If you’re anything like me and can never resist a dessert that feels both indulgent and fresh, then you’re in for a treat with this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe. Layers of rich chocolate brownie, zesty raspberry sauce, fluffy cream, and silky custard come together in one glorious dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it for every family gathering and special occasion—it’s fan-freaking-tastic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Prep with Big Flavor: Using a boxed brownie mix means you get all the chocolate goodness without the fuss.
- Fresh & Fruity Contrast: The tart raspberries and sweet strawberries perfectly balance the rich chocolate and custard.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this ahead of time, which makes entertaining a breeze.
- Showstopper Presentation: Layers of colors and textures that will wow your guests every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about combining some pantry staples and fresh fruit for that perfect balance. I always make sure to get good-quality cream and fresh berries—they really elevate the dessert.
- Boxed brownie mix: I use Countdown’s Own Brand for ease and great flavor, but any good-quality mix works.
- Eggs: They help bring the brownies together and add richness.
- Vegetable oil or melted butter: I like to switch it up; melted butter gives more flavor, oil keeps the brownies moist.
- Frozen raspberries: Perfect for making a quick, tangy raspberry sauce.
- Caster sugar: Helps sweeten the raspberry sauce without overpowering it.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced for freshness and a little crunch.
- Cream: Whipped to soft peaks for that airy texture.
- Readymade custard: Adds a smooth, creamy layer that everyone loves.
- Fresh raspberries: For garnish and an extra burst of fruity flavor.
- Flake chocolate bars: Crumbled on top to add that irresistible chocolate crunch.
- Icing sugar: A light dusting for a pretty finishing touch.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe is how adaptable it is. Feel free to tweak the fruit or chocolate to match your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Use mixed berries: I once swapped raspberries with a combo of blueberries and blackberries for a wild twist that worked beautifully.
- Dairy-free version: Try coconut cream instead of whipped cream and a plant-based custard if you need it dairy-free.
- Chocolate upgrade: Add dark chocolate chunks to the brownie layer for extra gooey pockets if you’re a chocoholic like me.
- Mini trifles: I love making single-serve portions in small glasses for parties—it’s both charming and easy to serve.
How to Make Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe
Step 1: Bake Your Brownies and Let Them Cool
Start by preparing your boxed brownie mix with eggs and vegetable oil (or melted butter, if you prefer). Follow the package instructions to bake. I like to do this step the day before—it saves time and the brownies slice more cleanly when fully cooled. Once cooled, cut them into roughly 1-inch squares and divide into three equal piles. This part is crucial because evenly sized brownie pieces make for pretty layers in your trifle.
Step 2: Whip Up the Raspberry Sauce
The raspberry sauce is super quick but adds so much to the trifle. Toss frozen raspberries and caster sugar into a microwave-safe jug, then microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and microwave for another minute before stirring again. Let it cool. You’ll notice the raspberries break down into a vibrant sauce that cuts through the richness of the brownie and custard layers beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Layers
This is the fun part where everything comes together! Start with half the sliced strawberries at the bottom of your trifle dish or large bowl. Pour over a third of the raspberry sauce, then add your first layer of brownie squares. Spoon on half of your whipped cream gently so the brownie layer doesn’t shift too much. Smooth a layer of readymade custard over the cream, then repeat with another third of the raspberry sauce and the next brownie layer. Add the rest of the strawberries and custard on top and smooth it out. Finally, top with the last brownie layer, remaining raspberry sauce, and finish with the rest of the whipped cream.
Step 4: Decorate and Chill
For the finishing touch, crumble your Flake chocolate bars over the top, scatter fresh raspberries, and dust lightly with icing sugar. This step is what makes the trifle look like something from a fancy bakery, but actually, it’s quick and easy. Pop it in the fridge for at least 3 hours, but honestly, overnight is even better because the flavors meld together and the texture firms up just right.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe
- Microwave in Intervals: Heating the raspberry sauce in short bursts avoids burning and helps you get a smooth sauce every time.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: The trifle tastes so much better after resting at least a few hours—the layers soak into each other creating magic.
- Soft Peak Whipped Cream: Whip your cream until soft peaks form—it’s perfect for layering and keeps the trifle light.
- Even Brownie Sizes: Cutting your brownies evenly ensures that every bite is balanced and the layers look clean and inviting.
How to Serve Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe
Garnishes
I love to keep the garnish simple but impactful—crumbled Flake chocolate gives that delightful crunch, fresh raspberries add bright color and freshness, and a light sprinkle of icing sugar feels festive and elegant. Sometimes I add a few mint leaves for a pop of green if I’m feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This trifle is often the star of the show, but it pairs nicely with simple things like a cup of good quality coffee or a fresh fruit salad. For more formal dinners, I like serving it after a light main course—its richness is perfect for ending the meal on a high note.
