazelnut bar and a generous scattering of toasted hazelnuts. The grand finale is a crown of enticing, sweetened whipped cream dollops, adding a final touch of creamy perfection.

If you have a passion for impressive, layered desserts, this trifle is guaranteed to become your new favorite. Its opulent combination of classic chocolate and the beloved nutty essence of hazelnuts makes it a standout choice for any celebration or simply as a luxurious treat to brighten your day. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or looking for a delightful shortcut, this recipe offers flexibility without compromising on taste or presentation.

Looking for more delightful trifle inspirations? Explore our Easy Berry Trifle for a fruity twist, dive into the indulgence of 4 Dreamy Chocolate Trifles, or go all out with our OMG Chocolate Oreo Cheesecake Brownie Trifle. Each offers its own unique charm and will undoubtedly bring joy to your table.

Why This Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle Will Be Your New Obsession!

Get ready to impress and delight everyone with this sensational, creamy layered trifle featuring the irresistible trio of milk chocolate, hazelnuts, and Nutella. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s an experience – profoundly dreamy, exquisitely creamy, and utterly heavenly, almost otherworldly in its deliciousness. The carefully crafted layers of rich hazelnut brownies, the velvety milk chocolate hazelnut mousse, the clouds of sweet whipped cream, and the delightful crunch of chocolate hazelnut candy bars combine to create a truly decadent indulgence. This trifle is so irresistible that no one will be able to stop at just one taste!

Our inspiration for this magnificent dessert stems from a deep love for the classic combination of milk chocolate and hazelnuts. One particular shopping trip to ALDI unveiled their exquisite Choceur Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Bars. These bars, renowned for their smooth milk chocolate generously studded with fresh roasted hazelnuts, are truly a dream come true for any nut-and-chocolate lover. For this trifle, we recommend using at least three of these bars – one chopped into the brownie batter, another sprinkled on top of the brownies before baking, and a final half bar reserved for garnishing the finished trifle. The quality of these chocolate bars significantly elevates the overall flavor profile of the dessert, making every bite a moment of pure bliss.

While Choceur bars from ALDI are a fantastic choice, you are certainly not limited. Many other premium chocolate brands offer delicious hazelnut chocolate bars that would work beautifully in this recipe. Consider options like Ritter Sport, known for its high-quality ingredients, or the luxurious taste of Godiva chocolate bars. Other excellent alternatives include the creamy Milka Milk chocolate with hazelnuts or the sophisticated richness of Lindt hazelnut chocolate. Any of these choices will infuse your trifle with exceptional chocolate-hazelnut flavor, ensuring a truly memorable dessert.

Beyond the chocolate bars, a key ingredient that cements our “deep in hazelnut love” is Nutella. This iconic chocolate hazelnut spread lends its distinct, luscious flavor and creamy texture to our mousse, making it incredibly rich and satisfying. By combining these various delicious hazelnut elements – from the brownies to the mousse and the garnishes – we’ve created what we believe to be one of the most decadent and flavorful trifles you will ever taste. It’s a hazelnut lover’s dream come true, promising rich chocolatey notes with every spoonful.

Essential Ingredients for Your Decadent Brownie Mousse Nutella Trifle

Creating this spectacular Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each contributing to its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. We’ve designed this recipe to be approachable, offering shortcuts where possible without sacrificing the gourmet feel. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

For the Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies:

• 1 box Pillsbury Milk Chocolate Brownies: Using a high-quality boxed brownie mix like Pillsbury is our secret weapon for saving time without compromising on flavor or fudgy texture. It provides a reliable base that bakes up perfectly every time, allowing you to focus on the fun parts of customizing and assembling your trifle.
• 2 – 3.52 oz. Choceur Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Chocolate Bars (or any preferred hazelnut chocolate bar): These bars are crucial for infusing the brownies with intense hazelnut and milk chocolate flavor. One bar will be roughly chopped and mixed directly into the brownie batter, while the second will be chopped and sprinkled over the top before baking. This dual application ensures a delightful chocolatey hazelnut burst in every bite.
• Optional: 1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Coffee Extract: A touch of coffee extract can dramatically enhance the chocolate flavor in baked goods, making it taste richer and more complex without adding a distinct coffee taste. It’s a chef’s secret for deepening chocolate notes and is highly recommended if you want to elevate your brownies to the next level.

For the Velvety Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse:

• 20 oz. cream cheese (2 1/2 blocks), softened: Softened cream cheese is the foundation of our mousse, providing a wonderfully tangy and creamy base that perfectly balances the sweetness of the chocolate and Nutella. Ensure it’s at room temperature for a smooth, lump-free mousse.
• 1 ½ cups Chocolate Hazelnut Butter (Nutella): This is where the magic happens for the mousse! Nutella brings its iconic, rich chocolate-hazelnut flavor and a beautiful, spreadable consistency. It’s the star of the mousse, imparting depth and an utterly irresistible taste.

