Heaven in a Bowl Dessert (Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle)

A Crowd-Pleasing, No-Bake, Irresistible Treat with Layers of Fudge, Cream & Crunch

Introduction: A Dessert Worthy of Celebration

Some desserts just speak directly to the soul—and Heaven in a Bowl is one of those rare treats. It’s the kind of dessert that turns heads at potlucks, gets scraped clean at dinner parties, and inspires requests for “just one more bite.”

With every spoonful, you’re met with a swirl of decadent textures and rich, sweet flavor: fudgy brownie bites, creamy peanut butter pudding, pillowy whipped topping, and just the right crunch from chopped peanut butter cups. It’s a no-bake (or mostly no-bake) showstopper that’s as stunning to look at as it is blissful to eat.

Whether you’re making dessert for a crowd, prepping ahead for a celebration, or simply craving something unapologetically indulgent, this is the ultimate layered trifle that never disappoints. In this post, we’ll cover:

Why this dessert works
Full ingredients with measurements
Step-by-step instructions
Pro tips and variations
Storage and make-ahead advice
Nutritional info
And plenty of love for peanut butter-chocolate fans

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dessert

Decadent Layers

Each layer brings something magical—chewy brownies, creamy pudding infused with peanut butter, fluffy whipped topping, and bursts of chocolate from the peanut butter cups. The contrast in textures and flavors is just divine.

No-Bake Friendly (Optional)

If you use store-bought brownies, this becomes a completely no-bake dessert. Great when you’re short on time or trying to keep the oven off during hot weather.

Crowd Favorite

This dessert is made for sharing. It serves up to 16 people generously, and always leaves guests asking for the recipe.

Make-Ahead Magic

Assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate overnight. The flavors meld together even more beautifully, and it’s one less thing to do on event day.

Ingredients (US Cups & Measures – Makes 16 Servings)

Brownie Base

1 package of fudge brownie mix (prepared according to box directions)
or
3 cups crumbled brownie pieces (about ½ inch to ¾ inch chunks)

Peanut Butter Cups Layer

2 packages (13 oz each) Reese’s Miniature Cups, halved
Reserve ⅓ cup of chopped pieces for garnish

Peanut Butter Pudding Mixture

2 (3.4 oz) boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix (just the dry mix)
4 cups cold milk
1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Whipped Topping

2 cups of whipped topping (like Cool Whip, approximately 16 oz thawed)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: Approx. 2 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Info (Per ⅓ Cup Serving)

Calories: 142
Carbohydrates: 17g
Fat: 8g
Protein: 3g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 115mg

How to Make Heaven in a Bowl: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies (Optional)

If you’re baking your own brownies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Mix the brownie batter according to package instructions.
Bake in a 9×13 pan for about 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow the brownies to cool completely before handling.
Once cooled, crumble them into rough ¾-inch pieces. You don’t want crumbs—just soft chunks.

Shortcut Tip: You can also use store-bought brownies or leftover homemade brownies for convenience.

Step 2: Slice the Peanut Butter Cups

Unwrap the Reese’s Miniature Cups.
Slice them in half (or quarters if preferred).
Set aside ⅓ cup of the chopped cups to use as the final garnish.

This step adds a burst of peanut butter and chocolate flavor to every layer.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Butter Pudding Layer

In a large mixing bowl, combine both packages of dry instant vanilla pudding with the cold milk.
Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
Stir in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

The result is a luscious pudding that’s elevated with the nutty depth of peanut butter.

Step 4: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold 2 cups of whipped topping into the pudding mixture using a spatula.
Fold until no white streaks remain and the mixture is light and airy.

This gives the pudding a mousse-like consistency that’s perfect for layering.

Step 5: Layer the Trifle

You’ll be assembling this dessert in a large, clear trifle dish (about 5 quarts) or glass bowl to showcase the gorgeous layers.

First Layer – Brownie Base: Add 1 cup of crumbled brownie pieces and spread evenly.
Second Layer – Peanut Butter Cups: Sprinkle 1 cup of halved peanut butter cups over the brownie.
Third Layer – Pudding Mix: Spoon 1 cup of the pudding-whipped topping mix on top and gently smooth it with the back of a spoon.

Repeat these layers two more times:

Brownie → Peanut Butter Cups → Pudding Mix

End with a final layer of the pudding mixture smoothed across the top.

Step 6: Add Final Whipped Topping & Garnish

Spread the remaining whipped topping across the top of the pudding layer.
Sprinkle the reserved ⅓ cup of halved peanut butter cups evenly over the top.

You can garnish creatively—some shaved chocolate, a drizzle of warm peanut butter, or a dusting of cocoa powder work beautifully too.

Step 7: Chill Before Serving

Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving. This gives the layers time to meld together and firm up for perfect scooping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in dessert bowls or clear cups for a single-serve version.
Use a large serving spoon to scoop all the way down and show off those beautiful layers.

This dessert is ideal for:

Potlucks
Birthday parties
Holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter
Bridal or baby showers
Game day get-togethers

Tips for Success

Cool the Brownies Completely: Warm brownies will melt the pudding and whipped topping layers.

Use a Trifle Dish or Clear Bowl: Not only does this enhance the presentation, but it also makes serving easier and more appealing.

Don’t Overmix the Whipped Topping: Folding gently maintains its light, airy texture.

Let It Chill: The flavors improve as it sits, making this an ideal make-ahead dessert.

Use Quality Peanut Butter: A smooth, flavorful peanut butter (like Jif, Skippy, or natural varieties) makes a big difference in richness and texture.

Recipe Variations

Add Some Crunch

Mix in crushed pretzels or roasted peanuts between the layers for a salty-sweet crunch.

Change Up the Pudding

Swap vanilla pudding with chocolate pudding for double chocolate decadence.
Use peanut butter pudding if available for intensified flavor.

Add Fruit

Layer thinly sliced bananas between pudding and brownie for a chocolate banana twist.

Mini Trifles

Make personal servings in mason jars or parfait cups for parties or events.

Fruit Topping

Top with strawberries or raspberries to cut through the richness and add fresh contrast.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Best enjoyed within the first 2 days for maximum texture and flavor.

Freezing

Not recommended. The whipped topping and pudding don’t freeze and thaw well—it can become watery and separate.

Make-Ahead Tips

Assemble the entire dessert up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator.
Add final garnishes (like chocolate drizzle or chopped cups) just before serving to keep them fresh and appealing.

Final Thoughts: A Dessert That Truly Lives Up to Its Name

“Heaven in a Bowl” isn’t just a catchy title—it’s a spot-on description. Each bite is layered with love, flavor, and indulgence, making it one of the easiest, most delicious trifles you’ll ever make.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dessert always brings smiles. It’s flexible, forgiving, and fabulous every time. Don’t be surprised if you end up licking the spoon!