What & Why “Heaven in a Bowl”?
“Heaven in a Bowl” is a decadent, layered dessert/trifle. The version we’ll make is often called Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle — it combines fudgy brownies, peanut butter + vanilla pudding, whipped cream topping, and chopped peanut butter candies (like Reese’s cups) in layers. The contrast of chewy brownie, creamy pudding, sweet peanut butter, and fluffy whipped topping makes it feel indulgent and “heavenly.”
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Compared to a simple pudding or brownie dessert, “Heaven in a Bowl” is special because:
Texture variety — chewy brownies, creamy pudding, airy whipped cream, crunchy candy.
Layered presentation — shows off the layers in a clear trifle or glass bowl, making it visually impressive.
Rich flavors — peanut butter + chocolate is a beloved flavor pairing.
Make‑ahead friendly — layers meld overnight, making it well suited for preparing ahead for parties or gatherings.
This is the version published by Southern Living under “Heaven in a Bowl” — brownie layers + peanut butter pudding + whipped cream + peanut butter candy bits.
southernliving.com
Ingredients & Ingredient Roles
Below is a “master” ingredient list (for ~12 servings, depending on how generous your portions) plus notes about role and possible substitutions.
Component Ingredient Approx Amount Role / Notes
Brownie base Brownie mix (box) + required eggs/oil/water 1 box (for a 9×13 pan) Forms the chewy chocolate foundation
Optional: homemade brownie recipe Equivalent yield For from‑scratch version
Pudding / creamy layer Instant vanilla pudding mix 2 packages (e.g. 5.1 oz each) Thickens into creamy base when mixed with milk
Milk (cold) ~4 cups Liquids to dissolve pudding mix
Cream cheese or peanut butter + vanilla ~1 cup peanut butter + cream cheese (optional) or mix together Adds richness, peanut butter flavor
Whipped topping Whipped topping, thawed (e.g. Cool Whip) ~16 oz (2 × 8‑oz tubs) Light, airy top layer
Candy / garnish layer Peanut butter cups (miniature), halved or chopped ~2 packages (e.g. 7–8 oz) Candy bits for crunch and peanut butter flavor
Optional: chocolate shavings, chopped nuts ~½ cup For optional crunch or decoration
Flavor enhancers Vanilla extract ~4 teaspoons Boosts flavor and aroma
Salt A pinch To balance sweetness
A version of this recipe under “Heaven in the Bowl” uses exactly these ingredients: brownie, peanut butter, pudding, whipped topping.
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Equipment & Prep Work
To make this dessert smoothly, have the following:
9×13‑inch baking pan (or size per brownie instructions)
Mixing bowls (large)
Whisk
Spatula or large spoon
Electric mixer (or whisk)
Trifle bowl or clear glass bowl / large dish for layering
Knife or cutting board for chopping candy
Plastic wrap or airtight cover
Refrigerator space (for chilling)
Before starting:
Read the instructions on the brownie mix box and preheat your oven as directed (often 350 °F / 175 °C).
Grease or line the pan for brownies.
Have pudding mix and milk ready & chilled.
Thaw whipped topping (Cool Whip) if frozen.
Chop peanut butter candies (reserve some for garnish).
Ensure your layering bowl is clean and ready.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions & Narrative Guidance
Here’s a detailed walkthrough. Read fully, then follow step by step.
Step 1: Bake & Cool the Brownies
Prepare brownie batter per box instructions (or your scratch recipe).
Pour into greased 9×13 pan and bake the required time (often 20–25 minutes). Be careful not to overbake; brownies should be done but moist (a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs).
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Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. Cooling fully is important so your pudding and whipped topping don’t melt into the brownie base.
Step 2: Prepare the Pudding / Cream Layer
In a large bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mixes and cold milk (about 4 cups). Using a whisk or electric mixer, beat for ~2 minutes until thickened.
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While it thickens, add vanilla extract, salt, and peanut butter. Mix until smooth and well combined. (Some versions add cream cheese here too for extra richness.)
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Fold in about 1½ tubs of the whipped topping (reserve some for top layer). Be gentle so the texture remains airy.
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Step 3: Chop & Prepare Candy Bits
Take your peanut butter cups (mini or standard) and cut them into halves or bite‑sized pieces. Reserve a small amount for garnish.
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Optionally, get chocolate shavings or chopped nuts ready for topping.
Step 4: Layer the Dessert
Use a large trifle bowl or deep clear glass bowl so the layers are visible and beautiful.
Place ⅓ of the brownie pieces at the bottom of the bowl.
Sprinkle ⅓ of the chopped peanut butter candies over the brownies.
Spoon ⅓ of the pudding / peanut butter / whipped mixture over that.
Repeat two more full layers (i.e. brownies + candy + pudding mixture).
After third layer, top with the remaining whipped topping.
