A festive and indulgent dessert featuring layers of rich brownies, creamy green-tinted vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and crunchy mint-flavored cookies, perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. This eye-catching trifle is easy to make and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and requires minimal effort.
- Festive & Fun – The vibrant green pudding makes it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
- Decadent & Delicious – A delightful combination of chocolate, vanilla, and mint.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance for a hassle-free dessert.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (as required for pudding mix)
- Green food coloring
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip or whipped topping
- 15 Mint Oreo cookies, crushed
Directions
- Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions. Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box, pour into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, and bake as instructed. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut into small squares.
- Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, approximately 2 minutes. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle bowl or large glass serving dish, layer half of the brownie squares at the bottom. Spoon half of the green pudding over the brownies, spreading evenly. Add a layer of half the Cool Whip over the pudding. Sprinkle half of the crushed Mint Oreo cookies over the whipped topping. Repeat the layers with the remaining brownies, pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed cookies.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 247 kcal
Variations
- Chocolate Pudding Option: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Peppermint Flavor: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the pudding for an extra minty touch.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Replace Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream for a fresher taste.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free brownie mix and cookies.
- Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra texture.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the pudding and whipped topping may separate when thawed.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the trifle up to a day in advance, but wait to add the cookie topping until just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
FAQs
How far in advance can I make this trifle?
You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge.
Can I use homemade brownies instead of a mix?
Absolutely! Use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of a boxed mix.
Can I use a different type of cookie?
Yes, chocolate chip cookies or graham crackers can work as a substitute.
Can I make this without food coloring?
Yes, simply skip the food coloring for a natural vanilla pudding layer.
How do I prevent the cookies from getting soggy?
Add the crushed cookies just before serving for the best texture.
Can I use real whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, freshly whipped cream is a great alternative for a lighter texture.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it’s a fun and festive dessert that kids will love.
Can I add fresh fruit to this trifle?
Yes, fresh strawberries or raspberries would add a nice touch.
How do I make individual servings?
Layer the ingredients in small glass cups or mason jars for single-serve portions.
What can I serve with this trifle?
Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or Irish cream liqueur for an extra festive treat.
Conclusion
This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is a festive and delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and a hint of mint. It’s easy to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to impress at any holiday gathering. Try it for your next celebration and enjoy a sweet treat that captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day!
Print
St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive St. Patrick’s Day trifle with brownies, green vanilla pudding, whipped topping, and mint cookies—easy, indulgent, and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
- 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk (as required for pudding mix)
- Green food coloring
- 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip or whipped topping
- 15 Mint Oreo cookies, crushed
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownies:
- Preheat the oven as per the brownie mix instructions.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the box directions, pour into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, and bake as instructed.
- Once baked, let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into small squares.
- Prepare the Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the desired shade is reached.
- Assemble the Trifle:
- In a trifle bowl or large glass serving dish, layer half of the brownie squares at the bottom.
- Spoon half of the green pudding over the brownies and spread evenly.
- Add a layer of half the Cool Whip over the pudding.
- Sprinkle half of the crushed Mint Oreo cookies over the whipped topping.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining brownies, pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed cookies.
- Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Notes
- For a homemade twist, bake brownies from scratch instead of using a mix.
- Add a hint of mint extract to the pudding for extra minty flavor.
- Garnish with additional crushed cookies or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered
- Cuisine: American