St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is all about bringing a little fun, a little flair, and a whole lot of green to the table-and this dessert is the perfect way to do just that. Whether you’re planning a party, surprising your family with a festive treat, or looking for something sweet (and super easy!) to round out your holiday menu, this trifle delivers in every way.
If you love indulgent yet simple desserts like this one, you might also enjoy decadent layered bakes such as the Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast Bake or keep it chilled and creamy with nostalgic favorites like the Copycat Shamrock Shake-a perfect match for any green-themed celebration.
Imagine fudgy brownie pieces layered with rich chocolate pudding, a fluffy green whipped topping, and a handful of sprinkles to tie it all together. It’s decadent yet light, visually stunning yet so simple to assemble-and most importantly, it’s a hit with both kids and adults.
This no-bake dessert can be made ahead of time, easily portioned into individual servings, and customized with fun mix-ins or toppings. And since it’s alcohol-free, it’s totally family-friendly-perfect for classroom parties, neighborhood potlucks, or just a cozy celebration at home.
So if you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, flavorful, and full of Irish-inspired joy, this brownie trifle is your lucky charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This St Patricks Day Brownie Trifle isn’t just easy to make-it’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone smile. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your holiday lineup:
✔️ Totally Festive
From the vibrant green whipped topping to the sprinkle of shamrocks or gold sugar on top, this dessert screams St Patricks Day in the best way possible. It’s a showstopper for any party table or family gathering.
✔️ No Baking? No Problem!
Use store-bought brownies and pudding to make this dessert come together in minutes-no oven or stress required. It’s ideal for busy parents, last-minute planners, or anyone who loves shortcut recipes that still feel homemade.
✔️ Family-Friendly & Alcohol-Free
Unlike many holiday trifles that rely on spirits or liqueurs, this version is 100% kid-approved and perfect for all ages. It’s sweet, chocolatey, and a great way to celebrate with the whole family.
✔️ Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing
Switch up the pudding flavor, use your favorite brownie recipe, or add mint, caramel, or Oreos. This trifle is endlessly adaptable-and it always disappears fast!
✔️ Make-Ahead Magic
Make it the night before your party and let it chill in the fridge. It actually gets better as the flavors meld, which means one less thing to worry about on the big day.
💚 Whether you’re Irish or just love chocolate, this dessert brings a little extra luck and love to every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 batch of brownies, cut into bite-sized cubes (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 cups chocolate pudding (prepared, chilled)
- 2 cups whipped topping (like Cool Whip or homemade)
- Green food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for homemade whipped cream)
- Festive sprinkles (gold, green, shamrock shapes)
- Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional)
- Clear trifle dish or individual glasses
Instructions
1️⃣ Bake or Prep the Brownies
If making homemade brownies, prepare and bake them according to your recipe or box instructions. Let them cool completely before cutting into small, bite-sized cubes. For a shortcut, use pre-made or store-bought brownies-just as delicious, and even faster!
2️⃣ Prepare the Pudding
Whisk together instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk (or use pre-made pudding cups if you’re in a pinch). Chill in the fridge for about 5–10 minutes until thickened.
3️⃣ Tint the Whipped Topping
Scoop whipped topping into a bowl and gently fold in green food coloring a few drops at a time. Stir just until you reach your desired shade of green-light mint or bold emerald, it’s up to you!
Optional: Add a splash of vanilla or mint extract for a subtle flavor boost.
4️⃣ Layer the Trifle
In a large clear trifle dish or individual serving glasses, begin layering:
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A layer of brownie pieces
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A layer of chocolate pudding
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A generous scoop of green whipped topping
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A sprinkle of festive St Patricks Day sprinkles or mini chocolate chips
Repeat layers until your dish is full, ending with a fluffy topping and decorative sprinkles on top.
5️⃣ Chill Before Serving
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours) to let the layers settle and flavors blend. This also makes it easier to scoop and serve.
💚 Tip: Add the final layer of sprinkles just before serving to keep them crisp and colorful!