Creative Ways to Present
Once, I layered this Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle in clear individual glasses for a birthday party — guests loved having their own portion, and it looked stunning lined up on the dessert table. Another time, I added edible flowers between layers for a springtime garden vibe. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving vessels and decoration!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days if you cover your trifle tightly. I like to use plastic wrap pressed gently onto the surface to prevent the whipped cream from drying out. Just give it a quick stir or freshen the top layer before serving again.
Freezing
Honestly, I don’t recommend freezing this trifle. The cream and custard don’t freeze well and can become watery when thawed, which affects the texture. If you want to prep in advance, bake your brownies and freeze them separately, then assemble fresh when you’re ready.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so no reheating is needed. Just make sure it’s nicely chilled before serving to keep those layers tasting fresh and delightful.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade brownies instead of boxed brownie mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies add a special touch if you have the time—just make sure they’re firm enough to cut into cubes and hold their shape well in the layers.
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Is there a way to make this trifle less sweet?
You can reduce the caster sugar in the raspberry sauce or use a less sweet custard to balance the sweetness. Also, opting for dark chocolate flakes instead of milk chocolate can help temper the overall sugar levels.
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Can I prepare the trifle entirely in advance?
Yes! I recommend baking the brownies a day ahead and assembling the trifle a few hours or up to overnight before serving. This resting time lets all the flavors mingle beautifully.
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What’s the best way to cut and serve this trifle?
Use a large spoon to scoop down deep into the layers, making sure each serving gets a bit of every layer. If serving individual portions, clear glasses allow the gorgeous layers to shine.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Brownie Raspberry Trifle Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines all my favorite dessert textures—rich, creamy, fruity, and chocolatey—in one elegant dish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward to make, yet looks and tastes like you put in a whole lot more effort. If you want to impress with a dessert that feels both nostalgic and fresh, this trifle should definitely be your next kitchen adventure. I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as my family and I do!
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: American
Description
This decadent Chocolate Brownie Trifle combines rich homemade brownies with a tangy raspberry sauce, fresh strawberries, fluffy whipped cream, and smooth custard, layered beautifully for a stunning dessert. Perfect for special occasions, this trifle can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to let the flavors meld together.
Ingredients
Brownie
- 1 boxed brownie mix (Countdown’s Own Brand recommended)
- 2 eggs
- 80ml vegetable oil or melted butter
Raspberry Sauce
- 300g frozen raspberries
- 3 Tbsp caster sugar
Fruit
- 250g punnet strawberries, sliced
- 125g punnet fresh raspberries
Dairy
- 500ml cream, whipped to soft peaks
- 600g readymade custard
Decoration
- 1-2 Flake chocolate bars, crumbled
- 1 Tbsp icing sugar
Instructions
- Prepare Brownies: Mix the boxed brownie mix with 2 eggs and 80ml vegetable oil (or melted butter) according to the package instructions. Bake the brownies as directed, typically around 25-30 minutes. Allow them to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch squares and divide into three equal piles. You can prepare these a day ahead to save time.
- Make Raspberry Sauce: In a microwave-safe jug, combine 300g frozen raspberries and 3 tablespoons of caster sugar. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir, then microwave for another minute and stir again. Set aside to cool before assembling.
- First Layer Assembly: In a trifle dish or large serving bowl, place half of the sliced strawberries evenly at the bottom. Pour over one-third of the raspberry sauce. Add the first layer of brownie squares on top, then carefully spoon half of the whipped cream over them.
- Add Custard and Second Layer: Spoon a layer of custard over the whipped cream, smoothing it to the edges. Pour over the second third of the raspberry sauce, then add the second pile of brownies.
- Add More Fruit and Custard: Arrange the remaining strawberries over the brownie layer, then spoon the remaining custard on top, smoothing to cover fully.
- Final Layers: Add the last third of raspberry sauce followed by the final layer of brownie squares. Top with the rest of the whipped cream and smooth the surface for an even finish.
- Decorate and Chill: Sprinkle crumbled Flake chocolate bars, fresh raspberries, and a dusting of icing sugar on the top layer of whipped cream. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve the trifle cold as a rich and refreshing dessert that combines chocolate, fruit, and creamy textures.
Notes
- This impressive trifle is ideal for parties or gatherings and can be made a day in advance to enhance the flavor layering.
- You can substitute the boxed brownie mix with homemade brownies if preferred.
- Ensure the custard is fully cooled before layering to prevent melting the whipped cream.
- Feel free to use other seasonal berries if raspberries and strawberries are not available.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 86mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 108mg