Divine Heaven in a Bowl Recipe

Taste Paradise: The Heavenly Heaven in a Bowl Recipe

Comfort reaches new heights with this heavenly in a bowl recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy, indulgent, and packed with irresistible flavors, this dish will melt away your stress.

Rich layers of delectable ingredients create a symphony of taste and texture.

Each spoonful delivers a comforting embrace that feels like a warm hug for your taste buds.

The magic happens when simple components blend into something extraordinary.

Smooth, decadent, and incredibly satisfying, this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable meal.

Your dinner table is about to become the destination for pure deliciousness.

How to Build Heaven in a Bowl

How to Build Heaven in a Bowl
  • Brownie Base

Warm the oven and prepare a baking pan. Create delicious brownies following package guidance, baking until perfectly moist. Allow brownies to cool completely, then slice into neat pieces.

  • Peanut Butter Cup Preparation

Gently slice miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups, setting some aside for decorative touches.

  • Creamy Pudding Layer

Whip together vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until lusciously smooth. Blend in rich peanut butter and sweet vanilla extract. Fold in fluffy whipped topping to create a dreamy mixture.

  • Decadent Layering

In a beautiful trifle dish, build delightful layers. Start with brownie slices, then spread creamy pudding. Sprinkle chopped Reese’s cups between each layer, creating a tempting pattern of chocolate and peanut butter.

  • Final Touches

Crown the dessert with remaining whipped topping. Scatter the reserved Reese’s cup pieces across the top for a stunning finish. Chill in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to mingle and textures to set perfectly.

Heaven in a Bowl: Tips & Ideas

Heaven in a Bowl: Tips & Ideas
  • Brownie Base Brilliance: Swap boxed brownie mix with your favorite homemade brownie recipe for a more intense chocolate experience.
  • Peanut Butter Perfection: For extra richness, mix in a tablespoon of melted peanut butter into the pudding layer to amplify the nutty flavor.
  • Texture Twist: Crumble some pretzels or graham crackers between layers for an unexpected crunch that complements the creamy pudding.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream: Drizzle melted chocolate or chocolate syrup between layers to create beautiful swirls and intensify the dessert's decadence.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: This dessert tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

Serving Heaven in a Bowl for Gatherings

  • Dessert Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning visual display by serving this trifle in a clear glass dish, allowing guests to see the beautiful chocolate and peanut butter layers.
  • Chocolate Lover's Dream Pairing: Serve alongside a scoop of rich chocolate or peanut butter ice cream for an extra decadent dessert experience that will make taste buds dance.
  • Coffee Companion Treat: Slice and plate individual portions next to a steaming cup of coffee or espresso, letting the creamy pudding and brownie layers complement the rich coffee notes perfectly.
  • Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Cut into smaller bite-sized cubes and serve on toothpicks during movie or game nights, making it easy for everyone to enjoy this irresistible chocolate-peanut butter delight.

Storing Leftovers of Heaven in a Bowl

  • Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep this decadent dessert chilled in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The cool temperature helps maintain the pudding's creamy texture and prevents the brownie layers from becoming soggy.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire trifle up to 24 hours before serving. This advance preparation allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating an even more intense taste experience.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions or the entire trifle tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the dessert's delightful texture.
  • Portion Planning Tip: Use clear serving glasses or individual mason jars to create single-serve versions. These portable treats are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or quick grab-and-go desserts during busy weeks.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 13

Heaven in a Bowl: Ingredients to Include

For Brownie Base:
  • Brownie Mix: Creates a rich, chocolatey foundation with deep flavor complexity.
  • Butter: Ensures smooth pan release and adds luxurious richness to the base.
For Creamy Filling:
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Provides silky smooth texture and sweet vanilla undertones.
  • Cold Milk: Activates pudding mix and creates a luscious, creamy consistency.
  • Peanut Butter: Introduces nutty depth and creates irresistible flavor connection.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall dessert aroma with warm, subtle sweetness.
  • Cool Whip: Delivers light, airy texture and contributes to decadent layering.
For Delightful Garnish:
  • Miniature Reese's Peanut Butter Cups: Adds playful chocolate-peanut butter crunch and visual appeal, serving as both layer accent and topping decoration.

Kitchen Tools for Heaven in a Bowl Recipe

  • Large bowl: Essential for mixing pudding and creamy ingredients.
  • Electric mixer or whisk: Perfect for blending pudding mix and creating smooth textures.
  • 5-quart trifle dish: Lets you create beautiful, layered dessert presentation.
  • Baking pan (12×9-inch): Needed for baking brownies with even results.
  • Cutting board: Used for slicing brownies and cutting Reese's cups.
  • Sharp knife: Helps precisely cut brownies and Reese's peanut butter cups.
  • Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Toothpick: Checks brownie doneness during baking.
  • Spatula: Helps fold ingredients and smooth layers in trifle dish.
Print
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Divine Heaven in a Bowl Recipe

Divine Heaven in a Bowl Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Creamy heaven in a bowl pudding blends rich chocolate with silky caramel textures. Smooth layers of indulgence promise delightful comfort for dessert enthusiasts seeking pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 package fudge brownie mix
  • 2 packages (8 oz) miniature Reese’s cups (cut in half)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) creamy peanut butter
  • 4 cups (960 ml) cold milk (2%)
  • 2 packages instant vanilla pudding
  • 2 cans (8 oz each) Cool Whip (thawed)
  • 4 tsp (20 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Base: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease baking pan. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions, pour into pan, and bake until toothpick reveals moist crumbs, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  2. Create Pudding Layer: Whip instant vanilla pudding with cold milk for two minutes until thick. Gently fold in peanut butter, vanilla extract, and Cool Whip to form a creamy mixture. Slice brownies into 3/4-inch cubes and halve Reese’s peanut butter cups.
  3. Layer Assembly: Construct trifle by creating alternating layers of brownie cubes and pudding mixture. Strategically scatter Reese’s cup fragments between each layer, ensuring even distribution throughout the dessert.
  4. Finish and Chill: Top the final layer with Cool Whip, garnishing with remaining Reese’s cup halves. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to allow layers to set and flavors to meld into a decadent, harmonious dessert.

Notes

  • Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and textures to meld, creating a more cohesive and delicious treat.
  • Precise Cutting Matters: Slice brownies into uniform 3/4-inch cubes to ensure consistent layering and a visually appealing presentation.
  • Whip with Precision: Blend pudding mix for exactly two minutes to achieve the ideal thick and creamy consistency that holds the dessert’s structure.
  • Decorative Touches: Strategically place Reese’s cup halves on top and between layers for maximum visual appeal and burst of chocolate-peanut butter flavor.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 330
  • Sugar: 21 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 17 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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