This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is the ultimate festive treat layers of rich, fudgy brownies, luscious whipped cream, and a silky chocolate pudding, all dressed up with a little Irish flair. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or just treating yourself (because why not?), this dessert is an absolute showstopper. The combination of textures and flavors is out of this world think chewy brownies, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped cream in every single bite. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to put together, making it the perfect make-ahead dessert for your St. Paddy’s Day gathering. Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent & Indulgent – Every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream, with rich, fudgy goodness balanced by light and creamy layers.
- Super Easy to Assemble – No fancy baking skills needed! Just layer it up and let the flavors do the work.
- Perfect for a Crowd – This trifle is made for sharing, making it the ultimate party dessert.
- Festive & Fun – With a touch of green (hello, sprinkles or mint!), it’s just right for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- Chocolate & cocoa powder – For a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Butter – Adds that irresistible fudginess.
- Sugar & eggs – Creates a perfectly chewy texture.
- Flour & baking powder – Just enough to hold everything together while staying soft.
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer
- Milk & heavy cream – The base for a silky-smooth pudding.
- Sugar & cocoa powder – For that deep chocolatey goodness.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the pudding to the perfect consistency.
- Vanilla extract – Adds a lovely hint of warmth.
For the Whipped Cream Layer
- Heavy whipping cream – Whipped to soft, fluffy perfection.
- Powdered sugar – Just a touch of sweetness.
- Vanilla extract – For that extra depth of flavor.
Toppings (Optional but Highly Recommended!)
- Green sprinkles or crushed mint candies – Because St. Paddy’s Day calls for a little green!
- Chocolate shavings – For an extra touch of indulgence.
👉 Note: The exact ingredient measurements will be in the recipe card at the bottom!
How to Make St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
Prepare your favorite homemade brownies (or use a boxed mix for an easy shortcut). Let them cool completely before cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding
In a saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let it cool completely.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
- Start with a layer of brownie pieces at the bottom of your trifle dish.
- Spoon a layer of chocolate pudding over the brownies.
- Add a generous layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat until you reach the top, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
Step 5: Decorate and Chill
Sprinkle with green sprinkles, crushed mint candies, or chocolate shavings. Chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them this helps them hold their shape in the trifle.
- Use chilled mixing bowls when whipping the cream for the fluffiest texture.
- Make it boozy! A splash of Irish cream (like Baileys) in the pudding or whipped cream adds a fun adult twist.
- Assemble a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld together just wait to add the toppings until right before serving.
How to Serve
This trifle is best served chilled and straight from the fridge! It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee, a glass of Irish cream liqueur, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. Serve it in a large trifle dish for a stunning centerpiece, or go for individual cups for a fun, portable dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors get even better as they sit!
Freezing
While you can freeze the trifle, the texture of the whipped cream may change slightly. If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the final whipped cream layer. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat this dessert is best served cold!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownies?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, store-bought or boxed mix brownies work perfectly. Just make sure they’re rich and fudgy for the best texture.
Can I make this trifle the night before?
Yes! In fact, it’s even better when made a few hours in advance. Just hold off on adding any crunchy toppings until right before serving to keep them fresh.
Can I make this trifle without chocolate pudding?
Of course! If you’re not a fan of pudding, you can swap it for layers of chocolate mousse or even just extra whipped cream for a lighter version.
What’s the best way to serve individual portions?
For a cute and mess-free presentation, layer the trifle in small cups or mason jars. This makes them easy to serve at parties and lets everyone grab their own!
More Delicious Desserts to Try
If you love indulgent, crowd-pleasing treats like this St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle, here are a few more must-try desserts:
- Blueberry Coffee Cake – A soft, buttery coffee cake bursting with juicy blueberries and topped with a crumbly streusel. Perfect for brunch or a cozy afternoon treat!
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars – A healthier yet delicious option, packed with chocolatey peanut butter goodness. Great for snacking or a post-workout boost!
- 🇩🇪 German Chocolate Poke Cake – A rich, ultra-moist chocolate cake filled with caramel and topped with a decadent coconut-pecan frosting. Pure indulgence!
And there you have it your St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is ready to steal the spotlight! This dessert is the perfect balance of rich, fudgy brownies, creamy green pudding, and fluffy whipped topping, all topped with crunchy mint Oreo goodness. It’s festive, fun, and ridiculously easy to put together no fancy baking skills required!
Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family, or just treating yourself to something sweet, this trifle is guaranteed to be a hit. Make it ahead of time, serve it chilled, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds (because trust me, they will).
Give it a try this St. Paddy’s Day, and may the luck of the Irish (and all the chocolatey goodness) be with you! Sláinte!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is the perfect festive dessert! Layers of rich, fudgy brownies, silky green pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy mint Oreos create a show-stopping treat. It’s easy to assemble, requires minimal prep, and is perfect for any St. Paddy’s Day celebration. Whether you’re making it for a party or just indulging at home, this no-fuss dessert will be a crowd favorite!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer
- 1 box brownie mix (8x8 pan size)
- Ingredients as listed on the brownie mix box (eggs, oil, water)
For the Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.5 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 3–4 drops green food coloring (adjust for desired color)
For the Toppings
- 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
- 6–8 mint Oreos, crushed
Instructions
Bake the Brownies – Prepare and bake the brownies according to the package directions for an 8×8-inch pan. Allow them to cool completely, then cut into bite-sized squares.
Prepare the Pudding – In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Stir in green food coloring a few drops at a time until you achieve the desired shade of green. Let the pudding set for a few minutes.
Crush the Oreos – Place the mint Oreos in a sealed Ziploc bag and use a rolling pin or the back of a spoon to crush them into small chunks.
Assemble the Trifle – In a trifle dish or large bowl, layer half of the brownie pieces at the bottom. Spread half of the green vanilla pudding on top, followed by half of the Cool Whip. Repeat the layers once more, finishing with Cool Whip.
Garnish and Chill – Sprinkle crushed mint Oreos over the top for a festive garnish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- Pudding Alternative: If you want to skip food coloring, swap vanilla pudding for pistachio pudding for a naturally green hue and nutty flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the trifle a few hours before serving and keep it chilled. Add the crushed Oreos right before serving to keep them crunchy.
- Serving Suggestion: Try making mini trifles in mason jars for a fun, individual dessert option.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (for brownies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (after baking brownies)
- Cuisine: American