I absolutely love the Peanut Butter Cup Trifle recipe! It’s a delightful dessert that combines all my favorite flavors in one mouthwatering treat. This trifle is a perfect blend of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and fluffy whipped cream. Layered with chocolate brownies, peanut butter cups, and a luscious peanut butter mousse, it’s a dessert lover’s dream come true.

The contrasting textures and flavors make each spoonful a true delight. Whether you’re an avid fan of peanut butter or just looking for a show-stopping dessert, this Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is guaranteed to impress!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

• 2 5.1 oz packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 c. creamy peanut butter
• 2 13 oz packages Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 1 19.5 oz Pillsbury Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix
• 4 c. 2% milk
• 2 8 oz cartons Cool Whip, thawed
• 4 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions for Making Peanut Butter Cup Trifle

1. Follow the instructions on the brownie mix package to prepare the mix in a 9×13 inch pan, being careful not to bake the brownies for too long.
2. Place it on a metal rack to cool, and then cut it into pieces that are 3/4 inches in size.
3. Slice Reese’s peanut butter cups in half and keep 1/3 cup aside for decoration.
4. Combine milk and pudding mixes in a big bowl and whisk them together for 2 minutes. Then, incorporate peanut butter and vanilla into the mixture and mix thoroughly. Finally, gently add 1-1/2 cartons of whipped topping and gently mix it in.
5. In a trifle bowl, arrange one-third of the brownies. Then, place one-third of the remaining peanut butter cups on top. After that, spoon one-third of the pudding mixture over the brownies and peanut butter cups. Repeat these layers two more times. Finally, cover the entire trifle with the remaining whipped topping and decorate it with the peanut butter cups that were set aside.
6. Refrigerate until chilled.

How long to refrigerate the trifle

Once you have assembled the Peanut Butter Cup Trifle and added the final layer of whipped cream, it is recommended to refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This chilling time will allow the trifle to firm up and for the flavors to mingle, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dessert.

For optimal taste and texture, you can refrigerate the trifle overnight. This extended refrigeration time will give the ingredients ample time to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and rich dessert experience. The longer the trifle is refrigerated, the better it will taste.

When it’s time to serve the trifle, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This will allow the layers to soften slightly and make it easier to scoop and serve.

Variations and Additions

Ideas for additional toppings and mix-ins

Looking to take your Peanut Butter Cup Trifle to the next level? Here are some ideas for additional toppings and mix-ins that will elevate your dessert experience.

Crushed Oreos: Add a crunchy element to your trifle by sprinkling crushed Oreo cookies between the layers. The combination of the chocolatey cookies and creamy peanut butter will create a heavenly blend of flavors and textures.

Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a luscious salted caramel sauce over each layer of the trifle for an extra indulgent touch. The sweet and salty caramel will perfectly complement the peanut butter and chocolate, creating a delightful contrast of flavors.

Chopped Nuts: For a nutty crunch, add some chopped peanuts, almonds, or walnuts to your trifle. This not only adds texture but also enhances the nutty flavor profile of the dessert.

Chocolate Shavings: Take your trifle presentation up a notch by garnishing the top layer with delicate chocolate shavings. Use a vegetable peeler to create thin curls of chocolate and sprinkle them over the whipped cream for an elegant finishing touch.

Making a gluten-free or vegan Peanut Butter Cup Trifle

If you or your guests have dietary restrictions, don’t worry! You can still enjoy a delicious Peanut Butter Cup Trifle by making a few simple modifications.

Gluten-free: Substitute the regular chocolate cake in the trifle with a gluten-free chocolate cake or brownies. You can easily find pre-made gluten-free options at your local grocery store or make your own using gluten-free flour alternatives.

Vegan: To make a vegan version of the Peanut Butter Cup Trifle, use a dairy-free whipped topping in place of regular whipped cream. There are many non-dairy options available in stores or you can even make your own using coconut cream or aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas.

For the chocolate pudding layer, opt for a vegan-friendly chocolate pudding mix or make your own using avocado or silken tofu as a base. And don’t forget to check the ingredients of the peanut butter cups to ensure they are vegan-friendly.

By making these adjustments, you can accommodate dietary preferences without compromising on the taste and indulgence of this irresistible dessert.

Tips on storing leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Peanut Butter Cup Trifle (which might be unlikely considering how delicious it is), here are some storage tips:

Refrigeration: Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh.

Consume within: The trifle is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. After that, the texture and taste may start to deteriorate.

Avoid Freezing: Due to the delicate layers and texture of the trifle, freezing is not recommended as it may compromise the quality.

FAQ about Peanut Butter Cup Trifle

Here are some frequently asked questions about this delectable dessert, along with their answers.

What is a Peanut Butter Cup Trifle?
A Peanut Butter Cup Trifle is a layered dessert made with alternating layers of chocolate cake, peanut butter pudding, whipped cream, and chopped peanut butter cups. It’s a delightful combination of rich flavors and textures that will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Can I use a different type of cake?
Absolutely! While chocolate cake is the traditional choice for a Peanut Butter Cup Trifle, you can experiment with different flavors. Try using a chocolate fudge cake, a chocolate chip cake, or even a peanut butter cake to enhance the peanut butter flavor. The key is to choose a cake that complements the other flavors and textures in the trifle.

Can I use store-bought pudding?
Yes, using store-bought instant pudding mix is a convenient option. Simply follow the instructions on the package to prepare the pudding and mix it with peanut butter. However, if you prefer a homemade pudding, you can make it from scratch using milk, sugar, cornstarch, and peanut butter.

Can I make a smaller portion?
Absolutely! If you don’t want to make a large trifle, you can assemble individual servings in glasses or mason jars. Just adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly and layer them in smaller containers.

Peanut Butter Cup Trifle

Creamy pudding, whipped cream, and brownie layers with Peanut Butter Cup Trifle Cups. Easy and delicious! Try it today.

5 from 1 vote

PRINT PIN RATE

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings 12

INGREDIENTS

• 2 5.1 oz packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1 c. creamy peanut butter
• 2 13 oz packages Miniature Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
• 1 19.5 oz Pillsbury Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix
• 4 c. 2% milk
• 2 8 oz cartons Cool Whip thawed
• 4 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

• Follow the instructions on the brownie mix package to prepare the mix in a 9×13 inch pan, being careful not to bake the brownies for too long.
• Place it on a metal rack to cool, and then cut it into pieces that are 3/4 inches in size.
• Slice Reese’s peanut butter cups in half and keep 1/3 cup aside for decoration.
• Combine milk and pudding mixes in a big bowl and whisk them together for 2 minutes. Then, incorporate peanut butter and vanilla into the mixture and mix thoroughly. Finally, gently add 1-1/2 cartons of whipped topping and gently mix it in.
• In a trifle bowl, arrange one-third of the brownies. Then, place one-third of the remaining peanut butter cups on top. After that, spoon one-third of the pudding mixture over the brownies and peanut butter cups. Repeat these layers two more times. Finally, cover the entire trifle with the remaining whipped topping and decorate it with the peanut butter cups that were set aside.
• Refrigerate until chilled.