Why This Dessert Is Loved
It’s layered: chewy brownies, creamy pudding, airy whipped topping, crunchy candy — texture contrast in every bite.
It’s simple to assemble (no special baking skill beyond making brownies).
It suits make‑ahead serving: chilling sets layers and intensifies flavor.
It’s showy in a trifle or glass bowl — great for potlucks, holidays, gatherings.
In Southern Living’s description:
“Pieces of brownie are piled between a peanut butter‑pudding ‘custard,’ chunks of peanut butter cups, and sweetened whipped cream… the chewy texture of the brownie and the crunch of the chocolate peanut butter cups helps hold structure while enveloped in the sweet nutty whipped cream cheese filling.”
Southern Living
Ingredient Rationale & Full List
Below is the ingredient list for about 12 servings; amounts drawn from the “Southern Living” version and others.
Southern Living
All We Cook
Component Amount Role & Notes
Brownie mix (or homemade brownies) 2 (18 oz) packages premium double chocolate brownie mix, baked & cooled
Southern Living
Base chewy layer; if using homemade, ensure fudgy texture
Cream cheese 1 (8 oz) package, room temperature
Southern Living
For richness and a slightly tangy contrast
Peanut butter, creamy 1 cup
Southern Living
Peanut butter flavor in the pudding layer
Whole milk 3 cups (cold)
Southern Living
To mix into pudding / custard
Vanilla instant pudding mix 1 (5.1 oz) package
Southern Living
Thickens the pudding portion; gives structure
Heavy cream 3 cups, to whip into whipped cream
Southern Living
For the airy topping layer
Powdered sugar e.g. ~1½ Tbsp (or as in recipe)
Southern Living
Sweetens whipped cream portion
Salt ¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
Southern Living
To balance sweetness
Mini peanut butter cups 3 (7.6 oz) packages, roughly chopped, divided layers
Southern Living
Crunchy candy contrast; some reserved for top garnish
Extra brownie pieces for garnish ~½ cup, reserved
Southern Living
To sprinkle on top for visual / texture finish
You can optionally reduce or omit candy for less sweetness, or use other candies (chocolate chips, chopped candy bars) if desired.
Equipment & Prep Notes
You’ll need:
Baking pan for brownies (e.g. 9×13 or as indicated by brownie mix)
Large mixing bowls
Electric mixer or whisk for whipping
Spatula for folding
Trifle dish or a large clear glass bowl (4 quart / or capacity adequate for layers)
Dessert cups (if making individual servings)
Plastic wrap, refrigerator space
Prep tips:
Bake brownies ahead and allow them to cool fully (even overnight) for clean cuts.
Spaceships and Laser Beams
+1
Chill mixing bowl & beaters for whipping cream to help volume.
Use room temperature cream cheese & peanut butter so the pudding layer mixes smoothly.
Reserve portions (some peanut butter cups and brownie bits) for garnish and avoid mixing them all in prematurely.
Spaceships and Laser Beams
+1
Whisk pudding mix + milk for full time (~2 minutes) so it thickens properly.
food.com
+2
All We Cook
+2
Step‑by‑Step Method & Timeline
Below is a robust method with timings and guidance.
Step Time Estimate What to Do
1. Bake Brownies ~25 min (or per package) Prepare brownie batter per package directions, bake in 9×13 (or as specified). Let cool completely.
2. Cut brownies ~5 min Once cooled, tear or cut brownies into ~¾ inch pieces. Reserve ~½ cup for garnish.
3. Chop candy ~2 min Chop mini PB cups (or your candy choice) roughly; set aside portion for garnish.
4. Prepare whipped cream ~3–5 min Beat cold heavy cream + powdered sugar + a bit of salt to stiff peaks. Set aside part for folding, part for topping.
5. Prepare pudding / custard layer ~2 min In a bowl, combine cream cheese + peanut butter, beat until smooth. Add milk + pudding mix + vanilla + salt, beat until starting to thicken, about 1 minute. Then fold in most of the whipped cream (reserving some).
6. Assemble layers (in trifle or bowl) ~5 min In your serving bowl: layer ⅓ brownies → ⅓ candy bits → ⅓ pudding mixture → ⅓ whipped topping. Then repeat for second and possibly third layer, finishing with whipped topping. Garnish with reserved candy & brownies.
7. Chill ≥ 3–4 hours (or overnight preferably) Chill, covered, so layers set.
8. Serve ~2 min Serve chilled; scoop into bowls or cups.
Total active assembly ~20–25 minutes (not counting brownie bake & chilling).
Detailed Tips, Tricks & Pro Secrets
These are the “extras” that make your “Heaven in a Bowl” especially good.
Cool brownies thoroughly: Warm brownies will smear and mar neat layers. Chill brownies 10–15 min or even overnight.
Spaceships and Laser Beams
+1
Use a serrated knife (or tear gently) to cut brownie pieces cleanly since fudgy brownies are sticky.