For the Dreamy Whipped Cream Layers:

• 2 cups whipped cream for layering: This portion is for creating smooth, pillowy layers within your trifle, complementing the brownies and mousse with its lightness.
• 3 cups whipped cream for topping: This generous amount is reserved for piping decorative stars or dollops on top of the trifle, making it visually stunning and adding an extra layer of creamy delight to each serving.

For the Delectable Extras and Garnish:

• ¼ cup Chocolate Hazelnut Butter (Nutella): A small amount of additional Nutella, gently melted, will be drizzled over the top of the trifle. This creates beautiful marbled patterns and adds an extra pop of hazelnut chocolate flavor right before serving.
• ½ – 3.52 oz. Choceur Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Chocolate Bar: This final half bar is for a delightful crunch and visual appeal. Roughly chopped, it’s sprinkled over the top of the finished trifle, providing texture and reinforcing the chocolate hazelnut theme.

Gathering these ingredients is the first exciting step towards assembling a dessert that promises to be a true showstopper. The blend of rich chocolate, fragrant hazelnuts, and creamy textures will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Step-by-Step Instructions: How To Create Our Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle

Assembling this magnificent trifle is a delightful process, building layers of flavor and texture that culminate in a truly unforgettable dessert. Follow these detailed steps to create your own Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle:

Part 1: Preparing Your Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownies

1. Prepare the Brownie Batter: Begin by following the instructions on your Pillsbury Milk Chocolate Brownie box for preparing the batter. Once the base batter is ready, it’s time to infuse it with hazelnut goodness. Take one of your 3.52 oz. Choceur Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Bars and roughly chop it into small, irregular pieces. Fold these chopped candy bar pieces into the brownie batter. If you’re opting for the extra depth of flavor, now is also the time to add 1 teaspoon of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Coffee Extract to the batter and mix until just combined.
2. Bake the Brownies: Pour the enriched brownie batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan. Take the second 3.52 oz. Choceur Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Bar, roughly chop it, and generously sprinkle these pieces over the top of the brownie batter. This adds a beautiful visual element and an extra layer of crunchy chocolate hazelnut. Bake the brownies according to the package directions, typically around 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as you want them fudgy.
3. Cool and Cut: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for them to set properly and be easy to cut. Once entirely cool, cut the brownies into approximately 1-inch squares. These will form the foundation of your trifle layers.

Part 2: Crafting the Silky Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse

1. Prepare the Mousse: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment), combine the softened cream cheese and 1 ½ cups of Nutella (chocolate hazelnut butter). Beat them together on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth, well combined, and has a light and airy consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix once smooth, as this can affect the texture of the cream cheese.

Part 3: Artful Assembling of Your Trifle

Now for the exciting part – bringing all the components together in a stunning display! A clear trifle bowl is ideal for showcasing the beautiful layers.

1. First Brownie Layer: Place approximately one-third of your cut brownie squares evenly in the bottom of your trifle bowl. Ensure they form a relatively flat layer.
2. First Mousse and Whipped Cream Layer: Carefully spread one-third of the prepared Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse over the brownie layer. Aim for an even spread. Next, gently spread 2 cups of the whipped cream on top of the mousse, creating a delicate, creamy layer.
3. Second Layer Repetition: Repeat the layering process. Add another one-third of the brownie squares, followed by the remaining Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse. Spread this evenly. Then, layer with 1 cup of the remaining whipped topping.
4. Final Brownie Layer: Add the rest of the brownie squares, being mindful to keep them slightly away from the outside edge of the bowl. This creates a small gap that allows the final whipped cream and Nutella drizzle to flow beautifully.
5. Decorative Whipped Cream Topping: Take the remaining whipped topping (approximately 2 cups, depending on how much you used for layering) and transfer it to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe beautiful whipped cream stars or rosettes along the border of the bowl’s edge, creating an elegant and inviting top layer.
6. Nutella Drizzle: Gently melt the reserved ¼ cup of chocolate hazelnut butter (Nutella). You can do this in a microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted and smooth, drizzle it artfully over the brownies and the piped whipped cream stars. This adds a fantastic visual swirl and an extra burst of flavor.
7. Final Garnish: Take the remaining ½ of the 3.52 oz. Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Chocolate Bar and roughly chop it. Sprinkle these chopped bits over the top of the dessert for added texture and a professional finish.
8. Chill and Serve: Place the assembled trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. This chilling time is essential for the mousse and whipped cream to firm up and for the trifle to be easily scoopable. Serve chilled and enjoy the glorious layers!

Whipped Cream Options: Store-Bought vs. Homemade Perfection

The whipped cream in this trifle serves as a light, airy contrast to the rich brownies and mousse, and you have options for how to incorporate it. While store-bought whipped topping offers convenience, making your own fresh whipped cream can elevate the dessert with its superior texture and flavor.

If you prefer the fresh, homemade touch, here’s how to prepare it: In a chilled large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of very cold heavy cream and 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as it can turn grainy. Freshly whipped cream is exquisitely light and tastes wonderfully creamy, often having a more pronounced dairy flavor than its store-bought counterpart. It also holds its shape beautifully for piping decorative elements, giving your trifle a truly gourmet finish.

