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Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe

If you’ve got leftover Halloween candy haunting your kitchen, I have the perfect treat for you: a fan-freaking-tastic Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe that turns those sweets into an irresistible, show-stopping dessert. Trust me, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends and family – and maybe even keep a secret stash for yourself. So grab those brownies and candy remnants because this layered delight is about to make your leftovers the star of the party!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Layering: The brownie, pudding, whipped cream, and candy layers each bring a different texture and flavor, creating a dessert that’s rich, creamy, crunchy, and utterly addictive.
  • Clever Candy Rescue: This recipe is an excellent way to use up those forgotten Halloween chocolates and bars before they lose their charm but keep all their yum.
  • Flexible Prep Time: Whether you want a soft dreamy trifle or something with a little bite, the refrigeration time can be adjusted to suit your texture preferences.
  • Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples plus your leftover candy and brownie, you can pull this dessert together without any fuss or special trips to the store.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe is a beautiful harmony of simple ingredients that play off each other perfectly — rich brownies for a sturdy base, silky pudding to add smoothness, fluffy whipped cream for lightness, and chopped candy bars for joyful texture and bursts of chocolatey goodness.

  • Brownies: A boxed mix works great here, but homemade brownies add that extra layer of love and fudginess. Just cut into chunks to make layering easy.
  • Instant Chocolate Pudding: This gives the trifle a creamy chocolate punch. Preparing it according to the package ensures the right consistency every time.
  • Whipping Cream: Freshly whipped is key – it makes the dessert light and bright. Adding a bit of sugar sweetens it just right.
  • Halloween Candy Bars: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, these bring in assorted chocolate flavors and textures – from nuts to caramel to crispy bits, whatever you’ve got works wonderfully.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe is how easy it is to tweak and make your own. Whether you’re team extra whipped cream or you want to sneak in some nuts or berries, this dessert welcomes your creativity.

  • Variation: I once tried adding a layer of peanut butter mousse between the pudding and whipped cream, and honestly? It was game-changing. Nutty richness pairs so well with the candy bars.
  • Dietary tweaks: For a dairy-free twist, coconut whipped cream works beautifully here, and you can find vegan pudding mixes these days that replicate the creamy texture flawlessly.
  • Seasonal swaps: If you’re out of Halloween candy, try using leftover holiday chocolates or even chopped cookies for fun texture variations throughout the year.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Slice and prep your brownie base

Begin by taking your baked brownies—whether boxed mix or homemade—and slicing the entire 9×13-inch pan into three equal sections. Then, chop one section into bite-sized pieces for the first layer. Trust me, uniform chunks help the trifle layer better and make every spoonful consistent and delightful.

Step 2: Prepare the chocolate pudding

Follow the instant pudding box instructions precisely, mixing it until smooth and thick. This pudding acts as the creamy chocolate glue between the brownie and whipped cream layers — so don’t skip whisking it until it sets nicely for perfect texture.

Step 3: Whip the cream fluffy

Using a mixer, whip your cold cream with a tablespoon of white sugar until you see soft peaks — light and fluffy but stable enough to hold shape when layered. I usually whip just before assembling for best freshness and fluffiness.

Step 4: Create the delicious layers

In a large trifle dish or glass bowl, start with chopped brownies, then spoon on a generous layer of pudding, followed by whipped cream, and then pile on the chopped Halloween candy. Repeat these layers two more times, aiming to finish with candy on top and just a final dollop of that whipped cream leftover—spoiling the top for that creamy finish.

Step 5: Chill for the perfect set

Pop the assembled trifle into the refrigerator for at least 6 hours—overnight is even better if you want it super soft and integrated. If you prefer a bit more chew and crunch, preparing it just 3 hours ahead works, too.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Chop Candy Last: I like to chop the candy just before assembling so it retains some crunch and freshness instead of softening in the fridge too long.
  • Use Cold Cream: Keep your whipping cream chilled and pour it into a cold bowl—it whips faster and better every time.
  • Layer Gently: When adding pudding and whipped cream layers, spread gently to keep the brownie pieces from breaking down too much.
  • Serve Chilled: Let the trifle sit at room temp just a few minutes before serving to unlock even more flavor nuances.

How to Serve Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe

The image shows a clear glass bowl filled with a layered dessert. The bottom layer is dark brown chocolate cake pieces, followed by a smooth white cream layer. Above that is a thick, rich milk chocolate layer, topped again by a layer of dark chocolate cake chunks mixed with colorful candy-coated chocolates. This is repeated with another white cream layer and milk chocolate layer. The dessert is finished with a thick layer of white cream on top, decorated with chopped wafer candy bars and colorful candy pieces. The bowl is set against a dark background with a white marbled surface below. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this trifle with extra chopped candy bars plus a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips or even some festive Halloween sprinkles to keep the fun vibe going. Sometimes I add a few fresh raspberries or mint leaves to cut through the richness and add a pop of color.

