If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a cozy campfire in a bowl, the Brownie S’mores Trifle is exactly what you need. This luscious layered treat brings together the fudgy richness of brownies, the creamy goodness of chocolate pudding, crunchy graham crackers, and the gooey delight of toasted marshmallows in one spectacular dish. Every bite is a perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible showstopper for any occasion. Once you try this Brownie S’mores Trifle, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that each play a key role in building up the classic s’mores flavor and creating that dreamy trifle texture. From the fudgy brownies to the crunchy graham crackers, each element brings something special to the party.
- 1 box brownie mix: Your base of rich, chocolatey goodness; homemade brownies work perfectly too!
- 2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding (approx. 4 cups): Adds creamy, smooth chocolate layers that contrast with the brownies and crackers.
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, broken: For that classic s’mores crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tub whipped topping: Provides a light, fluffy texture to balance the denser layers.
- 1 small jar marshmallow creme: Gives a luscious, sticky marshmallow flavor throughout the trifle.
- 1 cup mini-marshmallows: These toast beautifully for a gooey top layer that’s pure magic.
- 1 bar Hershey’s chocolate: Chopped on top for a nostalgic hit of melty chocolate pieces.
How to Make Brownie S’mores Trifle
Step 1: Bake and Prepare the Brownies
Start by baking a 9×13 pan of brownies according to the package directions, or your favorite scratch recipe. Let them cool completely—this is key since you want chunkable, neat pieces for layering. Once cooled, cut the brownies into rustic chunks; they don’t have to be perfect, the imperfect shapes add rustic charm!
Step 2: Mix the Chocolate Pudding
While your brownies bake and cool, prepare the instant chocolate pudding according to package instructions. This creamy layer offers a silky chocolate flavor that beautifully complements the dense brownie pieces.
Step 3: Break the Graham Crackers
Place graham crackers in a zip-top bag and break them into smaller pieces. You want chunks that are small but still offer texture—not just crumbs. These add the iconic s’mores crunch and a mellow sweetness.
Step 4: Create the Marshmallow Whipped Topping
In a medium bowl, gently fold together half of the whipped topping and half of the marshmallow creme. It may be a little lumpy and that’s totally fine! This creamy concoction will give your trifle a luscious marshmallow layer that ties all the flavors together.
Step 5: Build the First Layer
In a trifle dish, add a layer of brownie chunks—about half the pan’s worth. Next, spread half of the pudding evenly over the brownies. Then add a layer of broken graham cracker pieces, making sure the pudding layer is fully covered to protect the moisture beneath.
Step 6: Add the Marshmallow Mixture
Spread half of your marshmallow whipped topping mixture over the graham crackers, smoothing it out to create a thick, inviting layer.
Step 7: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the brownie, pudding, graham cracker, and marshmallow whipped topping layers once more, finishing with that marshmallow whipped topping on top.
Step 8: Toast the Marshmallows and Garnish
Using your oven’s broiler, watch carefully as you toast the mini-marshmallows just until they turn a light golden brown—this only takes a few seconds, so stay close! Let them cool slightly, then sprinkle the toasted marshmallows generously over the top layer. For a final flourish, add crushed graham cracker bits and chopped Hershey’s chocolate pieces for that authentic s’mores feel.
Step 9: Chill and Serve
Pop the assembled trifle into the fridge for a few hours to let the flavors meld and the layers set. Serving it cold ensures the pudding stays creamy and the texture is perfect in every scoop.
How to Serve Brownie S’mores Trifle
Garnishes
For an irresistible presentation, garnish your Brownie S’mores Trifle with a handful of toasted mini marshmallows, crushed graham crackers, and small shards of chocolate bar. These not only amp up the flavor but add texture and visual appeal to your already stunning dessert.
Side Dishes
This rich dessert pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh side like a tangy berry salad or even a citrus sorbet to balance out the deep chocolate and marshmallow sweetness. It’s perfect as a decadent finale after a hearty meal with friends or family.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving the Brownie S’mores Trifle in individual clear glass cups or mason jars for a trendy twist. Layer the components so the colors and textures show through beautifully. You can also try layering it in a large glass bowl for a communal-style dessert everyone can dive into.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Brownie S’mores Trifle in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days as the graham crackers will start to soften over time, but the flavors only deepen, making it just as delicious.