Recipe Variations
This brownie trifle is already a hit-but with a few tweaks, you can tailor it to suit your celebration, flavor preferences, or dietary needs. Here are some easy, crowd-pleasing ideas:
🔹 Mint Chocolate Magic
Add a drop or two of mint extract to the whipped topping or pudding for that cool, minty flavor everyone loves. You can even stir in crushed mint chocolate candies or Andes mints for extra flair.
🔹 Rainbow Surprise Trifle
Layer in a handful of rainbow sprinkles or mini marshmallows (in red, orange, yellow, green, blue) between layers for a playful leprechaun-approved twist!
🔹 Oreo Crunch Edition
Swap brownies for chunks of chocolate sandwich cookies or add a crushed Oreo layer between the pudding and whipped topping. The extra crunch is delicious and adds texture.
🔹 Gluten-Free Friendly
Use gluten-free brownie mix or gluten-free chocolate cookies to create a version that’s just as decadent-no one will notice the difference!
🔹 Mini Trifles for Parties
Instead of one big bowl, layer the dessert into small clear cups, mason jars, or parfait glasses. It’s perfect for portion control, kids, or festive grab-and-go treats.
🔹 Gold-Topped Trifle
Top the final layer with edible gold glitter, gold coins, or crushed golden sandwich cookies for a treasure-inspired finish worthy of the holiday.
✨ These creative swaps are perfect for making the trifle your own-and every variation is just as fun, festive, and delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
❓ Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. The layers will settle beautifully, and the flavor gets even better as it chills.
❓ What kind of brownies work best?
Any brownies will do-homemade, box mix, or store-bought! For best results, choose a fudgy brownie (rather than cakey), since it holds up better in layers and adds rich chocolate flavor.
❓ How do I keep the whipped topping fluffy?
Make sure to gently fold in the food coloring (and any extracts) rather than stirring aggressively. This keeps the whipped topping light and airy for that cloud-like finish.
❓ Can I make this trifle without chocolate pudding?
Absolutely! You can swap the chocolate pudding for vanilla, white chocolate, mint, or even pistachio pudding for a green-themed twist. It’s easy to mix and match based on your preference.
❓ Is this trifle kid-friendly?
Yes! This version is completely alcohol-free, making it perfect for classroom parties, family gatherings, or celebrations with little ones.
❓ Can I make this dessert dairy-free?
Yes, with a few easy swaps! Use dairy-free brownies, non-dairy pudding (like almond or coconut milk versions), and a dairy-free whipped topping like CocoWhip to keep it allergy-friendly.
💚 Have more questions? Leave a comment or share your own variation with us-we’d love to see your St Patricks Day spin on this lucky dessert!
Conclusion: A Lucky Treat Everyone Will Love
This St Patricks Day Brownie Trifle is more than just a dessert-it’s a celebration in a bowl. With its rich, chocolatey layers, bright green whipped topping, and sprinkle of holiday magic, it brings smiles to the table with every spoonful. Whether you’re serving a crowd or keeping it cozy with your family, this trifle is a guaranteed way to spread joy and festive flavor.
It’s easy to prepare, fun to assemble, and endlessly customizable-plus, you can make it ahead so you’re not scrambling last minute. And let’s be honest: anything with brownies, pudding, and whipped cream is bound to disappear fast!
So this March 17th, bring a little luck (and a lot of deliciousness) to your celebration. Grab your trifle dish, layer up the goodness, and enjoy the sweet, chocolatey charm of a dessert that’s as fun as it is flavorful.
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St Patricks Day Brownie Trifle Easy Chocolate Layer Dessert
This festive and fun brownie trifle is the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day dessert! Made with layers of fudgy brownies, chocolate pudding, green whipped topping, and cheerful sprinkles, it’s a no-bake treat that’s easy to make, perfect for parties, and loved by all ages.
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 batch of brownies (cut into cubes)
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2 cups chocolate pudding
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2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
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Green food coloring
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Festive St. Patrick’s Day sprinkles
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Optional: mini chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare and cut brownies into cubes.
- Make pudding and chill.
- Tint whipped topping green with food coloring.
- Layer brownies, pudding, and whipped topping in a trifle dish.
- Repeat layers and top with sprinkles.
- Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian