Summertime is unarguably the best time of the year. Everyone is getting together and enjoying the weather. My favorite part of summer is all of the family/friend gatherings – because of the food of course. There's nothing like a good BBQ to kick off the summer, and with this easy recipe for the best brownie trifle, you will never have to go empty-handed again!
What you need:
1 box of brownie mix (needs 2 eggs, oil, water, and butter/coconut oil to grease the baking sheet)
1 box of Jello instant pudding (needs milk)
1 bag of heath bar toffee bits
1 8oz container of Cool Whip
How to make it:
Step 1: Bake brownies
Using the instructions on the back of the box, make the main ingredient of the trifle. Start by taking a small amount of room temperature butter (or coconut oil as I like to use) to grease the baking dish. Be sure to oil up the sides of the dish so your brownies won't stick to the pan. Then, mix the box's contents with 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly and pour into greased baking dish. Bake according to the size of your baking dish.
Step 2: Let brownies cool
This may be the easiest step but it is the most important. If you forget to cool your brownies after baking, the layers of your trifle will all melt into one big gooey mess.
Step 3: Lay down your first layer
First cut your pan of brownies in half (as evenly as possible). Then take one of the halves and crumble it. Using your hands is encouraged!
Step 4: Make pudding
Mix the contents of the instant pudding with milk and follow the instructions, whisking until thick. Then, using a spoon, start by adding a couple spoonfuls of pudding on top of the brownies. A spatula is helpful to spread it. Add more spoonfuls and spread as needed.
Step 5: Add your candy as the third layer
When I was growing up, my mom always used heath bar as the candy ingredient in her brownie trifles. However, I have seen people use other things like bunch-a-crunch. It's really whatever your heart desires, but I recommend choosing a candy with a good crunch. Generously and evenly sprinkle the toffee bits directly on top of the pudding layer.
Step 6: Add Cool Whip as the fourth layer
Similar to the way you added the pudding, use a spoon to put the Cool Whip on top of the toffee and carefully spread with a spatula. You can make each layer as thin or as thick as you want. If you prefer more layers, divide the brownies into more sections before crumbling them.
Step 7: Repeat steps 4-6
As you add each layer you will notice that your dessert is almost complete! The number of times you repeat the steps is based on the number of layers you want to make.
Ta-da, seven steps later and you have a delicious brownie trifle that is layers upon layers of chocolatey goodness! Simply refrigerate until serving. I find that making it the night before creates the best trifle, as this will allow ample time for the layers to settle into one another. No matter to what type of event you bring this trifle, you are sure to return home with an empty dish. This dessert is a real crowd pleaser.