For those opting for simplicity or needing to save time, a high-quality store-bought whipped topping is a perfectly acceptable alternative. Just ensure it’s well-chilled before using and that you have enough to cover both the internal layers and the generous topping required for this recipe. Whichever option you choose, the creamy layer will be a delightful addition to this hazelnut masterpiece.

Unlocking Deliciousness with Easy Shortcut Hazelnut Brownies!

We absolutely adore smart shortcuts, especially when crafting an elaborate dessert like a trifle. While trifles present a stunning visual and culinary experience, they can sometimes be a bit time-consuming. That’s precisely why we embraced a fantastic boxed brownie shortcut for this recipe! We started with our favorite boxed Pillsbury’s Milk Chocolate Brownies, which consistently deliver a rich, fudgy base.

To transform these classic brownies into decadent hazelnut-worthy layers, we took a simple yet impactful approach. First, we roughly chopped one of the milk chocolate hazelnut candy bars and folded it directly into the brownie batter. This ensures that every bite of brownie is infused with delightful chocolatey and nutty chunks. Then, before baking, we roughly chopped another candy bar and generously sprinkled it over the top of the batter in the 9×13 inch pan. This not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also creates a wonderfully crunchy, caramelized top layer. The result? Easy, incredibly flavorful, and perfectly fudgy brownies that are exceptionally delicious and ready to be layered into your magnificent trifle.

Honestly, these “decked out” brownies are so wonderfully sinful, you might find yourself wanting to make a batch just to enjoy on their own! Try them, and you’ll instantly fall in love with the enhanced flavors and textures. It’s a shortcut that tastes anything but!

Creative Enhancements and More Options for Your Trifle

This Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle is fantastic as is, but it also serves as a wonderful canvas for your creativity! Here are some additional ideas and substitutions to personalize your dessert:

• Elevate with Ferrero Rocher: For an even more luxurious touch, place some whole Ferrero Rocher chocolates on top of the trifle as an elegant garnish. Alternatively, you can chop them up and fold pieces into the brownie batter or the mousse for an extra dimension of texture and flavor. The crisp wafer, creamy filling, and whole hazelnut within Ferrero Rocher are a natural complement to this trifle.
• Mousse Alternatives: If Nutella isn’t available or if you prefer a different flavor profile, you can easily switch out the hazelnut mousse. A simple combination of chocolate pudding (instant or homemade) mixed with some whipped cream creates a lighter chocolate mousse. You could also try a mascarpone cream sweetened with cocoa powder for a richer, less sweet option.
• Brownie and Cake Substitutions: Don’t have a box of brownies on hand? No problem! You can use this fantastic homemade Nutella brownie recipe for an even more intensely hazelnut-flavored base. Alternatively, substitute the brownies with a store-bought or homemade chocolate cake. A rich chocolate fudge cake or even a devil’s food cake would provide a soft, moist layer. For extra chocolate indulgence, consider adding some chocolate chips to your brownies or cake batter.
• Dark Chocolate Indulgence: If milk chocolate isn’t your preference, feel free to opt for dark chocolate brownies. The slightly bitter notes of dark chocolate would create a sophisticated contrast with the sweet hazelnut mousse and whipped cream, making for an equally delectable experience.
• Craving Extra Crunch? If you’re a fan of pronounced textures, incorporate extra roasted hazelnuts into your trifle. You can mix them into the brownie batter, sprinkle them between the mousse and whipped cream layers, or add them generously to the top for an irresistible crunch in every bite. Lightly toasting them beforehand will bring out their full, aromatic flavor.
• Flavor Boosters: A splash of hazelnut liqueur (like Frangelico) could be added to the mousse or drizzled over the brownies for an adult twist. A hint of orange zest in the whipped cream could also provide a bright, unexpected flavor counterpoint.

This Milk Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Mousse Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration in a bowl. For your next special occasion, be it a birthday celebration, festive holiday get-togethers, a romantic Valentine’s Day treat, or a potluck where you want to truly shine, this recipe will undoubtedly impress. Its captivating layers and decadent flavors are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on your guests, making it a memorable centerpiece for any event.

Don’t forget to share your amazing creations with us! Tag us and share on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook! We love seeing your baking triumphs and how you bring our recipes to life.

Seeking even more spectacular Trifle ideas? Discover additional inspiration by checking out RecipeLion for your next holiday or special occasion dessert!

Explore More Luscious Trifle Recipes!

If you’re now a trifle enthusiast, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other delightful trifle recipes that promise to tantalize your taste buds and impress your guests:

• Double Stuff Oreo Brownie Chocolate Mousse Trifle: A dream for Oreo lovers, combining rich brownies with creamy chocolate mousse and iconic cookies.
• Ultimate Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle: The ultimate indulgence for fans of the classic chocolate and peanut butter pairing.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Brownie Trifle Delight: A romantic and fresh combination of juicy strawberries and rich chocolate.
• Heavenly Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Trifle: Layers of decadent cheesecake, sticky caramel, and fudgy brownies for an opulent treat.