There’s something about Christmas desserts that feels like wrapping up joy in a bowl. This brownie trifle does exactly that. Layers of fudgy brownies, silky chocolate chia mousse, and coconut whipped cream come together into one decadent, make-ahead dessert that’s rich, wholesome, and unforgettable.
Table of Contents
What Is a Brownie Trifle?
A trifle is a layered dessert, often built with cake, cream, and fruit. This brownie trifle swaps the sponge cake for chunks of gooey, chocolate-rich brownies. Each bite feels like a mini celebration of texture and flavor. Best of all, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and even paleo-friendly. So everyone can have a spoonful of joy.
Brownie Trifle Layers
Brownie Layer
Dense and fudgy brownies form the foundation. They soak up a bit of mousse, staying soft yet rich.
Chocolate Chia Mousse Layer
Creamy and smooth, this mousse blends chia seeds into a chocolate dream. It’s full of nutrients but tastes purely indulgent.
Coconut Whipped Cream Layer
Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, the coconut whipped cream balances the chocolate intensity.
Garnish
Chocolate shavings or toasted nuts add the perfect finishing touch and crunch.
How to Make the Brownie Trifle
Step 1 – Bake the Brownies
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease two 8×8-inch pans. Mix melted coconut oil (or butter), water, and eggs. Stir in the brownie mix until just combined. Spread evenly and bake for 20–25 minutes. Let them cool completely before cutting into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2 – Blend the Chocolate Chia Mousse
Add all mousse ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend for about a minute until creamy. Then, transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill for at least 4 hours. The chilling helps it thicken into a smooth, mousse-like texture.
Step 3 – Whip the Coconut Cream
Refrigerate a can of full-fat coconut milk for 1–2 days. Chill your mixing bowl for 30 minutes. Scoop the hardened coconut cream into the bowl, saving the liquid for smoothies later. Whip for a minute, add sweetener and vanilla, then whip again for another minute until soft peaks form.
Step 4 – Assemble the Trifle
Layer brownies at the bottom of your trifle bowl. Spoon over half the chocolate chia mousse, then half the coconut whipped cream. Repeat with another brownie layer and more mousse. Finally, top with a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Step 5 – Chill and Serve
Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. When ready, garnish with chocolate shavings or toasted nuts.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can make every layer a day before. Store the mousse and whipped cream covered in the fridge. Assemble your brownie trifle the night before serving or on the same day. Keep it refrigerated and it’ll stay fresh for up to three days.
For serving, use a large glass trifle bowl to show off those beautiful layers or make mini trifles in jars for easy portions.
Variations and Flavor Twists
Try a pumpkin pie chia mousse instead of chocolate for a cozy fall twist. Add cinnamon cookie crumbles for crunch. Swap in dairy whipped cream if you’re not keeping it dairy-free. For a vegan version, use an egg replacer in your brownies.
Brownie Trifle Recipe Card
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Brownie Trifle Recipe – Decadent, Easy & Wholesome Dessert
- Total Time: 5 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A decadent brownie trifle with fudgy brownies, chocolate chia pudding mousse, and coconut whipped cream. Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and paleo-friendly. Perfect for make-ahead holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Brownies
2 Simple Mills brownie mix
1 cup coconut oil, butter, or ghee, melted
6 tablespoons water
4 eggs
Chocolate Chia Pudding Mousse
Your favorite chocolate milk or dairy-free milk
Chia seeds
Cocoa or dark chocolate
Maple syrup or sweetener to taste
Pinch of salt
Vanilla extract
Coconut Whipped Cream
1 can full-fat coconut milk, chilled 1–2 days
1–3 tablespoons powdered sugar or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish
Chocolate shavings or toasted nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease two 8×8 or 9×9 pans.
2. Mix melted coconut oil or butter with water. Whisk in eggs. Add brownie mix and stir to combine.
3. Spread batter evenly into pans. Smooth the tops. Bake 20–25 minutes. Cool completely.
4. Cut cooled brownies into 1-inch cubes.
5. Add all mousse ingredients to a high-powered blender. Blend on high about 1 minute until creamy. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and chill at least 4 hours.
6. Chill a mixing bowl 30 minutes. Scoop hardened coconut cream from the can. Reserve liquid for smoothies.
7. Whip coconut cream 1 minute. Add sweetener and vanilla. Whip 1 more minute until soft peaks form.
8. Create a dense brownie layer in a trifle bowl. Spoon over half the mousse. Add half the coconut whipped cream.
9. Repeat layers with more brownies and mousse. Top with a final dollop of whipped cream.
10. Garnish with chocolate shavings or toasted nuts. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Make-Ahead: Prepare all layers a day before. Assemble the trifle the day of or the night before. Add the final whipped cream and garnish just before serving.
Serving: Use a large trifle bowl or make minis in jars.
Variations: Swap pumpkin pie chia mousse for fall. Add cinnamon cookie crumbles. Use dairy whipped cream if not dairy-free. Use egg replacer for vegan brownies.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: Bake and Chill; Layered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 125 mg
- Fat: 41 g
- Saturated Fat: 31 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 54 mg
More Such Recipes
If you love layered desserts, check out my 4th of July trifle for festive flair.
For a fruity treat, try peach cobbler cookies or cherry pie cookie cups.
Chocolate fans will adore my chocolate cherry upside-down cake and the chocolate crinkle cookies recipe.
And if you need something quick, browse my no-bake cookies easy recipes for simple holiday inspiration.
Brownie Trifle FAQs
Q1: Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it the night before and refrigerate.
Q2: Can I use store-bought brownies?
Yes, absolutely. Choose gluten-free or regular based on your preference.
Q3: How long does it last?
It keeps well for up to three days in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This brownie trifle tastes like comfort and celebration in one spoonful. Each layer brings something special, and together they create a dessert that looks fancy but feels easy to make. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night by the tree, this dessert fits right in. You can find more ideas and community inspiration on my Pinterest or join the conversation on Facebook.