Freezing
While you can freeze the individual components separately, freezing the fully assembled trifle is not recommended because the texture of pudding and whipped topping may change. Instead, freeze leftover brownies for later use or make the pudding fresh after thawing other ingredients.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you like the toasted marshmallow flavor warmed up, try briefly placing a spoonful in the microwave for a few seconds to get a melty, gooey hit—just be careful not to overdo it!
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownies instead of box mix?
Absolutely! Homemade brownies bring a wonderful personal touch and you can customize the flavor exactly how you like it. Just be sure they’re completely cooled before layering.
What can I substitute for the marshmallow creme?
If you don’t have marshmallow creme on hand, a homemade marshmallow fluff or extra whipped topping will work in a pinch, although it might slightly change the texture and sweetness.
How long can I make this ahead of time?
This trifle can be assembled a day before serving and refrigerated. Chilling it overnight actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, but avoid making it too far in advance to keep the graham crackers from getting too soggy.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Definitely! Chopped toasted nuts like pecans or almonds can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. You can also sprinkle in some coconut flakes or drizzle caramel for an exciting twist.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the brownies and graham crackers. However, you can use gluten-free brownie mix and gluten-free graham crackers to make a gluten-free version without sacrificing that classic s’mores flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Brownie S’mores Trifle is a delightful way to enjoy all your favorite campfire flavors in one creamy, crunchy, chocolatey dish. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy night in, this recipe delivers smiles and comfort in every spoonful. Give it a try and watch it become your new dessert obsession—you won’t regret diving into this layered treat time and again!
PrintBrownie S’mores Trifle
Indulge in the ultimate gooey, chocolaty, and crunchy treat with this Brownie S’mores Trifle. Layers of decadent brownie chunks, creamy chocolate pudding, crispy graham crackers, and fluffy marshmallow whipped topping come together to recreate the nostalgic flavors of classic s’mores in an effortless trifle dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes plus chilling time (about 2-4 hours minimum)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 box brownie mix (or your favorite from scratch recipe)
Pudding Layer
- 2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding mix (makes approximately 4 cups pudding)
- Ingredients as required by pudding mix (milk, typically 3-4 cups)
Graham Cracker Layer
- 1 sleeve graham crackers, broken into small pieces (not crumbs)
Whipped Marshmallow Topping
- 1 tub whipped topping (about 8 ounces)
- 1 small jar marshmallow creme (approximately 7 ounces)
Additional Toppings
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 bar Hershey’s chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Bake Brownies: Preheat your oven and bake a 9×13 pan of brownies according to the package directions or your preferred recipe. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely. Then, cut them into chunks of varying sizes; precision is not necessary.
- Prepare Pudding and Graham Crackers: While the brownies bake and cool, prepare the instant chocolate pudding by whisking the pudding mixes with the required amount of milk until thickened. Also, break the graham crackers into small pieces using a baggie—aim for small chunks instead of crumbs.
- First Layer Assembly: In a trifle dish, add a layer of brownie chunks, about slightly less than half the batch. Spoon half of the prepared chocolate pudding evenly over the brownie layer. Then, sprinkle a generous layer of broken graham cracker pieces across the pudding, ensuring full coverage.
- Make Marshmallow Whipped Topping: In a bowl, combine half of the tub of whipped topping with half of the marshmallow creme. It’s okay if the mixture appears lumpy; it will add to the texture. Spread this marshmallow whipped topping mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the brownie chunks, remaining pudding, graham crackers, and finish with the rest of the marshmallow whipped topping mixture, ensuring the trifle ends with the marshmallow whipped topping on top.
- Broil Marshmallows: Place mini marshmallows on a baking sheet and broil them in the oven just until they turn golden brown, which will only take a few seconds. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Let them cool slightly after broiling.
- Top and Garnish: Sprinkle the toasted mini marshmallows evenly over the top marshmallow whipped layer. Add crushed graham crackers and chopped Hershey’s chocolate over the top for garnish and added texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the trifle for several hours to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the trifle cold and enjoy this classic s’mores-inspired dessert!
Notes
- Ensure the brownies are fully cooled before layering to prevent melting the pudding and whipped topping.
- When broiling marshmallows, keep a close eye on them as they can burn very quickly.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it great for parties and gatherings.
- Feel free to substitute with gluten-free brownie mix and graham crackers if desired to make it gluten free.
- For a richer chocolate flavor, consider adding a layer of chocolate ganache or drizzle.