Description

Heaven In A Bowl is a decadent layered dessert featuring rich fudge brownie pieces, creamy peanut butter pudding, whipped topping, and mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. This no-bake trifle combines indulgent flavors and textures for a crowd-pleasing treat perfect for parties or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Brownie Layer

18.3 ounces box fudge brownie mix

Pudding Layer

6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding (two 3.4-ounce boxes)
3 cups whole milk, cold
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup creamy peanut butter (Peter Pan brand recommended)

Topping

16 ounces whipped topping, thawed
36 mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, unwrapped and cut into halves (divided into 3 equal portions for layering and garnish)

Instructions

Prepare Brownies: Prepare and bake the fudge brownie mix according to the package directions in a 9×13 inch baking pan. Allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch pieces and set aside.
Make Pudding Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix, cold whole milk, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes, or until the pudding thickens.
Add Peanut Butter: Whisk creamy peanut butter into the thickened pudding mixture until smooth and evenly combined.
Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold 1 ½ cups of thawed whipped topping into the peanut butter pudding mixture until no white streaks remain, creating a smooth and thick filling.
First Layer Assembly: In the bottom of a 3-quart trifle dish, arrange half of the brownie pieces in a single layer. Sprinkle one-third of the halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups evenly over the brownies.
Add Pudding Layer: Spread half of the peanut butter pudding filling over the brownie and Reese’s layer, smoothing it into an even layer.
Top with Whipped Topping: Spread half (approximately 2 ½ cups) of the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer evenly.
Repeat Layers: Repeat steps 5 through 7 by layering the remaining brownies, another third of the mini Reese’s halves, the remaining peanut butter pudding filling, and whipped topping.
Garnish: Top the trifle with the final third of the halved mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, piling them in the center of the whipped topping for a decorative finish.
Chill: Refrigerate the Heaven In A Bowl trifle for 3-4 hours until well chilled and the peanut butter pudding layer has firmed sufficiently for easy serving.

Notes

Use a 9×13 baking pan to bake the brownies for the best layer thickness.
Ensure the whipped topping is fully thawed before folding into the pudding mixture for smooth incorporation.
Cutting the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups in halves enhances the texture and distribution of peanut butter flavor throughout the dessert.
Refrigeration time is critical to allow the pudding layer to set properly and flavors to meld.
This dessert can be assembled a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
For a lighter option, use reduced-fat whipped topping or peanut butter, though this will affect richness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: peanut butter dessert, brownie trifle, layered dessert, Reese's peanut butter cups dessert, easy no-bake pudding dessert