Reese’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle with Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

The first time I made this Reese’s trifle recipe, it was for my sister’s birthday. She’s a devoted chocolate and peanut butter fan, and I wanted to create something spectacular. I remember standing in my kitchen, layering the components with nervous excitement, wondering if the flavors would blend as beautifully as I imagined. When I finally served it, the room fell silent before erupting in requests for seconds! Since then, this Reese’s chocolate trifle has become my signature dessert for gatherings. What makes it so special is how accessible it is—you don’t need fancy equipment or professional skills, just a love for chocolate and peanut butter. The layers create a stunning visual that belies how simple it is to put together, making it perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a dessert that impresses without stress.

Why You’ll Love This Reese’s Trifle Recipe

I’ve spent years perfecting this Reese’s peanut butter trifle, and here’s why I think you’ll fall in love with it too:

• I designed this recipe to be incredibly forgiving—even if your layers aren’t perfect, the flavors blend beautifully when chilled.
• I love how the homemade peanut butter whipped cream elevates this dessert beyond a typical trifle, adding a professional touch with minimal effort.
• I’ve found this Reese’s trifle dessert is perfect for make-ahead situations—in fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight.
• I appreciate that while it looks elaborate, this dessert comes together in about 30 minutes (not counting brownie baking time).
• I’ve served this at countless gatherings, and it consistently receives more compliments than desserts that took three times the effort.
• I’m confident you’ll love how this Reese’s dessert recipe balances sweet chocolate with salty peanut butter for an irresistible flavor combination.

Ingredients Notes

1. Brownies: I prefer using homemade brownies for their fudgy texture, but store-bought works perfectly too. The dense structure holds up beautifully against the creamy layers without getting soggy.
2. Heavy Whipping Cream: I always use cold cream straight from the refrigerator—the colder it is, the better it whips. This creates the stable, fluffy base for our peanut butter whipped cream.
3. Creamy Peanut Butter: I specifically avoid natural peanut butter as it separates and creates an uneven texture. The emulsifiers in regular creamy peanut butter help it blend seamlessly into the whipped cream.
4. Vanilla Extract: I use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for its complex flavor profile. It enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter notes without competing with them.
5. Chocolate Pudding: I find instant pudding works wonderfully here, but I always whisk it a bit longer than the package suggests for extra creaminess. The pudding adds a silky texture between the layers.
6. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: I chop most pieces roughly while keeping some finer for varied texture. These candy pieces add delightful pockets of concentrated peanut butter-chocolate flavor throughout the trifle.

How to Make This Reese’s Chocolate Trifle

1. Prepare the Brownies
   Begin with cooled brownies, either homemade or store-bought. Gently crumble them into bite-sized pieces, being careful not to compress them into a paste. The brownies should maintain some texture for the perfect foundation layer.
2. Create the Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
   Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks begin to form. In a separate small bowl, microwave the peanut butter for 15-20 seconds until just softened but not hot. Add the softened peanut butter and vanilla extract to the cream, then continue beating until stiff peaks form. The mixture should be thick and hold its shape when the beater is lifted.
3. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
   If using instant pudding, prepare according to package directions, but whisk vigorously for an extra 30 seconds to ensure maximum creaminess. Allow it to set slightly before assembling the trifle.
4. Chop the Reese’s Cups
   Unwrap all the peanut butter cups and chop them into various sizes—some in quarters, some in smaller pieces. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the chopped candy for the top garnish.
5. Assemble the Trifle
   Start with a layer of crumbled brownies at the bottom of your trifle dish or clear serving bowl. The layer should be about 1 inch thick. Next, spread approximately 1/3 of the chocolate pudding over the brownies. Follow with a layer of the peanut butter whipped cream, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle a generous layer of chopped Reese’s cups. Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of peanut butter whipped cream and the reserved chopped Reese’s cups on top.
6. Chill and Set
   Cover the trifle gently with plastic wrap, being careful not to disturb the top layer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly, resulting in clean, distinct layers when served.

Expert Cooking Tips

1. Stabilize your whipped cream by adding 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar per cup of cream. I’ve found this helps maintain structure, especially when making the trifle ahead of time.
2. For cleaner layers, I always chill each component separately before assembly. Cold pudding and whipped cream hold their shape better against the brownie layer.
3. I recommend using a clear bowl for serving to showcase the beautiful layers. If you don’t have a trifle dish, any clear glass bowl works perfectly.
4. When incorporating peanut butter into whipped cream, I’ve learned that warming it slightly makes it blend more smoothly without deflating the cream.
5. For the most impressive presentation, I reserve the most perfectly chopped Reese’s pieces for the visible outer edges and top of the trifle.

Storage Tips for Reese’s Trifle Dessert

• Refrigerator storage: Cover the trifle with plastic wrap, pressing it gently against the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
• Individual portions: Store leftover servings in airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent the trifle from absorbing refrigerator odors.
• Never freeze this trifle. The whipped cream and pudding textures will break down upon thawing, resulting in a watery, unappetizing dessert.
• For make-ahead preparation: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, keeping covered in the refrigerator. Add the final garnish of Reese’s cups just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions for Reese’s Peanut Butter Trifle

• Gluten-free option: Substitute the brownies with gluten-free brownies or chocolate cookies. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
• Lighter version: Use reduced-fat pudding, light whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream, and mini Reese’s cups to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.
• Chocolate lover’s dream: Replace the brownies with chocolate cake and add a layer of chocolate ganache for an even more intense chocolate experience.
• Individual servings: Create mini trifles in mason jars or wine glasses for elegant single-serving desserts that are perfect for dinner parties.
• Nutty variation: Add a layer of chopped salted peanuts between layers for extra crunch and a more pronounced sweet-salty contrast.

What to Serve with Reese’s Trifle Dessert

• Hot coffee or espresso: The bitter notes in coffee cut through the sweetness of the trifle, creating a balanced flavor experience that enhances both the chocolate and peanut butter.
• Vanilla bean ice cream: A small scoop alongside the trifle adds a temperature contrast that highlights the complex flavors in the dessert.
• Fresh berries: Raspberries or strawberries provide a tart counterpoint to the rich, sweet trifle, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Glass of cold milk: The classic pairing for chocolate and peanut butter desserts, milk helps mellow the richness while complementing the flavors.

FAQ

Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually better when made 12-24 hours ahead, allowing flavors to meld while maintaining texture.

How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
Add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar per cup of cream and beat to stiff peaks.

Can I use natural peanut butter?
No, it separates and creates grainy texture. Stick with regular creamy peanut butter.

How many people does this serve?
This Reese’s trifle recipe serves approximately 12-16 people, depending on portion size.

Can I use chocolate cake instead of brownies?
Absolutely! Chocolate cake creates a lighter texture but still tastes delicious.