Garnish with the reserved candy bits, and optional chocolate shavings/nuts.
Southern Living describes assembling brownies, peanut butter cups, pudding, whipped cream in layers for “Heaven in a Bowl.”
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Step 5: Chill to Meld & Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or lid. Refrigerate for at least a few hours, ideally overnight, so the flavors meld and the layers set.
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All We Cook
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When serving, scoop into bowls, making sure each portion has a bit of all the layers (brownie, pudding, whipped, candy crunch). The contrast in textures is part of the appeal.
Timing & Workflow Overview
Here’s a suggested schedule to help you manage time:
Stage Time Estimate
Prep & chopping 10 min
Bake brownies 20–25 min
Cooling brownies 20–30 min
Prepare pudding mixture 5 min
Chop candy & gather toppings 5 min
Assemble trifle layers 10 min
Chill (min) 2–4 hours (ideally overnight)
Serve 5 min
Total active time (excluding chilling) is about 50–60 minutes.
Tips, Tricks & Troubleshooting
To make your “Heaven in a Bowl” as perfect as possible, here are helpful tips and solutions to common problems.
Don’t Overbake Brownies
Slight underbake is better — brownies should be moist and chewy, not dry.
Cool fully before layering so pudding doesn’t melt.
Whisk Pudding Well
Beat pudding + milk mixture for full 2 minutes (or per instructions) so it thickens properly.
Use cold milk. Warm milk can prevent proper setting.
Gentle Folding for Whipped Topping
When folding whipped topping into the pudding mixture, do it gently (fold, don’t stir vigorously) to maintain airy texture.
Avoid Sogginess
Ensure brownies are cooled fully.
Don’t overfill layers with wet ingredients.
Serve within a day or two; over time layers might mingle too much and lose distinct texture.
Layer Uniformly
Use even amounts in each layer so each scoop gets the full flavor experience.
Use a trifle bowl or clear bowl so you can see the beautiful layers.
Garnish Last Minute
Add candy bits, chocolate shavings, nuts just before serving to maintain crunch.
Storage
Keep covered in refrigerator (airtight cover or wrap).
Best eaten within 2–3 days. After that, texture may degrade and the whipped topping may weep.
Variations & Customizations
This dessert is flexible. Here are many ways to adapt:
Chocolate version: Use chocolate pudding instead of vanilla, or add chocolate sauce layers.
Nutella / hazelnut twist: Use Nutella instead of peanut butter or swirl in Nutella layers.
Fruit layer: Add sliced bananas, raspberries, or strawberries between layers for freshness.
Nut crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts) in layers or topping.
M&M / candy swap: Instead of peanut butter cups, use crushed candies (like Reese’s, Snickers, M&Ms).
Health‑ier version: Use “light” or reduced sugar ingredients; Greek yogurt + pudding mix; dark chocolate brownies.
Individual servings: Use small jars or dessert cups instead of one big bowl.
No‑bake brownie / cookie base: Use store‑bought brownie bites or thick cookies in place of baked brownies.
Layer order change: Some prefer pudding first then brownie, but classic is brownie bottom.
Full Printable Recipe (Master Version)
Heaven in a Bowl (Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle)
Serves ~12
Ingredients
1 box brownie mix (plus eggs / oil / water as per box instructions)
2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix ( ~5.1 oz each )
4 cups cold milk
1 cup creamy peanut butter
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tubs (8 oz each) whipped topping (thawed)
2 packages miniature peanut butter cups (or similar candy)
Optional: chocolate shavings, chopped nuts for garnish
Instructions
Bake brownies according to box in 9×13 pan. Cool completely, then cut into ~¾‑inch cubes.
Chop peanut butter cups, reserving some for garnish.
In large bowl, whisk pudding mixes + cold milk for ~2 minutes until thick. Add peanut butter, vanilla, mix until smooth.
Fold in ~1½ tubs of whipped topping, gently.
In trifle bowl or clear large bowl, layer:
a) ⅓ brownie cubes
b) ⅓ peanut butter cups
c) ⅓ pudding mixture
Repeat two more times.
Top with the remaining whipped topping and garnish with candy pieces, chocolate shavings or nuts.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2–4 hrs (overnight preferred).
Serve chilled, scooping through all layers.
Why This Dessert Is Called “Heaven in a Bowl”
The name fits because:
Every bite feels indulgent — chocolate, peanut butter, cream, candy.
Layers are visually stunning in a trifle bowl — like a dessert you want to celebrate.
Flavor combos hit sweet, salty, creamy, crunchy — delighting many senses.
It vanishes quickly at gatherings — because it’s addictive.
Southern Living even remarks, “It will disappear by the spoonful.”
southernliving.com
If you like, I can also send you a metric (grams / ml) version, or a lighter / lower sugar variation of “Heaven in a Bowl” so it doesn’t feel too heavy. Do you prefer I send that next?
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