Reserve garnish bits (a portion of brownies, peanut cups) rather than mixing all in so the top looks decorative.
Fold, don’t stir aggressively when combining whipped cream into pudding mixture — preserves airiness.
Layer evenly so each scoop gets balanced flavor.
Chill time is essential — at least 3 hours (or overnight) to let pudding firm. Southern Living says “You won’t need to let this dessert sit long. It’s nearly perfect the moment it’s finished.”
Southern Living
Avoid using too much milk or low-fat milk — the whole milk (or recommended milk) ensures pudding holds texture.
Candy choices matter — use peanut butter cups or candies that contrast texture.
Use a clear dish so layers show — part of the appeal is visual.
Make individual parfaits by layering into dessert cups for a more portable or party style.
Don’t over‑freeze — this dessert doesn’t freeze well once fully assembled because whipped layers soften.
Serve chilled but not ice-cold — remove from fridge a few minutes before serving so flavors bloom.
Variations & Adapted Versions
You can customize to your preferences:
Nut-free: Replace peanut butter / PB cups with Nutella, chocolate chips, or white chocolate morsels.
Fruit addition: Add a layer of fresh banana slices or strawberries between brownies and pudding.
Chocolate pudding version: Use chocolate instant pudding instead of vanilla for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Healthier twist: Use Greek yogurt plus a lighter pudding mix, reduce candy bits, use lower sugar brownie.
Caramel or toffee bits: Instead of peanut butter cups, use crushed toffee, salted caramel bits, or crushed bars.
Different candy: Use chopped Snickers, KitKat, M&M, or crushed cookies in place of PB cups.
Smaller or multi‑portion: Make in mason jars or small dessert cups for individual servings.
Layer more times: If your bowl is larger, do more than 2 layers (e.g. three layers).
Gooier version: Don’t chill as long — serving semi-soft gives a more melt-in-mouth texture.
Vegan / dairy-free: Use dairy-free brownie, coconut whipped cream, non-dairy cream cheese & peanut butter, almond milk, vegan pudding.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Problem Likely Cause Fix / Prevention
Layers collapse or mix Not enough chilling, over-stirring, too much liquid Chill longer, gently fold, reduce milk or candy moisture
Pudding too soft / watery Wrong pudding mix, too much milk, not enough thickener Use correct pudding mix, follow milk ratio, allow chilling
Whipped topping weeps / collapses Whipping not firm, folding too roughly Whip to stiff peaks, fold gently, use a stabilizer if needed
Brownie pieces get soggy Too soft brownies, excessive liquid, assembled too early Use firmer brownies, reduce moisture, assemble just before chilling
Candy bits sink to bottom Too much weight, layered incorrectly Mix evenly, use chunkier candy that holds shape
Dessert tastes bland Low contrast, insufficient peanut butter or salt Use strong peanut butter, add a pinch of salt, use quality brownies
Clean Printable / Final Recipe
Here’s a version you can copy into your recipe binder and use reliably:
Heaven in a Bowl (Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle)
Yield: ~12 servings
Active Time: ~25 min (plus brownie bake & chilling)
Chill Time: ≥ 3–4 hours (overnight preferred)
Ingredients
2 (18 oz) premium double chocolate brownie mixes, baked and cooled
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup creamy peanut butter
3 cups whole milk, cold
1 (5.1‑oz) package vanilla instant pudding mix
3 cups heavy cream (cold)
~1½ Tbsp powdered sugar
¾ tsp kosher salt, divided
3 (7.6 oz) packages mini peanut butter cups, chopped & divided
Reserved brownie pieces (~½ cup) for garnish
Instructions
Bake brownies according to package instructions in appropriate pan; cool fully.
Cut brownies into ~¾‑1 inch pieces; reserve some for garnish.
Chop candy (peanut butter cups) roughly; reserve some for topping.
Whip cream: beat heavy cream + powdered sugar + ¼ tsp salt until stiff peaks. Separate a portion for folding and some for topping.
Make pudding/peanut butter layer: beat cream cheese + peanut butter until smooth. Add milk + pudding mix + vanilla + ½ tsp salt; beat until starting to thicken. Fold in most whipped cream.
Assemble layers in a trifle bowl or clear dish:
• Layer ⅓ brownies
• ⅓ chopped peanut butter cups
• ⅓ pudding mixture
• ⅓ whipped topping
• Repeat layering (second layer)
• Finish with whipped topping layer
• Garnish with reserved candy & brownie pieces
Chill thoroughly (≥ 3–4 hours, ideally overnight) to let layers set.
Serve chilled — scoop into bowls or cups and enjoy.
If the “Heaven in a Bowl” you meant was the fruit / “pink salad” version (with cherry pie filling, condensed milk, whipped topping, etc.) instead of this peanut butter / brownie version, I can send that alternate version in full detail now. Would you prefer the fruit version or this chocolate / peanut butter version for your recipe?
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