Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle

This last weekend was my husband’s birthday. I made him a traditional cake on his birthday, but we have lots of family that lives close by (which we love); therefore I had more than one opportunity to make him a yummy treat. When I saw this recipe I knew that it would be perfect for a birthday dessert. Both my husband and I love chocolate and peanut butter together, add a few Reese’s peanut butter cups (or a lot of them) and we are very happy people.

I mean who could resist all those peanut butter cups?

Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle

1 9X13 pan of your favorite brownie recipe
10 ounce bag of peanut butter chips
5 ounce package vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups milk
1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup whipping cream, whipped and divided
24 regular sized (about 2 inches in diameter) peanut butter cups, divided

Line a 13 by 9 inch pan with aluminum foil, extend foil by 2 inches over side. Grease lightly with cooking spray. Prepare brownies according to the recipe. Add peanut butter chips. Bake in foil lined pan for length of time required. Cool completely.

Lift foil out of pan. Invert on cutting board. Remove foil. Cut into 3/4 inch pieces, using sharp knife.

Coarsely chop peanut butter cups; 1/4 cup for garnish.

Combine pudding mix and milk in large bowl. Beat at low speed for 2 minutes or until thickened (I had to chill mine for about 5 minutes to thicken it completely). Add peanut butter and vanilla; beat until smooth. Gently fold in half of whipped cream.

Place half of brownies in bottom of trifle bowl; top with 1/2 of chopped candy and half of pudding. Repeat layers. Top with remaining whipped cream, spooned or piped on. Garnish top with remaining peanut butter cups.

Recipe Source: Mel’s Kitchen Cafe