Ingredients
1 (18.3 oz) box brownie mix, plus ingredients to prepare (eggs, oil, water)
2 (3.9 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
4 cups cold whole milk
1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed (like Cool Whip), or 2 cups heavy cream, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract for homemade
25-30 Oreo cookies, cream filling removed and cookies crushed
Edible candy eyes, for decoration
Plastic spiders or chocolate syrup for spider webs, for decoration (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your brownie base by baking the brownie mix according to package directions in a 9x13 inch pan. Allow them to cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix with 4 cups of cold whole milk vigorously for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes to set further.
Step 3: Crush your Oreos by removing the cream filling from 25-30 cookies. Place the dark chocolate cookies into a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form, or crush in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. Set aside.
Step 4: Begin assembling the trifle layers in a large clear trifle dish. Place half of the brownie cubes in an even layer at the bottom.
Step 5: Carefully spread half of the prepared chocolate pudding over the brownie layer, smoothing gently.
Step 6: Next, spread half of the thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Step 7: Sprinkle about one-third of the crushed Oreo crumbs over the whipped topping.
Step 8: Repeat the layers: add the remaining brownie cubes, then the remaining chocolate pudding, and finally the remaining whipped topping.
Step 9: Sprinkle the remaining crushed Oreo crumbs generously over the top of the trifle to create a 'dirt' layer.
Step 10: Decorate your Chocolate Spider Trifle by arranging edible candy eyes on the 'dirt' layer and adding plastic spiders or creating chocolate 'spider webs' with melted chocolate.
Step 11: Cover the trifle loosely and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and layers to set before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor and set, make sure to chill your trifle for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Don't overbake your brownies; slightly fudgy brownies work best here as they will absorb moisture from the pudding. Get creative with your decorations using candy eyes, gummy worms, or even chocolate syrup drizzles!
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (for brownies)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 55mg