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Chocolate caramel brownie trifle layered with fudgy brownies, creamy pudding, whipped cream, and toffee bits in a glass bowl

Chocolate Caramel Brownie Trifle Easy Layered Dessert - A Crowd-Pleasing Treat

Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Brownies: 1 boxed brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed) or 1 pan of homemade brownies
  • Chocolate pudding: 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • Milk: 4 cups cold milk (for the pudding)
  • Caramel sauce: 1 cup jarred caramel sauce (thicker ice cream topping style works best)
  • Whipped topping: 16 oz tub frozen whipped topping, thawed, or 4 cups freshly whipped cream
  • Toffee bits or chopped candy: 1 cup (Heath toffee bits or chopped chocolate-covered toffee)
  • Chocolate chips or shavings: 1/2 cup (optional, for garnish)
  • Sea salt flakes: Optional for a salted caramel finish

Instructions
 

  • Bake the brownies. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package and bake in a 9x13-inch pan. Let them cool completely. For extra fudgy cubes, chill the pan for 30 minutes before cutting.
  • Make the pudding. In a large bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding with cold milk for about 2 minutes. Let it thicken for 5 minutes in the fridge.
  • Cut the brownies. Slice the cooled brownies into 1-inch cubes. Don’t worry if some pieces crumble—texture is welcome in a trifle.
  • Prep your caramel. If the caramel is very thick, warm it slightly so it’s pourable but not hot. Thick caramel helps define the layers.
  • Start layering. In a trifle bowl (or a clear deep dish), add a generous layer of brownie cubes to cover the bottom.
  • Add caramel. Drizzle caramel sauce over the brownies. Use about one-third of the caramel so you can repeat in later layers.
  • Spoon on pudding. Spread a layer of chocolate pudding over the caramel. Aim for an even layer that reaches the edges so it looks clean from the outside.
  • Top with whipped topping. Add a layer of whipped topping, smoothing gently with a spatula.
  • Sprinkle crunch. Add a handful of toffee bits and a few chocolate chips or shavings for texture.
  • Repeat the layers. Build at least two full sets of layers: brownies, caramel, pudding, whipped topping, toffee. End with whipped topping on the very top.
  • Finish with garnish. Add a final drizzle of caramel, extra toffee bits, and a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes if you like sweet-salty contrast.
  • Chill before serving. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours to let the flavors meld and the layers set. It’s even better after 4 hours.
  • Serve. Scoop with a large spoon into bowls or dessert cups. Get down to the bottom so every serving has a full mix of layers.