There is something irresistibly indulgent about a dessert that combines rich textures and luscious flavors, and this Brownie Trifle with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe does exactly that. Imagine layers of fudgy brownies soaking up velvety salted caramel mousse, crowned with decadent chocolate whipped cream and a touch of fresh parsley for brightness. Every bite is a symphony of sweetness and creaminess, perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a special treat at home. This dessert is a celebration in a bowl that feels both elegant and wonderfully comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this trifle is surprisingly straightforward because each ingredient plays a starring role in the overall flavor and texture. From fudgy brownies to the silky caramel mousse and airy chocolate whipped cream, every component is essential and easily accessible.
- Best Ever Brownies: The base of the trifle, providing a rich and dense chocolate foundation.
- Salted caramel sauce: Adds a perfect balance of sweet and salty with a smooth, buttery texture.
- Granulated sugar: Helps sweeten the cream cheese mixture for lusciousness.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note that ties the ingredients together.
- Cream cheese (softened): Gives the mousse a creamy and slightly tangy richness.
- Heavy cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection to create both the caramel mousse and chocolate whipped cream layers.
- Bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped): Adds a bittersweet crunch and deep chocolate flavor for garnish.
- Fresh parsley: A surprising but lovely fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Brownie Trifle with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
Begin by baking your favorite Best Ever Brownies recipe and let them cool completely. The brownies form the rich and chewy foundation of the trifle, so be sure they’re fully cooled to avoid melting the mousse layers later.
Step 2: Mix the Caramel Mousse Base
In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with granulated sugar until completely smooth and creamy. Slowly incorporate the salted caramel sauce along with the vanilla extract, mixing gently but thoroughly to build that perfect sweet and salty base for the mousse.
Step 3: Whip the Cream and Fold
Whip 3 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Carefully fold half of this whipped cream into your caramel and cream cheese mixture to create a glossy, airy caramel mousse that’s light yet decadent.
Step 4: Assemble the Trifle Layers
Start layering your trifle in a large glass bowl or individual serving dishes. Begin with brownie pieces, then spread a layer of the salted caramel mousse. Repeat the layering process until all your brownies and mousse are used, finishing with a thick, inviting layer of mousse on top.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Whipped Cream and Garnish
Whip the remaining heavy cream with finely chopped bittersweet chocolate to create a luscious chocolate whipped cream topping. Sprinkle extra chopped chocolate and drizzle reserved salted caramel sauce on top, then add a handful of fresh parsley for that unexpected yet delightful touch.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
Cover the trifle tightly and refrigerate for at least four hours. This chilling time lets all the flavors meld beautifully and the texture to set into a perfectly creamy, fudgy harmony.
How to Serve Brownie Trifle with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe
Garnishes
For serving, a final drizzle of salted caramel sauce on each individual portion adds an irresistible gloss and extra flavor punch. The fresh parsley garnish adds a pop of green and a subtle herbal note that balances the dessert’s richness.
Side Dishes
This trifle is decadent enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee to cut through the sweetness and enhance the chocolate notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Brownie Trifle with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe in clear individual glasses to showcase its beautiful layers. You can also prepare mini trifle jars for parties or gift them for a homemade dessert treat. Adding edible gold flakes or a sprinkle of sea salt on top elevates the presentation to stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover trifle can be stored in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid, for up to three days. The brownies will continue to soak up the caramel mousse flavors, becoming even more delicious as time passes.
Freezing
While this dessert is best fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving, though the texture might be a bit softer than freshly made.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Enjoy its creamy, cool textures as intended to get the full luxurious experience of the Brownie Trifle with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought brownies for this trifle?
Absolutely! While homemade brownies add freshness, a quality store-bought brownie works perfectly and saves time when making this trifle.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the mousse?
The cream cheese adds a subtle tang and creamy thickness that balances the sweetness. You can substitute with mascarpone for a milder flavor, but cream cheese works best.
How far ahead can I prepare the trifle?
You can assemble the trifle up to a day ahead. Let it chill in the refrigerator to develop flavors and achieve the ideal consistency before serving.
Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture, but you can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and whipped coconut cream for a plant-based version.
Is fresh parsley an unusual garnish for dessert?
It might be unexpected, but fresh parsley adds a beautiful color contrast and a fresh, herbal brightness that cuts through the sweetness. It’s a simple, elegant finishing touch.
Final Thoughts
This Brownie Trifle with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a warm, joyful celebration with every spoonful. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, it’s incredibly rewarding to make and equally unforgettable to eat. Give it a try—you’re going to fall in love with this layered delight!
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Brownie Trifle with Salted Caramel and Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-40 minutes (for baking brownies, depending on recipe)
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Brownie Trifle is a decadent layered dessert combining rich homemade brownies, creamy salted caramel mousse, whipped cream, and bittersweet chocolate. Perfect for special occasions, this make-ahead treat is refrigerated to meld flavors and create a luscious, creamy texture topped with fresh parsley for a subtle herbal note.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 recipe Best Ever Brownies (about 1 lb 12 oz / 800 g)
Caramel Mousse
- 1 cup salted caramel sauce (plus extra for assembly)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups heavy cream, divided
Garnish
- ⅔ cup bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bake Brownies: Bake the Best Ever Brownies according to your favorite recipe and allow them to cool completely to ensure they hold their shape during layering.
- Prepare Caramel Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Slowly incorporate the salted caramel sauce and vanilla extract into this mixture until fully combined.
- Whip Cream: Whip 3 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, ensuring firm texture. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the caramel-cream cheese mixture to lighten it.
- Assemble Trifle: In a large trifle bowl, alternate layers starting with pieces of brownies, followed by a layer of the caramel mousse. Repeat layering with remaining ingredients, finishing with a layer of mousse on top.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the top with chopped bittersweet chocolate, drizzle extra salted caramel sauce over the surface, and add fresh parsley for an aromatic and visual contrast.
- Chill: Cover the assembled trifle and refrigerate for at least four hours to allow flavors to meld and mousse to set before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought brownies if short on time.
- For a stronger caramel flavor, use homemade salted caramel sauce.
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled to prevent melting the cream layers.
- Make ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours for best flavor development.
- Fresh parsley adds a unique touch but can be omitted or replaced with mint for different flavor.
