This Decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle, affectionately known as “Heaven in a Bowl,” is a show-stopping dessert that promises an unforgettable experience with every spoonful. It’s a symphony of rich, contrasting textures and flavors, expertly layered in a beautiful trifle dish to create a truly spectacular presentation. This dessert is designed to satisfy the most intense sweet cravings, combining the deep, fudgy goodness of brownies, the creamy indulgence of peanut butter, the light airiness of whipped cream, and a delightful crunch from candy toppings. It’s a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion, holiday gathering, or whenever you want to impress guests with a dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes, yet is surprisingly manageable to assemble.

Ingredients:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1 box (approx. 18.3 oz / 518g) fudgy brownie mix: Or your favorite homemade brownie recipe (yielding a 9×13-inch pan of brownies). Using a mix saves time and ensures a consistently fudgy texture perfect for trifles.
• Ingredients called for on brownie mix box: Typically eggs, oil, and water.

For the Peanut Butter Layer:

• 1 cup (240g) creamy peanut butter: Smooth, creamy peanut butter works best for a silky texture. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates, as it can make the filling too oily.
• 1 (8 oz / 226g) block cream cheese, softened: Full-fat cream cheese provides the best richness and stability. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sifted, to prevent lumps. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk: Any kind (whole, 2%, or even almond milk) to achieve the desired consistency.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract for best flavor.

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

• 3 cups (720ml) heavy whipping cream: Ensure it’s very cold for optimal whipping.
• 1/2 cup (60g) powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar): Sifted, or to taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Pure vanilla extract.

For the Topping/Garnish:

• 1/2 cup caramel sauce: Store-bought or homemade, for drizzling between layers and on top.
• 1/2 cup hot fudge sauce (warmed): Store-bought or homemade, for drizzling between layers.
• 1.5 – 2 cups (approx. 200-280g) chopped peanut butter cups (Reese’s) or other chocolate candy bar/toffee bits: This is for the final generous topping, providing crunch and flavor. You can use mini peanut butter cups, chopped full-size ones, or a mix of Heath bar bits, chopped Snickers, etc.

Instructions:

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