Imagine diving your spoon into layers of decadent chocolate, fluffy whipped cream, and crunchy candy cane pieces that create a holiday dessert so irresistible, it'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Candy Cane Brownie Trifle isn't just a dessert - it's a show-stopping centerpiece that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1 cup crushed candy canes
- 1/2 cup peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, ensuring you follow the mixing and baking guidelines precisely. Once mixed, pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake the brownies for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
- While brownies are cooling, crush the candy canes into small pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Cut the cooled brownies into small, bite-sized cubes, approximately 1-inch in size.
- In a large trifle dish or clear glass bowl, begin layering the dessert. Start with a base layer of brownie cubes, covering the bottom of the dish.
- Drizzle a portion of chocolate sauce over the brownie layer, ensuring even distribution.
- Add a generous layer of whipped cream on top of the brownies, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Sprinkle a portion of crushed candy canes over the whipped cream layer.
- Repeat the layering process: brownies, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and crushed candy canes until you reach the top of the dish.
- For the final top layer, create a decorative arrangement of whipped cream and generously sprinkle the remaining crushed candy canes.
- Drizzle the peppermint extract lightly over the top layer for an extra burst of flavor.
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
- When ready to serve, use a long spoon to scoop and ensure each serving contains all layers of the trifle.
Tips
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before cubing to maintain their structure
- Use a clear glass dish to showcase beautiful layered presentation
- Crush candy canes just before adding to maintain their crisp texture
- For extra richness, use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought
- Chill the trifle for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend beautifully
- Use a long-handled spoon when serving to capture all delicious layers
- For a more adult version, you can add a splash of peppermint schnapps to the chocolate sauce
- Make this dessert a day ahead for even more intense flavor melding
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 65g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 45mg
