If you’re anything like me and love a dessert that feels like a celebration in every bite, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to—it’s rich, fruity, creamy, and the layers make every spoonful so exciting. Whether you’re making it for a casual weekend treat or a special occasion, this trifle hits all the right notes, and I can’t wait to walk you through how easy it is to create this fan-freaking-tastic dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layered Flavors and Textures: From fudgy brownies to tangy raspberry sauce, creamy custard, and whipped cream, every bite is a dream combo.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the brownies a day ahead, and the trifle actually tastes better after resting in the fridge.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Uses an easy boxed brownie mix and store-bought custard, so you’re not slaving away in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this—it’s a guaranteed hit at parties or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe is in the balance of ingredients. Each element plays its part—fudgy brownies, tart raspberry sauce, fresh berries, and luscious custard. Grab the freshest fruit you can find, and I promise the end result will wow everyone.
- Boxed brownie mix: I used Countdown’s Own Brand, but any quality mix will work—makes life so much easier!
- Eggs: Needed to bring the brownie mix together perfectly.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: I usually go with vegetable oil for the moistest brownies, but butter adds a lovely richness.
- Frozen raspberries: Perfect for making that quick raspberry sauce, especially when fresh berries aren’t in season.
- Caster sugar: This helps sweeten the raspberry sauce without overpowering the fruitiness.
- Strawberries: Fresh and sliced, these add a juicy burst and beautiful color.
- Cream: Whip it to soft peaks for a wonderfully light and airy layer.
- Readymade custard: This creamy layer ties the dessert together—no fuss homemade custard needed unless you want to.
- Fresh raspberries: For decorating and adding a fresh tart pop on top.
- Flake chocolate bars: Those crumbly bits on top bring delightful texture and chocolatey goodness.
- Icing sugar: A light dusting for a pretty, sweet finish.
Variations
I’m all for making recipes your own, and this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe is no exception. I’ve played around with different fruits and textures to suit seasons and dietary needs—you’ll be surprised how versatile this trifle can be!
- Fruit swaps: Sub fresh strawberries or raspberries with blueberries or peaches for a different fruity vibe; I once tried mangoes in summer, and it was a bright, tropical twist!
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream instead of whipped cream and a plant-based custard to accommodate allergies without sacrificing creaminess.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle toasted nuts like hazelnuts or almonds between layers for texture; my kids loved this crunch surprise last time I made it.
- Decadent upgrade: Drizzle caramel sauce or add cocoa nibs on top for an indulgent finish that made my friends swoon.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake Your Brownies
Start by preparing your boxed brownie mix with eggs and oil according to the packet instructions. Here’s a trick I discovered: bake the brownies the day before to save yourself time and allow them to set perfectly, making cutting easier. Once cooled, cut the brownies into roughly 1-inch squares and divide into three equal piles—you’ll use these for the layers.
Step 2: Make the Raspberry Sauce
Combine frozen raspberries and caster sugar in a microwave-safe jug. Microwave on high for 1 minute and stir, then microwave another minute and stir again. This quick method creates a vibrant, tangy raspberry sauce that will soak beautifully into the brownie layers. Set it aside to cool—you don’t want it too hot when assembling.
Step 3: Layer Your Trifle
Grab your favorite trifle dish or a large clear bowl so you can admire those gorgeous layers. Start with half of the sliced strawberries on the bottom, then pour over a third of the raspberry sauce. Add the first layer of brownie pieces. Spoon over half the whipped cream gently—it’s tempting to go all in, but keep some for the top!
Next, spread a layer of custard evenly to the edges. Then add another third of the raspberry sauce and your second pile of brownies. Place the rest of the strawberries on top, add the remaining custard smoothing it nicely, and layer the last brownies. Pour over the final third of raspberry sauce and finish by topping with the remaining whipped cream, smoothing the top to a creamy finish.
Step 4: The Finishing Touches
Sprinkle crumbled Flake chocolate pieces over the top, add fresh raspberries, and dust with icing sugar for that show-stopping finale. Resist the urge to dig in right away—this beauty needs at least 3 hours in the fridge, but overnight is best. The flavors deepen and the textures meld into bliss.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe
- Brownie Baking: For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by a couple of minutes; they’ll set perfectly as they cool and once layered.
- Raspberry Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too runny, chill it a bit longer—it thickens as it cools, so no worries about watery layers.
- Whipping Cream: Whip to soft peaks for the best texture—too stiff and it can get heavy, too soft and it won’t hold the layers well.
- Layer Patience: Take your time layering gently to avoid smashing the brownies and cream; it keeps the trifle looking beautiful and the textures distinct.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a sucker for presentation, so I love topping this trifle with a generous sprinkle of crumbled Flake chocolate bars, a handful of fresh raspberries, and a delicate dusting of icing sugar. It not only adds a visual wow factor but offers textural contrast and extra bursts of chocolate and freshness.
