Peppermint Bark Pudding

Brownie Peppermint Bark Pudding Trifle

This brownie peppermint bark pudding trifle is a showstopper! All the delicious flavors of brownies and peppermint bark are wrapped up in one incredible dessert.

Layers (And Pudding Options)

This dessert trifle is layered with four different components in order to achieve that delightful "peppermint bark" vibe:

• Brownies (cut into cute little cubes)
• White chocolate pudding (storebought or homemade – more on that below)
• Creamy no-bake peppermint cheesecake batter
• Sweetened whipped cream

Each of the above can be prepared days in advance, which makes this incredibly easy to assemble.

Homemade or Storebought Pudding

For the white chocolate pudding, you can use a 5.9-ounce box of storebought pudding mix (prepared and chilled). Alternatively, you can go the homemade route using the amazingly yummy (and easy!) recipe for white chocolate pudding down below in the recipe notes. Try not to eat the whole bowl before you use it in the dessert.

Best Dish for Assembling Dessert Trifle

For a stunning presentation, this trifle can be assembled in a trifle dish. For a more practical (but still lovely) assembly and serving, the dessert can be assembled in a round, square, or rectangle pan. I use this 9×13-inch pan, which is actually just slightly smaller than a 9×13-inch dish but works great.

All of the ingredients except the sweetened whipped cream are layered twice. The whipped cream is spread on top, followed by a healthy dusting of crushed mints.

A Decadent Dessert

If you are looking for a low-cal, sugar-free, lettuce-based dessert, look away. This brownie peppermint bark pudding trifle is luxurious and decadent and completely unashamed about taking up well-deserved space in the holiday dessert world.

My talented cousin, Faith, is the brilliant mind behind this dessert. She came up with this peppermint bark concoction last December, and I heard from multiple people who were fortunate enough to partake that it was one of the best desserts of all time.

After experiencing it for myself, I wholeheartedly agree. If you are looking for a stunning holiday dessert, this is the one!

Recipe

Brownie Layer:

• 1 9×13-inch pan brownies, baked, cooled, and chilled (makes it easier to cut them) – see note

White Chocolate Pudding Layer:

• 1 5.9-ounce box of white chocolate pudding mix (prepared and chilled) or homemade pudding recipe below

Peppermint Cheesecake Batter:

• 1 cup cream cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup crushed mint candy canes or peppermints
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract or oil

Assembly:

1. Cut the brownies into 1-inch cubes.
2. Prepare the white chocolate pudding according to the package instructions or use the homemade recipe below.
3. Prepare the peppermint cheesecake batter by combining the cream cheese, heavy cream, sugar, crushed mints, and peppermint extract or oil.
4. Assemble the trifle by layering the brownies, white chocolate pudding, peppermint cheesecake batter, and whipped cream in a 9×13-inch pan.
5. Dust with crushed mints and serve chilled.

Homemade White Chocolate Pudding Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 6 ounces chopped white chocolate bars (NOT almond bark)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Combine milk, sugar, egg, egg yolk, and cornstarch in a medium saucepan. Whisk to fully combine.
2. Stir in the white chocolate. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the pudding comes to a boil, thickens, and large bubbles form at the surface.
3. Immediately remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Stir in the vanilla and butter. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until chilled and set.

FAQs:

Q: Can I use storebought white chocolate chips instead of chopped white chocolate bars?
A: I haven’t tried using white chocolate chips, but I think they might not melt well. My preference is to use the Ghirardelli white chocolate bars often found in the baking aisle near the candy coating.

Q: Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
A: Yes! Each component can be prepared days in advance, making it incredibly easy to assemble.

Q: Can I use a different type of milk instead of whole milk?
A: Yes! You can use 2% or 1% milk, but keep in mind that the pudding might be slightly thinner.

Q: Can I make this dessert without whipped cream?
A: Yes! You can use heavy cream or a non-dairy whipped topping instead of whipped cream.

Nutrition Information:

Serving: 1
Calories: 440
Carbohydrates: 73g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 3133mg
Sugar: 13g