What’s a St. Patrick’s Day celebration without a little chocolate, a touch of Irish cream, and layers of indulgence? If you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, easy to assemble, and an absolute crowd-pleaser, this Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is your new go-to recipe. With rich, fudgy brownie chunks, fluffy whipped cream, and a hint of Irish cream liqueur (or a family-friendly alternative), this trifle is the perfect balance of texture and flavor.
Trifles have long been a dessert table staple, dating back centuries in English and Irish cuisine. But let’s be honest—traditional trifles with sponge cake and custard are no match for one packed with gooey chocolate brownies and velvety layers of creamy goodness. Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party or just want a fun dessert to share, this trifle will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Contents
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Pudding Layer:
- 1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1/4 cup Irish cream liqueur (optional; substitute with extra milk for a non-alcoholic version)
For the Extra Layers & Garnish:
- 1 cup crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (optional for crunch)
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings
- Green sprinkles or edible gold flakes for decoration
Timing
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 30 minutes
- Assembly Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
This means you can have an ultra-decadent dessert ready in just over an hour—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Brownies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing!
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into bite-sized chunks.
Step 2: Prepare the Whipped Cream
- In a chilled mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on high speed until soft peaks form.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Make the Chocolate Pudding
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and cold milk until smooth.
- If using Irish cream liqueur, stir it in and let the pudding sit for about 5 minutes to thicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle
- In a large trifle dish or individual serving cups, start with a layer of brownie chunks.
- Spread a generous layer of chocolate pudding over the brownies.
- Add a layer of whipped cream, smoothing it evenly.
- Sprinkle crushed chocolate cookies or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of whipped cream.
Step 5: Garnish and Chill
- Top with chocolate shavings, green sprinkles, or edible gold flakes for a festive touch.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~380
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 5g
- Sugar: 32g
Note: These values may vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you want a slightly lighter version of this Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle, here are a few easy swaps:
- Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free pudding mix and reduce sugar in the brownie batter.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut cream for whipped cream and use almond milk for the pudding.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free brownie mix or swap all-purpose flour for almond or oat flour.
- Protein Boost: Add Greek yogurt to the whipped cream layer for extra protein and creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Individual Cups: Instead of a large trifle dish, assemble the dessert in individual glasses or mason jars for easy serving.
- Pair with Irish Coffee: A warm cup of Irish coffee complements the rich chocolate flavors perfectly.
- Add Fresh Berries: For a hint of tartness, layer in fresh raspberries or strawberries.
- Make It a Boozy Dessert: Add a splash of Irish whiskey or Baileys to the pudding for an adults-only treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking the Brownies – You want them fudgy, not dry! Check for moist crumbs, not a completely clean toothpick.
- Skipping the Chilling Step – The trifle needs at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
- Overwhipping the Cream – Stop when you reach soft peaks, or it could turn into butter.
- Not Letting the Brownies Cool – Warm brownies will make the pudding layer runny. Be patient!
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make-Ahead: You can bake the brownies and prepare the pudding a day in advance. Assemble the trifle just before serving for the best texture.
- Freezing: While brownies can be frozen for up to a month, the full trifle is best enjoyed fresh.
Conclusion
This Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is a dessert that brings together everything we love about indulgence—rich chocolate, creamy layers, and a festive touch. Whether you’re hosting a St. Patrick’s Day party or just looking for a decadent treat, this trifle is guaranteed to impress. Try it out, leave a comment below with your experience, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!
FAQs
1. Can I make this trifle a day in advance?
Yes! You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Just wait until right before serving to add the final garnish for the best presentation.
2. What’s a good non-alcoholic substitute for Irish cream?
If you want the same creamy flavor without alcohol, mix 1/4 cup of heavy cream with a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon of chocolate syrup.
3. Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of homemade brownies?
Absolutely! A boxed brownie mix is a great shortcut if you’re short on time. Just follow the package instructions.
4. How can I make this trifle extra festive?
Try adding green food coloring to the whipped cream, topping it with shamrock-shaped sprinkles, or serving it in a clear dish to showcase the layers.
Enjoy your Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle and make this St. Patrick’s Day extra sweet! ☘️