Side Dishes
This dessert truly shines on its own, but if I’m serving it alongside something, a fresh green salad or lightly roasted nuts balance the richness nicely. For a party, simple shortbread or light savories help keep the focus on the trifle’s layers.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or birthdays, I’ve used individual clear glasses or mason jars for personalized trifles—great for both portion control and gorgeous display. You can also use dessert cups to create mini trifles, perfect for buffet tables or kids’ parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your trifle tightly covered in the fridge. I always wrap mine with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors. It keeps beautifully for up to 2 days, and funnily enough, the flavors actually improve after sitting for a bit.
Freezing
I honestly haven’t tried freezing the full assembled trifle because the whipped cream and custard can lose their smooth textures. But freezing individual brownie pieces before assembly works like a charm if you want to prep parts in advance.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating required! Just take it from the fridge 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to mellow a touch.
FAQs
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Can I make this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the whipping cream for coconut cream whipped to soft peaks and use a dairy-free custard or pudding to keep it creamy and delicious without any dairy.
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How far ahead can I prepare this trifle?
You can bake the brownies a day in advance, which actually helps them firm up nicely. After assembling, the trifle tastes best after chilling for at least 3 hours, but overnight is even better to let all those layers meld together.
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What’s the best way to cut brownies for the trifle?
Once your brownies have completely cooled, use a sharp knife to cut them into roughly 1-inch squares. Doing this at room temperature helps prevent crumbs and keeps the brownies neat for layering.
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Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed mix?
Definitely! Homemade brownies will add a personal touch, and as long as they’re dense and fudgy, they’ll layer beautifully with the raspberry sauce and custard in this trifle.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe has a special place in my heart because it’s so effortlessly impressive and loved by everyone around the table. It’s the kind of dessert where you get all the indulgence of rich chocolate, fresh berries, and creamy custard with minimal fuss. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress guests, give this a go—I promise you’ll be smiling by the first spoonful, just like I do every time.
Print
Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: International
Description
This decadent Chocolate Brownie Trifle is a layered dessert featuring rich homemade brownies, luscious raspberry sauce, fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and smooth custard. Topped with crumbled chocolate flakes and a dusting of icing sugar, it’s a visually stunning and indulgent treat perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Brownie
- 1 boxed brownie mix (Countdown’s Own Brand recommended)
- 2 eggs
- 80ml vegetable oil or melted butter
Fruit and Sauce
- 300g frozen raspberries
- 3 Tbsp caster sugar
- 250g strawberries, sliced
- 125g fresh raspberries
Cream and Custard
- 500ml cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 600g readymade custard
Topping
- 1-2 Flake chocolate bars, crumbled
- 1 Tbsp icing sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Brownies: Combine the boxed brownie mix with eggs and vegetable oil (or melted butter) according to the package directions. Bake as instructed, then allow to cool completely. Cutting into 1-inch squares, divide into three equal piles. This can be done a day ahead to save time.
- Make Raspberry Sauce: In a microwave-safe jug, combine frozen raspberries with caster sugar. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir well, then microwave for another minute and stir again. Set aside to cool.
- Assemble Trifle – Layer 1: Place half of the sliced strawberries evenly at the bottom of a trifle dish or large serving bowl. Pour a third of the cooled raspberry sauce over the strawberries. Add the first layer of brownie squares and spoon half of the whipped cream carefully over them.
- Assemble Trifle – Layer 2: Spread a layer of custard over the cream and smooth it to the edges. Add another third of the raspberry sauce and the second layer of brownies on top.
- Assemble Trifle – Layer 3: Arrange the remaining strawberries on top of the brownies, then spread the rest of the custard evenly. Smooth to the edges with a spoon.
- Final Layer and Decoration: Add the final layer of brownies and spoon over the last of the raspberry sauce. Top with the remaining whipped cream and spread until smooth. Decorate with crumbled Flake chocolate, fresh raspberries, and a light dusting of icing sugar.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set before serving.
Notes
- This dessert is perfect for make-ahead occasions since the brownies can be baked the day before and the trifle assembled in advance.
- The raspberry sauce can be adjusted for sweetness if desired by adding more or less caster sugar.
- Use fresh whipped cream soft peaks for a light texture that holds well in layers.
- For a gluten-free option, choose a gluten-free brownie mix or bake gluten-free brownies from scratch.
- For extra crunch and decoration, adding chocolate flakes gives a delightful chocolate texture contrast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 14 grams
- Sodium: 86 milligrams
- Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 13 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 grams
- Trans Fat: 1 gram
- Carbohydrates: 26 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Cholesterol: 108 milligrams