If you’re looking to whip up something festive, fabulous, and fuss-free, this St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is the pot of gold at the end of your dessert rainbow. Whether you’re throwing a themed dinner, attending a school party, or just want an excuse to indulge in chocolate and cream (no judgment here), this recipe is your new holiday BFF.
Loaded with layers of chewy brownies, minty pudding, and cloud-like whipped cream, this dessert screams celebration without screaming for hours in the kitchen. And guess what? It plays well with others like your favorite fiber desserts lineup or even those ensure smoothie recipe moments when you want balance. This one brings the party and the comfort food vibes.
Why You’ll Love This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
- Minimal Prep, Maximum WOW: Uses a brownie mix and cool whip extra creamy, because we’ve got things to do and shows to binge.
- Perfectly Festive: That mint chocolate pudding adds the perfect pop of green to impress your guests (or your Instagram).
- Totally Shareable: This trifle feeds a crowd ideal for office potlucks, family dinners, or a girls’ night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We’re keeping things easy and delicious. You’ll only need a handful of ingredients—brownie mix for that fudgy foundation, minty pudding to keep things cool and festive, and homemade whipped cream to take it over the top.
💡 P.S. All specific quantities and ingredients are listed in the recipe card below!
How to Make This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
This dessert might look like you slaved over it, but between us? It’s super simple.
1. Bake the Brownies
Start by preparing your brownie mix according to the package instructions (yep, that means adding in those eggs, oil, and water). Bake in a 9×13 pan and let them cool completely. No peeking (or slicing!) until they’re set. Once cooled, cut into small bite-sized squares. You want them trifle-friendly not fork-wrestling.
2. Whip It Good
In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it forms soft, pillowy peaks. Think cool whip extra creamy vibes but homemade and even more decadent. Set aside.
3. Layer the Love
In a clear trifle dish or large glass bowl (so we can admire those layers, thank you very much), start layering:
- A bed of brownie bites
- A thick spread of mint chocolate pudding (we ensure chocolate pudding in this house)
- A generous dollop of whipped cream
Repeat until your bowl is bursting with delicious layers. The top should end with a swoosh of whipped cream and maybe a few brownie crumbles or chocolate shavings for good measure.
4. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the dessert a chilled, silky finish. When it comes out, it’s ready to impress.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~320
- Sugar: ~20g
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~34g
- Protein: ~4g
- Fiber: ~2g (Hey there, fiber desserts fans this one sneaks in a bit!)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes (for brownies)
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: About 2 hours
Tips for the Perfect Trifle
- Go Cool Whip Crazy: If you’re short on time, swap homemade whipped cream with cool whip extra creamy it’ll still taste dreamy.
- Add a Crunch Factor: Want texture? Toss in some crushed mint Oreos or Andes mints between layers.
- Keep It Green: For extra Irish flair, top with green sprinkles or a sprig of fresh mint.
- Dessert Shot Version: Serve it in mini cups for portion control and adorable presentation.
How to Serve It
This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is perfect in a clear trifle bowl to show off those decadent layers. Want to be fancy? Spoon it into wine glasses or small mason jars for individual servings.
Top each portion with a little whipped cream swirl and chocolate shavings or for extra luck, a chocolate gold coin. It’s festive, fun, and just indulgent enough to feel like a holiday treat.
Prepping Ahead & Storing Leftovers
This trifle is a make-ahead marvel. Assemble it the night before and store it tightly covered in the fridge it actually gets better as it chills. The brownies soak up the pudding and whipped cream, turning every bite into a dreamy spoonful of mint-chocolate magic.
Got leftovers? Store them in the fridge and eat within 2–3 days. Just a heads-up: the texture may get a little softer, but the flavor? Still fantastic. Freezing isn’t recommended the whipped cream and pudding won’t hold up well once thawed.
A Little Story From the Kitchen…
I first made this trifle on a rainy March evening when I needed something to distract my kids from the minty eye drops fiasco of 2022 (don’t ask). With a brownie box in one hand and hope in the other, I threw this together and my house smelled like a chocolatey dream. Ever since, it’s been our green-themed go-to. Even my husband, who “doesn’t like dessert,” asked for seconds. 😂
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About This Trifle
Can I use store-bought pudding instead of making it from scratch?
Absolutely! To keep it simple, grab pre-made ensure chocolate pudding or any mint chocolate variety from your grocery store’s refrigerated section.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, and I encourage it! Trifles are even better after they’ve chilled for a few hours. The layers blend beautifully, and it saves you time on party day.
What if I don’t like mint?
Totally okay swap the mint chocolate pudding with regular chocolate, or even try a layer of ensure smoothie recipe-style fruit pudding for a twist. It’s your trifle, your rules.
Can I use whipped topping instead of whipping cream?
You sure can. Cool whip extra creamy is a fab shortcut and works great for busy schedules.
Do I have to use a trifle bowl?
Nope! Any clear glass dish will do. Even a deep glass casserole pan works in a pinch. Want to get fancy? Use small glasses for personal trifles.
Can I add extra ingredients like fruit or candy?
Oh yes. Crushed Oreos, chocolate chips, Andes mints, or even green-tinted coconut are great additions. Make it your own!
How do I make this a “healthier” dessert?
Try using sugar-free pudding and a light whipped topping. You can even sneak in some fiber desserts like flax brownies to boost the nutritional content.
Is this kid-friendly?
Definitely. It’s a chocolatey dream that even the pickiest eaters will devour. Just be ready for sticky fingers and big smiles.
Final Thoughts
This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is the ultimate dessert to bring the luck and flavor of the Irish to your table. With rich layers, minty freshness, and a dreamy whipped topping, it’s as satisfying to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re throwing a big bash or just treating yourself, this dessert has all the charm (and chocolate) you need. And with a little cool whip extra creamy and love, you’ll have your guests asking for the recipe guaranteed.
So grab your spoon, raise a glass (or a trifle bowl), and let the dessert magic begin. 🍀
📌 Ingredients and quantities are listed just below in the recipe card! Don’t forget to pin or save for later!
St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
Equipment
- Trifle bowl or large glass dish
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1 box brownie mix plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on package
Whipped Cream
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pudding Layer
- 2 cups mint chocolate pudding store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and bake. Let cool completely, then cut into small cubes.
- Whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- In a trifle bowl, begin with a layer of brownie cubes. Add a layer of mint chocolate pudding, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the bowl is full, ending with whipped cream on top.
- Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Garnish with extra brownie crumbles, chocolate shavings, or green sprinkles if desired.