How long does this St. Patrick's Day Brownie Trifle take to make?

About 40 minutes hands-on, plus chill time. The brownies bake for about 25 minutes, and then you've got about 15 minutes of layering. But honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to chill! You'll want to dig right in, but trust me, it's worth the wait.

Can I use homemade brownies or whipped cream in this trifle?

Absolutely! I've tested this with both and here's what works best: homemade brownies are amazing, just make sure they're completely cool. For whipped cream, I usually use Cool Whip for convenience, but fresh whipped cream is super silky smooth and makes it feel extra fancy. Just stabilize it a bit with a touch of powdered sugar if you're making it ahead.

How far in advance can I make this trifle?

You can totally make this the night before! I always double the batch because leftovers are even better the next day. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge. The flavors really meld overnight, and the brownies get even more moist. I wouldn't go more than 24 hours though, or the Oreos can get a little too soft.

Why did my pudding not thicken for the trifle?

Oh, I've been there! The thing is, sometimes instant pudding can be finicky. Make sure your milk is super cold – like, straight from the fridge cold. And whisk it *really* well for the full two minutes. If it's still a bit thin, you can try adding a tiny bit more pudding mix, but usually, cold milk and vigorous whisking do the trick. It thickens up as it cools, so don't worry if it looks thin at first.

What should I serve with this St. Patrick's Day Brownie Trifle?

Honestly, this trifle is so satisfying on its own, it's a meal! But if you're looking for a full St. Patrick's Day spread, I love pairing it with a hearty corned beef and cabbage or some shepherd's pie. For a lighter touch, maybe some fresh berries on the side, but really, this dessert is the star of the show. My family requests this at least once a week around St. Patrick's Day!

Festive Brownie Trifle Recipe — So Easy & Delicious

Name: St. Patrick's Day Brownie Trifle
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water); 1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix; 2 cups cold milk (as required for pudding mix); Green food coloring; 1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip or whipped topping; 15 Mint Oreo cookies, crushed

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By Chef Clara

Last Updated: June 17, 2026

St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle—layers of rich brownies, fluffy whipped cream, and festive green sprinkles for a fun, decadent dessert!

Why I keep making this

Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients and requires minimal effort.
Festive & Fun – The vibrant green pudding makes it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.
Decadent & Delicious – A delightful combination of chocolate, vanilla, and mint.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare in advance for a hassle-free dessert.
Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties and celebrations.

Pantry check

1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box, typically eggs, oil, and water)
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk (as required for pudding mix)
Green food coloring
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip or whipped topping
15 Mint Oreo cookies, crushed

Directions

Prepare the Brownies: Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix instructions. Prepare the brownie batter as directed on the box, pour into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, and bake as instructed. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely, then cut into small squares.
Prepare the Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened, approximately 2 minutes. Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
Assemble the Trifle: In a trifle bowl or large glass serving dish, layer half of the brownie squares at the bottom. Spoon half of the green pudding over the brownies, spreading evenly. Add a layer of half the Cool Whip over the pudding. Sprinkle half of the crushed Mint Oreo cookies over the whipped topping. Repeat the layers with the remaining brownies, pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed cookies.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How long it takes

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per Serving: Approximately 247 kcal

Swap ideas

Chocolate Pudding Option: Swap vanilla pudding for chocolate for a richer flavor.
Peppermint Flavor: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the pudding for an extra minty touch.
Homemade Whipped Cream: Replace Cool Whip with freshly whipped cream for a fresher taste.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free brownie mix and cookies.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for extra texture.

Keeping it fresh

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the pudding and whipped topping may separate when thawed.
Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the trifle up to a day in advance, but wait to add the cookie topping until just before serving to maintain crunchiness.

FAQs

How long does St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle last in the fridge?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. Freezing is not recommended, as the pudding and whipped topping may separate when thawed, affecting the texture and consistency of this delightful dessert.

Can I substitute eggs in this recipe?

In my experience, for the brownie mix, you can use alternatives like 1/4 cup applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) per egg. Applesauce adds moisture and a slight sweetness, while a flax egg can make the brownies a bit denser, but still delicious.

How long does this need to chill before serving?

This trifle needs to chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld together, ensuring each bite is perfectly decadent and refreshing.

What goes well with St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle?

I’ve found that a strong cup of coffee or a refreshing glass of milk pairs wonderfully with its rich flavors. A light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream also complements the trifle beautifully, balancing the sweetness and adding an extra touch of indulgence.

Is St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle gluten-free?

This recipe contains gluten from the brownie mix and the Mint Oreo cookies. To make it gluten-free, you would need to use a certified gluten-free brownie mix and substitute the Mint Oreo cookies with a gluten-free mint-flavored sandwich cookie.

One last tip

This St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle is a festive and delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate, creamy vanilla, and a hint of mint. It’s easy to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to impress at any holiday gathering. Try it for your next celebration and enjoy a sweet treat that captures the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day!

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St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: PT40M
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

St. Patrick’s Day Brownie Trifle—layers of rich brownies, fluffy whipped cream, and festive green sprinkles for a fun, decadent dessert!

Ingredients

Scale

1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required on the box: eggs, oil, and water)
1 (3.4-ounce) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 cups cold milk (as required for pudding mix)
Green food coloring
1 (8-ounce) container Cool Whip or whipped topping
15 Mint Oreo cookies, crushed

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Brownies:
- Preheat the oven as per the brownie mix instructions.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to the box directions, pour into a greased 8×8-inch baking pan, and bake as instructed.
- Once baked, let the brownies cool completely before cutting them into small squares.
Prepare the Pudding:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Add a few drops of green food coloring and mix until the desired shade is reached.
Assemble the Trifle:
- In a trifle bowl or large glass serving dish, layer half of the brownie squares at the bottom.
- Spoon half of the green pudding over the brownies and spread evenly.
- Add a layer of half the Cool Whip over the pudding.
- Sprinkle half of the crushed Mint Oreo cookies over the whipped topping.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining brownies, pudding, Cool Whip, and crushed cookies.
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the trifle for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Notes

For a homemade twist, bake brownies from scratch instead of using a mix.
Add a hint of mint extract to the pudding for extra minty flavor.
Garnish with additional crushed cookies or chocolate shavings for a decorative touch.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Category: Dessert
Method: Layered
Cuisine: American