If there’s a dessert that truly captures the essence of indulgence and comfort, it’s Heaven In A Bowl. This luscious creation layers fudgy brownies, creamy peanut butter vanilla pudding, and mini Reese’s peanut butter cups, all wrapped up in fluffy Cool Whip. It’s a show-stopping treat designed for peanut butter and chocolate lovers who want to impress family and friends at any gathering—or just treat themselves to pure bliss. Imagine sinking a spoon into a dessert where every bite delivers moist, rich brownie goodness, a smooth pudding that balances the sweetness with peanut butter’s salty richness, and the surprise crunch of Reese’s cups scattered throughout. The whipped topping brings a lightness that keeps it from feeling too heavy, creating a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. It’s like a layered symphony of chocolate and peanut butter that dances on your taste buds. Everything starts with the brownies. Using a quality fudge brownie mix makes this recipe approachable and quick without sacrificing flavor. Once baked until perfectly moist and cooled, the brownies are cut into small cubes—just the right size for layering. The deep chocolate notes from the brownies form the base and backbone of this dessert, setting the stage for the creamy components to come. The pudding layer is where this dessert shines with its unique twist. Instant vanilla pudding is blended with creamy peanut butter, cold milk, and pure vanilla extract to create a luscious and velvety mixture. Whipping in Cool Whip lightens the pudding, adding an airy softness that keeps it from becoming overly dense. This pudding mixture is the heart of the dessert’s creamy richness and pairs beautifully with the chocolatey brownie base. Once your brownies are cubed and pudding prepared, it’s time for the fun part—assembly. In a clear trifle dish or a large glass bowl, you start layering to create a visually stunning and mouthwatering masterpiece. Begin with a layer of brownie cubes, followed by a generous sprinkle of mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. Next comes a layer of the peanut butter vanilla pudding, spread evenly to cover the candies and brownies. This layering process repeats twice more, ensuring every bite offers a perfect mix of brownie, candy, and pudding. The final touch is spreading the remaining Cool Whip on top, smoothing it out like a fluffy cloud of sweetness. For an extra wow factor, garnish with more Reese’s halves—because why not add a little more peanut butter goodness? The dessert needs to chill for at least two hours in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and the textures to harmonize. The brownies soak up some of the pudding’s creaminess, the Cool Whip firms up just right, and the Reese’s candies soften slightly without losing their satisfying bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a birthday, holiday celebration, potluck, or a casual weekend treat, Heaven In A Bowl fits every occasion. It’s decadent enough for special moments but simple enough to whip up in under an hour. Plus, making it ahead of time means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying with your guests.
Ingredients
- 1 (15–18 oz) fudge brownie mix
- 2 (10 oz each) bags mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
- 4 cups 2% milk (cold)
- 2 (3.4 oz each) boxes instant vanilla pudding
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 (8 oz tubs) frozen Cool Whip, thawed
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Brownies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and prepare the brownie batter following the package instructions. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting into ¾-inch cubes.
Step 2: Make the Pudding Mixture
In a large bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mixes, cold milk, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Gently fold in 1½ cups of Cool Whip until the mixture is smooth and airy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dessert
In a large clear trifle dish or serving bowl, layer one-third of the brownie cubes, followed by half the mini Reese’s peanut butter cups. Spread one-third of the pudding mixture over the candies. Repeat the layering process once more with brownies, the remaining Reese’s, and another third of the pudding mixture. Finish with a final layer of brownies topped with the remaining pudding.
Step 4: Final Touches and Chill
Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the top layer. Garnish with extra Reese’s peanut butter cups halves if desired. Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set perfectly.
Are you ready to dive into this heavenly bowl of chocolate and peanut butter delight? What special occasion would you serve this luscious treat at — or would you simply make it to satisfy your sweetest cravings?
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