1. Prepare the Brownies:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 12×9-inch baking pan or grease it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures that the brownies come out easily once they’ve cooled. Prepare the fudge brownie mix according to the instructions on the box. Typically, you’ll need to add a few ingredients like water, eggs, and oil, but make sure to follow the directions on the back of the package to get the best results. Once the brownie batter is mixed, pour it into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly so it bakes into a nice, flat layer. Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. You don’t want it to come out completely clean, as this would mean the brownies are overbaked and too dry. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting them into ¾-inch slices. Cooling them properly will ensure they don’t crumble when you layer them in the trifle.

2. Prepare the Peanut Butter Pudding Mixture:

In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and 4 cups of cold milk. Beat the mixture for about 2 minutes or until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when it no longer moves when you tilt the bowl. At this point, add the creamy peanut butter and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until smooth, ensuring the peanut butter is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. Next, fold in 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip. This adds a light, airy texture to the pudding, making it more spreadable and giving it a creamy consistency that contrasts beautifully with the denser layers of brownies and Reese’s cups.

3. Assemble the Trifle:

Now comes the fun part: layering everything together to create your beautiful trifle! You’ll need a 5-quart trifle dish or any clear glass bowl that can hold all the layers. The key to a great trifle is getting even layers, so take your time as you build this dessert. Start with a layer of one-third of the brownie slices at the bottom of your trifle dish. The brownies will provide a dense, chocolatey base that sets the tone for the rest of the dessert. Next, add one-third of the peanut butter pudding mixture over the brownies, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then, sprinkle half of the halved Reese’s cups on top of the pudding. These will add a delightful crunch and peanut butter flavor to each bite. Repeat the layers twice: one more layer of brownies, followed by the pudding, and then the remaining Reese’s cups. Finish with a final layer of the peanut butter pudding mixture, smoothing it out to create a nice, even top. This is where the beauty of the trifle really shows through—the layers of brownie, pudding, and candy are all visible through the glass, creating a stunning dessert.

4. Add the Final Touches:

Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top of the final layer of pudding. This gives the trifle a light, fluffy topping that balances out the richness of the brownies and peanut butter. Once the Cool Whip is spread evenly, garnish the top with the remaining halved Reese’s cups for a finishing touch. This not only adds extra flavor but also makes the dessert look extra fancy.

5. Chill Before Serving:

Refrigerate your trifle for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps the layers set so they stay in place when you serve it. The chill time is important, so don’t skip it! The trifle will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great dessert to make ahead of time.