Description

Heaven In A Bowl is a rich and decadent layered dessert featuring fudgy brownie pieces, creamy peanut butter pudding, whipped topping, and mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. This no-bake trifle combines chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter flavors into a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for parties or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer

18.3 ounces box fudge brownie mix

Pudding Layer

6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding (two 3.4-ounce boxes)
3 cups whole milk (cold)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter (Peter Pan brand used)

Other Ingredients

16 ounces whipped topping (thawed)
36 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups (unwrapped and cut into halves, divided into three ⅓ portions for layering and garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Brownies: Prepare and bake the fudge brownie mix according to the package directions for your brand of mix, using a 9×13 baking pan. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting them into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.
Make Pudding Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix, cold whole milk, and vanilla extract for 2 minutes or until the pudding thickens.
Add Peanut Butter: Whisk in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is smooth and thick.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold 1 ½ cups of the thawed whipped topping into the peanut butter pudding mixture until no white streaks remain, creating a smooth, creamy filling.
Layer Brownies and Reese’s Cups: In the bottom of a 3-quart trifle dish, arrange half the brownie pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle ⅓ of the halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the brownies.
Add Pudding Layer: Spread half of the peanut butter pudding filling evenly over the brownie and Reese’s cup layer.
Top with Whipped Topping: Spread half (about 2 ½ cups) of the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
Repeat Layers: Repeat layering with the remaining brownie pieces, another ⅓ of the Reese’s peanut butter cups, the remaining peanut butter pudding filling, and topped with the remaining whipped topping.
Garnish: Pile the remaining ⅓ of halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups in the center on top of the whipped topping as garnish.
Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for 3-4 hours or until completely chilled and the peanut butter pudding layer firms up, making it easy to scoop individual servings.

Notes

Ensure brownies are completely cooled before cutting to maintain neat pieces in the trifle.
You can substitute any brand of creamy peanut butter you prefer, but using a smooth brand helps achieve the best pudding texture.
Use cold milk to help the instant pudding set properly.
The trifle is best served chilled; refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
For a lighter version, you may substitute reduced-fat whipped topping and peanut butter.
This dessert is not gluten-free unless a gluten-free brownie mix is used.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: fudge brownie trifle, peanut butter pudding dessert, layered dessert, Reese's peanut butter cups, no-bake pudding trifle