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“Heaven in a Bowl” is a rich, layered dessert that totally lives up to its name — it’s creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, peanut-buttery, and downright indulgent. Think of it like a chocolate trifle meets a peanut butter cup, all layered in one giant bowl (or individual cups!).
This dessert is especially popular for potlucks, holidays, or anytime you want to wow a crowd with minimal effort.
🍫🥄 Heaven in a Bowl (Layered Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle)
🕒 Prep Time: 20 mins (plus chilling)
Serves: 10–12
🧂 Ingredients:
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1 box (18–19 oz) brownie mix, prepared & cooled (or use store-bought brownies)
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1 box (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
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2 cups cold milk
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1 cup creamy peanut butter
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1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
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1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip or whipped topping
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1/2 cup powdered sugar
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1 cup mini Reese’s cups or chopped peanut butter cups
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Optional: crushed chocolate cookies or chocolate chips for crunch
🥣 How to Make It:
✅ Step 1: Bake brownies
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Bake brownies according to package directions. Let cool completely, then cut into bite-sized chunks.
✅ Step 2: Make chocolate pudding
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In a bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Chill in fridge.
✅ Step 3: Make peanut butter layer
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In another bowl, beat together:
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Cream cheese, peanut butter, and powdered sugar until smooth.
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Fold in half of the Cool Whip (reserve the rest for topping).
✅ Step 4: Assemble the layers
In a large trifle bowl (or any deep glass dish), layer the following:
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Half of the brownie chunks
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Half of the chocolate pudding
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Half of the peanut butter mixture
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Half of the chopped Reese’s
Repeat the layers once more.
Top with remaining Cool Whip, more Reese’s, and optional chocolate chips or crushed cookies.
✅ Step 5: Chill & serve
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Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving so the layers can set.
🍴 Serve with a big spoon and expect zero leftovers.
🔁 Variations:
| Version | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Oreo Heaven | Use crushed Oreos instead of brownies, and cookies & cream pudding |
| Banana Heaven | Add banana slices between layers |
| Salted Caramel Twist | Drizzle caramel sauce between layers |
| No-bake version | Use chocolate cake or cookies instead of baking brownies |
Want an individual cup version, a lighter/healthier twist, or a Nutella version? Just ask!