The Ultimate Brownie Trifle (gluten-free)

If you are looking for a rich, impressive dessert that is actually healthier than it looks – look no further than this brownie trifle! Layers of fudgy brownies, double chocolate cookies, chocolate pudding and coconut whipped topping and made with all gluten-free and dairy-free ingredients.

Summer desserts are usually all about the fruits and cobblers and s’mores. And I get it – I love those things too! But I also love chocolate and cake and brownies and this brownie trifle recipe hits the spot. It is filled with layers of brownies, homemade pudding and whipped topping and I add in some double chocolate chip cookies too.

This brownie trifle is the best of everything. It’s rich, it’s chocolatey yet it’s light and cool and creamy. So perfect for summer time! And while it can seem intimidating to make, it is actually quite simple.

I like to make my own chocolate pudding and whipped coconut cream topping for this. And you can use either a boxed brownie mix or a homemade recipe. Since you need 2 batches, I find that boxed mixes are easier for this dish. But totally up to you.

Layers of fudge brownies with chocolate pudding, chocolate cookies and some coconut cream is truly the ultimate combination and it hits the spot every time.

I cannot wait to hear what you think of this brownie trifle. I hope you love it as much as we do over here!

What ingredients you need to make a brownie trifle:

Begin by making the chocolate mousse:

1. Add mousse ingredients to blender and blend until smooth and creamy
2. Add to a bowl or tupperware and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or until thick)

Make the brownies:

1. Prepare and bake brownies per instructions of the recipe or box mix you are using
2. Allow the brownies to cool completely then cut into 16-20 pieces per batch 

Coconut whipped cream:

1. Chill your mixing bowl for at least 30 minutes or put over a larger bowl of ice
2. Open your cans of coconut milk and scoop out the hardened coconut cream at the top (store the excess liquid for smoothies, oatmeal, etc.)
3. Using a hand mixer, fluff the coconut cream for 30-60 seconds then add in sugar and vanilla and fluff with hand mixer until whipped topping is formed 

Layering the trifle:

1. Begin by adding a layer of brownies to the bottom of the trifle dish
2. Next add some of the chocolate mousse and spread evenly into one layer
3. Next add some of the coconut whipped cream and spread across
4. Add 1/2 the double chocolate chip cookies across
5. Repeat until ingredients are all used (save some of the whipped topping for last)
6. Garnish with shaved chocolate if desired then enjoy!

FAQs about making brown trifle:

• What is a trifle? A trifle is a British dessert. Traditionally it is made from sponge cake and layered with jelly, custard or cream and some kind of fruit is involved.
• What if I don’t have a trifle dish? You can use a glass bowl as well! Just make sure it is large in size/similar to a trifle dish.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish tastes great after chilling for an hour or so anyways. And it stays good for 5 days in the fridge. But for optimal taste/consistency make and serve within a few hours. Or make all the layers then assemble 1-2 hours before serving.
• Can I use a store bought pudding and whipped topping? You could buy cool whip at the store and pudding mix if you prefer. I do like this homemade version since it’s a bit healthier but I also get the shortcut method!

A few other delicious dessert recipes to try:

Mint Chocolate Chip Pudding

S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies

Healthy Strawberry Shortcake

White Chocolate Brownies (gluten-free)