If you’re craving decadence that feels like a celebration, look no further than the Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle. This show-stopping dessert layers gooey brownie cubes, creamy chocolate mousse, and rich pudding into one glorious treat that looks as irresistible as it tastes. With each spoonful, you get a playful contrast of textures and flavors—a fudgy base, dreamy mousse, and those finishing touches of chocolate curls. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or channeling your inner dessert artist, this trifle never fails to wow.

Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create dessert magic. Each one is selected for its role in building that irresistible bite—some offer richness, others velvet texture, and a few bring the perfect hint of sweetness or a touch of crunch.

Brownies (1 batch, about 9×13-inch pan, baked and cooled): Fudgy, chocolatey brownies are the hearty base—homemade or your favorite boxed mix both work beautifully.
Heavy cream (2 cups): Whipped to fluffy peaks, this makes the trifle airy and luscious.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold shape.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, fragrant note that brings all the flavors together.
Semisweet chocolate (8 ounces, melted and cooled): Blends into the mousse for a deep, silky chocolate flavor.
Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Gives the mousse a subtle tang and luxurious texture.
Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the mousse just the right amount.
Milk (1/4 cup): Helps transform the chocolate and cream cheese into a smooth, creamy mousse.
Chocolate pudding (1 cup, homemade or store-bought): Adds a familiar, nostalgic creaminess between each chocolatey layer.
Chocolate shavings or curls (1/2 cup, for garnish): These add an elegant finish and extra chocolate flair up top.

How to Make Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle

Step 1: Cube the Brownies

First things first: let those brownies cool completely so they slice neatly. Cut them into 1-inch cubes—you want pieces sturdy enough to soak up mousse without falling apart, but still soft and fudge-like in every bite. If you sneak a piece as a kitchen perk, no one will ever know!

Step 2: Whip the Cream

Grab your largest mixing bowl and combine the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip until stiff peaks form; this means when you lift the beater, the whipped cream stands tall. The lighter, fluffier your cream, the dreamier each spoonful of trifle becomes.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse

In another bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until completely smooth. This is essential—any lumps will show up in your mousse. Gently add the melted, cooled chocolate and milk, beating until the mixture’s glossy and velvety. Fold in half of the whipped cream from the previous step, taking care not to deflate it. Voilà! The richest chocolate mousse you can imagine.

Step 4: Layer the Trifle

Start by scattering an even layer of brownie cubes in the bottom of your trifle dish (or glasses, for a personal touch). Spoon a generous layer of chocolate mousse over the brownies, then top with a layer of chocolate pudding. Repeat those ultra-satisfying layers until your dish is brimming, finishing with that billowy whipped cream.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Scatter chocolate shavings or curls across the top for a showstopping finish. Refrigerate your Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle for at least 2 hours—this allows every layer to meld together, upping both the flavor and the wow-factor when you scoop in.

How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle

Garnishes

A trifle this gorgeous calls for a final flourish! Chocolate curls or shavings are timeless, but you can sprinkle on anything from toasted nuts to fresh raspberries, a pinch of sea salt, or even a caramel drizzle. The extra decoration takes your Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle from homemade to bakery-display worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve your trifle alongside a steaming cup of coffee, espresso, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Because this dessert is so rich, a tart sorbet or fresh berries on the side can be a delightful, refreshing contrast. It pairs wonderfully with after-dinner drinks for an impressive end to any gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual servings in stemless wine glasses or mason jars let everyone admire those luscious layers. For gatherings, a classic glass trifle bowl shows off each beautiful component. Need to stretch it? Layer in a rectangular dish and scoop out portions into coupe glasses for a casual yet stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle keeps beautifully in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap. In fact, the flavors keep mingling, making it taste even more decadent by day two. Enjoy within 2-3 days for maximum freshness and texture.

Freezing

While you can freeze portions of the trifle, the texture of whipped cream and pudding can change after thawing. If you do freeze it, wrap each portion well and defrost in the fridge overnight. It’s still delicious, though slightly softer and best enjoyed as a frozen treat!

Reheating

This is a chilly dessert, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to soften it a bit after refrigeration or freezing, just let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving. This brings out the full creamy, chocolatey flavor and makes scooping easy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought brownies for this trifle?

Absolutely! Store-bought brownies save time without sacrificing flavor. Just make sure they’re fudgy and not too dry for the best results in your Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle.

Can I assemble the Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle a day ahead?

Yes! This trifle actually tastes even better when made ahead, as the flavors and textures mingle. Simply cover and chill overnight, then garnish just before serving for that fresh, impressive look.

What is the best way to cut brownies for layering?

Let your brownies cool completely, then use a sharp, clean knife to cut neat 1-inch cubes. If your brownies are super sticky, chill them briefly for cleaner cuts, and wipe your knife between slices.

Can I add fruits or nuts to this trifle?

Definitely! Swirl in layers of raspberries, sliced strawberries, or chopped toasted nuts for extra flavor, color, and crunch. A handful of fresh fruit brightens up each bite of Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese in the mousse?

You can swap mascarpone or even Greek yogurt for the cream cheese if you want a different tang or a lighter result. Just keep in mind, the flavor and texture may shift slightly, but both options work deliciously.

Final Thoughts

Invite everyone you love to grab a spoon—the Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle is guaranteed to delight! With layers of dreamy mousse, rich brownies, and creamy pudding in every bite, it’s pure chocolate bliss for any occasion. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself inventing reasons to make it again and again.

Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Chocolate Brownie Mousse Trifle, a luscious layered dessert that combines rich brownies, creamy mousse, and velvety pudding for the ultimate treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer:

1 batch brownies (about 9×13-inch pan), baked and cooled

Mousse Layer:

2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk

Additional Layers:

1 cup chocolate pudding (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 cup chocolate shavings or curls for garnish

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Instructions

Cut Brownies: Cut brownies into 1-inch cubes.
Prepare Mousse: Beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. In another bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Mix in melted chocolate and milk until creamy. Fold in half of the whipped cream to create the mousse.
Assemble Trifle: Layer brownie cubes, chocolate mousse, and chocolate pudding in a trifle dish or individual glasses, repeating the layers until the dish is full. Top with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

You can make this trifle a day in advance—it tastes even better after the flavors meld.
Add crushed nuts, raspberries, or caramel drizzle for variation.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-baked brownies)
Category: Dessert
Method: Layering, Chilling
Cuisine: American