This brownie berry trifle may be the fun summery twist you’ve been looking for! Homemade fudgy brownies, berries, and whipped cream layer together easily and beautifully, and the combo is incredibly delicious too.

closeup of brownie berry trifles with a spoon

So many peak summer treats include fresh berries in some way, and for good reason. But here’s a way to enjoy them that may be new to you— in a brownie trifle! 

There’s so many ways to make this simple dessert, and it’s going to be amazing however you do it. You can use my basic brownie recipe or a box mix, or even store-bought brownies. You can make individual trifles, or one big trifle. You can make it all ahead of time, or put it together last-minute! However you do it, this brownie berry trifle is sure to be a hit at any summer potluck, barbecue or holiday like the 4th of July!

Table of Contents

brownies in a colander and baked brownies in a pan
brownies, whipped cream, and berries ready for assembly

3 delicious layers to this brownie berry trifle

  1. Brownies: My homemade brownie recipe is almost just as easy as box mix, but you can use a mix if you prefer (Ghirardelli brownie mix is my preferred brand). You can also look for baked brownies in the bakery section of the grocery store. Chop up the brownies so they’re bite-sized.
  2. Vanilla whipped cream: Here’s my recipe for how to make perfectly whipped cream. I don’t recommend Cool Whip as it’s just not the same, but if you love it, go for it.
  3. Fresh berries: Use strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, or any combination of the above. Tossing them with a bit of sugar before assembling releases their natural juices, which adds extra berry flavor and moisture.
brownie berry trifles assembled in glasses

Serving suggestions

There are multiple ways to serve this brownie trifle with fresh berries:

  • In individual glasses, as shown here. (Use plastic glasses for a crowd and/or for easy cleanup!)
  • In one big bowl or trifle dish.
  • As part of a dessert bar where guests can assemble their own. How fun (and easy!) would that be for a summer dinner party?

No matter how you serve it up, the results are sure to be the same— chocolaty, creamy, berry-y bliss!

Make-ahead tips

  • Baked brownies will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. Slice the brownies just before assembly so they don’t dry out.
  • Whipped cream can be made up to 1 day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
  • Wash, dry, and store fresh berries in the fridge up to 2 days (but I like to use them within 1 day of purchase so they’re at their best).
  • The assembled brownie trifle can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. The brownies will soften and the layers will mingle together.
  • If you want firmer brownies and more distinct layers, assemble and serve right away or within a few hours.
closeup of brownie berry trifles with a spoon

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of berries or fruit in the trifle?

Yes, of course! You can use any kind of berry, or berry combination you want. Just raspberries or just strawberries would be great! Other fruit like sweet bing cherries (halved) is another delicious combination, especially with a bit of almond extract added to the whipped cream.

Can I use store-bought brownie box mix?

Yes, you can! Follow recipe instructions on the box and cool completely before slicing. It doesn’t really matter how many brownies you end up with (i.e. what size pan they’re baked in) since this recipe is so flexible.

What’s the best way to store this berry brownie trifle?

Once assembled, the trifle should be stored in the refrigerator. It will look its best if served within a few hours and up to 24 hours, but leftovers will keep in the fridge for several days, and it will still taste great even if the berries start to look soggy.

Get the recipe

brownie berry trifles assembled in glasses
5 from 2 reviews

Brownie Berry Trifle

Servings: 10 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Homemade fudgy brownies, berries, and whipped cream layer together easily and beautifully, and the combo is incredibly delicious too. Make in one large bowl or smaller glasses for individual servings.
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Ingredients
 

For the brownies:

  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter , cut into cubes
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) bittersweet chocolate , chopped or use chips
  • 1 ½ cup (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (190 grams) all-purpose flour

For the trifle assembly:

  • 6 oz (170 grams) fresh strawberries , sliced
  • 6 oz (170 grams) fresh blueberries
  • 6 oz (170 grams) fresh raspberries
  • 4 tablespoons (50 grams) granulated sugar , divided
  • 1 ½ cups (340 grams) cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

trifle bowl dish
Trifle bowl
teal kitchen mixer
Electric mixer

Instructions
 

To make brownies:

  • To make the brownies, preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line with parchment paper.
  • In a saucepan set over low heat, melt the chocolate and butter. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and add sugar and salt. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each. Stir in the vanilla extract. Add the flour and stir until just combined.
  • Pour batter into the prepared baking dish and bake until edges are set and the middles appear dry, about 20-25 minutes. Let cool completely.

To assemble the trifle:

  • Toss the blueberries, raspberries and strawberries with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  • In large bowl, beat heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer to soft peaks. Add vanilla and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and continue beating to medium peaks.
  • Cut cooled brownies into cubes. Layer cubed brownies, juicy berries and sweetened whipped cream into 8-ounce glasses , or into one large glass bowl or trifle dish. Chill in fridge until ready to serve.
  • For best results serve within a few hours and up to 24 hours. Leftovers will still be delicious for up to 3 days, store in the fridge.

Notes

  • If desired, you can use a brownie mix for the brownie layer in this trifle, or even store-bought baked brownies.
  • Make ahead tips: 
    • Baked brownies will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. Slice the brownies just before assembly so they don’t dry out.
    • Whipped cream can be made up to 1 day in advance and kept in the refrigerator.
    • Wash, dry, and store fresh berries in the fridge up to 2 days (but I like to use them within 1 day of purchase so they’re at their best).
    • The assembled brownie trifle can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. The brownies will soften and the layers will mingle together.
    • If you want firmer brownies and more distinct layers, assemble and serve right away or within a few hours.
Calories: 636kcal, Carbohydrates: 65g, Protein: 7g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 24g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 156mg, Sodium: 98mg, Potassium: 247mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 46g, Vitamin A: 1212IU, Vitamin C: 16mg, Calcium: 61mg, Iron: 3mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Annalise Sandberg
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Note: This recipe was originally published June 2016 in partnership with the American Butter Institute for the Go Bold with Butter website, a campaign I still believe in an occasionally work with. Thanks for supporting content that helps make Completely Delicious possible.

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