Side Dishes

This trifle is a dessert superstar on its own, but if you want to round out your menu, pairing it with a light fruit salad or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the indulgence without too much heaviness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve served this Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe in individual clear jars or mini glasses so everyone gets their own portion—and the layers really pop visually. For bigger groups, a large glass bowl with a ladle works just fine. You could also assemble mini versions in cupcake liners for a cute grab-and-go option!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover trifle stores beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always keep it airtight to prevent the whipped cream from picking up fridge odors or drying out. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if the layers start to settle.

Freezing

Freezing this dessert isn’t my favorite because the whipped cream and pudding change texture a bit when thawed. But if you must, freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge—expect a slightly softer consistency and enjoy as a cool treat rather than a silky trifle.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a softer brownie layer, simply let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before serving—that little warm-up mellows the texture without losing that decadent trifle feel.

FAQs

  1. Can I use any type of candy in the Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe?

    Absolutely! The fun of this recipe is its flexibility. Use whatever leftover Halloween candy bars or chocolates you have on hand—even mix them up for varied texture and flavor. Just chop them into smaller pieces so they layer well.

  2. How far ahead can I make the trifle?

    You can assemble the trifle up to a day in advance. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours to let the flavors meld, but overnight chilling generally gives the best texture and taste.

  3. Can I substitute homemade pudding for the instant pudding?

    You sure can! Homemade chocolate pudding works beautifully and gives a slightly fresher taste, but instant pudding is super convenient and works perfectly for this trifle.

  4. What if I don’t have brownies?

    While brownies are ideal for the rich texture, you can experiment with other cake bases like chocolate cake or even cookie crumbs for a different twist. Just adjust the layering to suit the texture.

  5. Can I make this dessert gluten-free?

    Definitely! Use gluten-free brownies and verify that your pudding mix and candy bars are gluten-free too. This way you get all the fun without any gluten worries.

Final Thoughts

This Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a joy to make and a crowd-pleaser every time. It’s comforting and festive, turning what could be forgotten candy into a decadent celebration layered in every spoonful. I know you’ll love how it brings your leftovers to life—give it a try next time you have Halloween treats piling up, and watch your friends ask for seconds (or thirds!).

Print
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Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Leftover Halloween Candy Brownie Trifle is a delightful layered dessert that transforms your Halloween candy and brownies into a rich, creamy treat. Featuring layers of moist brownies, instant chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and chopped chocolate bars, this trifle is perfect for using up leftover candy while impressing guests with a festive and indulgent dessert.


Ingredients

Brownie Layer

  • 1 pan (9×13 inch) baked brownies (boxed mix or homemade)

Pudding Layer

  • 1 box (99-120 grams) instant chocolate pudding mix
  • Ingredients as per pudding package (typically milk)

Whipped Cream Layer

  • 3 cups whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar

Topping

  • 3 cups chopped Halloween chocolate bars and candy


Instructions

  1. Prepare Brownies: Slice the entire baked 9×13 inch brownie pan into thirds, then chop each third into bite-sized pieces to create the brownie layers for the trifle.
  2. Make Pudding: Prepare the instant chocolate pudding according to the package directions, typically mixing the pudding powder with the specified amount of cold milk and allowing it to set.
  3. Whip Cream: In a mixer, combine 3 cups of whipping cream with 1 tablespoon of white sugar, whipping until light and fluffy soft peaks form.
  4. Assemble First Layer: Start with one third of the chopped brownies in the bottom of a large trifle dish or glass bowl. Spread 1 cup of prepared chocolate pudding evenly over the brownies, then add 1 cup of whipped cream, followed by 1 cup of chopped Halloween candy.
  5. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process two more times: brownies, pudding, whipped cream, and chopped candy. Finish with a final layer of browned and candy topped with the remaining 1 cup of whipped cream.
  6. Garnish: Chop additional Halloween chocolate bars and sprinkle them on top as a garnish for extra flavor and decoration.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 6 hours for best texture and flavor. For a softer consistency, refrigerate overnight. If you prefer a chewier texture, it can be prepared as little as 3 hours ahead.

Notes

  • You can use either homemade or boxed brownie mix for convenience and flavor preference.
  • Adjust the amount of Halloween candy toppings based on sweetness and texture you prefer in the trifle layers.
  • If desired, substitute the whipped cream with a dairy-free alternative to accommodate dietary needs.
  • Ensure the instant pudding is fully set before assembling for best layering and consistency.
  • This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but is best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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