STRAWBERRY BROWNIE TRIFLE

With Valentine’s Day coming up, this Strawberry Brownie Trifle is just what you need! Not only is it bursting with flavor, but it also looks stunning and festive for the special occasion. Of course, you can enjoy this delightful dessert any day of the year! I whipped it up last weekend for my family, and we all fell in love with it. The kids couldn’t get enough of the strawberries, while I, a self-proclaimed chocolate enthusiast, adored the brownies!

This trifle marries my favorite fudgy brownies with a luscious chocolate pastry cream, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. It’s a classic combination of flavors that creates a satisfying and simple chocolate dessert.

To keep things straightforward, feel free to use your favorite boxed brownie mix if you don’t want to make brownies from scratch. I totally get it! Alternatively, leftover chocolate cake works wonderfully in this recipe too. I often use my fudgy chocolate cake here because it’s a delightful cake-brownie hybrid — fudgy yet lighter than traditional brownies.

I prefer using chocolate crème pâtissière for this trifle, as it’s essentially a rich chocolate pudding. For an extra kick, I sometimes add a splash of Kahlua to the pastry cream. This is optional, so skip it if you’re serving the trifle to kids.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Strawberry Brownie Trifle is a showstopper dessert that’s both easy to make and incredibly delicious. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is timeless, and the presentation is sure to impress your loved ones.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Trifle bowl or individual serving glasses
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 1 batch of brownies (homemade or boxed mix)
• 2 cups of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 cups of chocolate crème pâtissière
• 1 cup of whipped cream
• Optional: 2 tablespoons of Kahlua

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the brownies according to your recipe or the package instructions. Allow them to cool completely.
2. Make the chocolate crème pâtissière. Once cooked, stir in the Kahlua if using.
3. In a trifle bowl, layer half of the brownie pieces at the bottom.
4. Spread half of the chocolate crème pâtissière over the brownies.
5. Add a layer of sliced strawberries.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining brownies, chocolate crème pâtissière, and strawberries.
7. Top with whipped cream and garnish with additional strawberries if desired.
8. Chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Tips for Success

• Ensure the brownies are completely cool before assembling the trifle to prevent melting the cream.
• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
• If time is short, prepare the components a day ahead and assemble before serving.

Additional Tips and Variations

For a different twist, try using raspberries or a mix of berries instead of strawberries. You can also experiment with a vanilla or coffee-flavored crème pâtissière for a unique flavor profile. Consider topping the trifle with chocolate shavings or nuts for added texture.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this trifle ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble this trifle a few hours ahead of serving. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of brownies? Leftover chocolate cake or a store-bought cake can be used as an alternative to brownies.

Is the Kahlua necessary? The Kahlua is optional and can be omitted, especially if serving to children.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Strawberry Brownie Trifle a try! It’s a delightful dessert that’s sure to bring joy to any occasion. I’d love to hear about your experience making it, so please leave a comment or share your creation with me. Enjoy!