St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle

This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is a showstopper that’s as festive as it is delicious. Imagine layers of rich, fudgy brownies, fluffy whipped cream, and a pop of vibrant green—this dessert is a true celebration of St. Paddy’s Day. Not only is it gorgeous and colorful, but it’s also super simple to put together, making it the perfect dessert for a party or family gathering. Every spoonful is a sweet, indulgent treat that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).

Why You’ll Love St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle

This dessert is everything you want for a festive occasion. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Fun and Festive:

The bold green layers scream St. Patrick’s Day fun, making it a perfect dessert for your celebration. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating your family, this trifle is sure to get everyone in the spirit.

Easy to Make:

Despite its impressive looks, this trifle comes together easily. The brownies are simple to bake, and the whipped cream takes just minutes to whip up. It’s a layered masterpiece with minimal effort!

Decadent and Indulgent:

Between the fudgy brownies, the creamy whipped topping, and the sweetened mascarpone cheese, this trifle is a treat for the senses. It’s the ultimate indulgence in every bite.

Make-Ahead:

This dessert is perfect for prepping ahead of time. Make it the night before your St. Patrick’s Day festivities, and let the flavors meld together in the fridge overnight. It’s one less thing to worry about the day of!

Ingredients in St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle

This trifle comes together with a few key ingredients that create a dreamy, layered dessert. Here’s everything you need:

For the Brownie Layer:

• Brownies: You can use your favorite brownie recipe, or pick up a box mix for a quick and easy option. Make sure they are baked, cooled, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
• Green Food Coloring: To add that festive green hue to the whipped cream, you’ll need a little bit of green food coloring. (Trust me, it’s worth it for the visual pop!)

For the Whipped Cream:

• Heavy Whipping Cream: The base for your fluffy whipped cream. This will give you the perfect texture and creaminess.
• Powdered Sugar: A touch of sweetness for your whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: To give your whipped cream a rich, warm flavor.

For the Mascarpone Layer:

• Mascarpone Cheese: This gives a silky, creamy texture and balances the sweetness of the whipped cream.
• Cream Cheese: A little bit of cream cheese adds tang and depth to the mascarpone layer.
• Sugar: To sweeten the mascarpone layer.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla adds flavor and helps round out the sweetness of the mascarpone.

Garnishes:

• Chocolate Chips: For a sprinkle of chocolatey goodness on top of your trifle.
• Green Sprinkles: Add these for extra festive flair and to make it even more St. Patrick’s Day ready.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownies

Start by baking your brownies (or using a box mix if you’re in a hurry!). Once they are fully baked, allow them to cool completely before cutting them into small, bite-sized pieces. This step can be done ahead of time, so you can just grab them when you’re ready to assemble the trifle.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Add a drop or two of green food coloring and continue whipping until stiff peaks form. This will give you the perfectly light, green whipped cream for your trifle layers.

Step 3: Make the Mascarpone Layer

In a separate bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. You want it to be light and fluffy, so give it a good mix until the mixture is fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

Start by layering the brownie pieces at the bottom of a large glass trifle dish. Top the brownies with a layer of the mascarpone mixture, smoothing it out evenly. Then, add a layer of the green whipped cream. Repeat the layers until you’ve used all of your ingredients, ending with a final layer of whipped cream.

Step 5: Garnish

Finish off your trifle with a sprinkle of chocolate chips and green sprinkles on top for that extra festive touch. You can also add a few more brownie crumbles on top if you have any leftover.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Cover your trifle and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours, or even better, overnight. This allows all the flavors to meld together and gives the dessert time to set. When you’re ready to serve, scoop out generous portions and enjoy the magic of this festive treat!

How to Serve St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle

This dessert is perfect for serving at parties or family gatherings. Here are a few fun ways to serve it:

Individual Portions:

Scoop the trifle into individual glasses or small bowls for a more personal touch. This makes it easy for guests to grab their own serving without any mess!

Family-Style:

If you’re serving a crowd, the traditional large trifle bowl works beautifully. Just make sure you have plenty of spoons for everyone!

Toppings:

Add extra chocolate chips, whipped cream, or even a few chocolate shavings on top when serving for a little extra indulgence.

Additional Tips

Use Your Favorite Brownie Recipe:

Whether you make your brownies from scratch or use a box mix, make sure they’re rich and fudgy. The brownies provide a great base for the creamy layers.

Make It Ahead:

This dessert gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, so don’t hesitate to prepare it a day ahead of time. The longer it sits, the more the flavors blend together.

Customize the Colors:

While green is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, you can easily swap in other colors for different occasions. Imagine a red, white, and blue trifle for the 4th of July or pastel shades for Easter!

Don’t Overwhip the Cream:

Be careful not to overwhip the cream! Once you’ve reached stiff peaks, stop whipping to avoid turning it into butter.

Use a Trifle Dish:

A glass trifle dish is perfect because it lets the beautiful layers shine. But if you don’t have one, a large clear bowl works just fine.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 22g (34% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (60% DV)
• Cholesterol: 80mg (27% DV)
• Sodium: 90mg (4% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g (10% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% DV)
• Sugars: 24g
• Protein: 3g
• Vitamin A: 20% DV
• Vitamin C: 0% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV
• Iron: 6% DV

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-3 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (or overnight)

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought brownies?

A1: Yes! Store-bought brownies work perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure they’re rich and fudgy for the best results.

Q2: How long can I store leftovers?

A2: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together!

Q3: Can I make this dessert the night before?

A3: Absolutely! In fact, making it the night before is a great idea. It allows the flavors to set, and it’s one less thing to worry about on St. Patrick’s Day.

Q4: Can I add more layers to the trifle?

A4: Yes! Feel free to add additional layers of fruit, crushed cookies, or even more whipped cream to make the trifle even more decadent.

Q5: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mascarpone?

A5: If you can’t find mascarpone, you can use cream cheese for a tangier flavor. Just make sure to soften it before mixing.

Q6: How can I make this dessert gluten-free?

A6: You can make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free brownies or brownie mix. Make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?

A7: To make this dairy-free, swap the mascarpone and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives, and use a non-dairy whipped cream for the topping.

Q8: Can I use a different color for the whipped cream?

A8: Absolutely! While green is great for St. Patrick’s Day, you can use any color food coloring to match your occasion.

Q9: Can I freeze this trifle?

A9: It’s not ideal to freeze a trifle because the whipped cream might lose its texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh after chilling in the fridge.

Q10: How can I make this dessert even more festive?

A10: Add gold coins, shamrock-shaped sprinkles, or mini Irish flags on top for extra flair!

Conclusion

This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is the perfect treat to bring some extra joy and sweetness to your celebration. With layers of fudgy brownies, creamy mascarpone, and light, fluffy whipped cream, it’s a dessert that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a party or just celebrating with family, this trifle is a fun and delicious way to mark the occasion. So grab your ingredients, get layering, and enjoy the sweet luck of the Irish!

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