Heaven in a Bowl – The Dessert That Lives Up to Its Name

First, let me just say… thank you for stopping by! I know your time is precious, and it means a lot that you’re here to share in one of my most indulgent, over-the-top desserts. I can say without hesitation — this recipe truly earns its name. Heaven in a Bowl is not just dessert… it’s a multi-layered celebration of chocolate, peanut butter, creaminess, and crunch.

Whether you’re hosting a party, making a special treat for your family, or secretly keeping it all for yourself (no judgment here), this dessert will have you closing your eyes and savoring every bite. And yes, a bib might be a good idea — it’s messy in the best way!

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Why You’ll Love This Dessert

• Layers of pure indulgence – Brownies, peanut butter cups, pudding, whipped cream… all in one bowl.

• Crowd-pleasing – Serves a big group and gets rave reviews every time.

• Easy to assemble – Minimal prep, maximum “WOW” factor.

• Make-ahead friendly – Chills beautifully for stress-free entertaining.

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What It Tastes Like

Every spoonful is a flavor explosion — the fudgy chew of brownies, the creamy sweetness of vanilla pudding, the salty-smooth peanut butter, and the cool cloud of whipped topping. It’s decadent, dreamy, and impossible to stop at just one bite.

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Benefits of This Recipe

• Perfect for potlucks, holidays, birthdays, and game days.

• Works with store-bought or homemade brownies.

• Can be customized with different candies or pudding flavors.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 package fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients to prepare)

• 2 packages miniature Reese’s peanut butter cups

• 4 cups cold milk (2% works best)

• 2 packages instant vanilla pudding mix

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter

• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 (8-ounce) containers Cool Whip, thawed

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Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or hand mixer

• Sharp knife for cutting brownies and candy

• Large trifle dish or glass serving bowl

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Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins

• Pudding flavors: Try chocolate or peanut butter pudding for an extra punch.

• Candy swap: Use chopped Snickers, KitKats, or M&M’s instead of Reese’s.

• Homemade brownies: Go for it! Just make sure they’re rich and fudgy.

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How to Make Heaven in a Bowl

How to Make Heaven in a Bowl

1. Bake the brownies – Prepare brownie mix according to the package and bake in a greased 9×13 pan at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Cool completely.

2. Cut the brownies – Slice into ¾-inch squares. Halve the peanut butter cups and set aside for layering and topping.

3. Make the pudding – In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix with cold milk for 2 minutes until thick. Stir in vanilla extract and peanut butter. Fold in 1½ cups of Cool Whip until smooth.

4. Assemble the layers – In a large trifle dish, layer one-third of the brownies, one-third of the peanut butter cups, and one-third of the pudding mixture. Repeat twice.

5. Finish & chill – Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the top and sprinkle with the reserved peanut butter cups. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

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What to Serve with This Dessert

Honestly, this is the main event! But if you want to round out the menu, try:

• Fresh fruit platter for contrast

• Coffee or espresso for balance

• A light salad before dessert (so you have more room!)

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Tips for Perfect Results

• Cool brownies fully before cutting so they keep their shape.

• Use a glass trifle bowl for the best visual impact.

• Make it the day before — it tastes even better after chilling overnight.

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Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Not recommended — the texture of pudding and whipped topping changes when frozen.

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FAQ

Can I make this without peanut butter?
Yes — just skip the peanut butter in the pudding and use peanut-free candy like Rolos or Milky Way.

Can I use sugar-free pudding?
Absolutely! Just make sure the consistency is still thick enough for layering.

Do I need a trifle bowl?
No — any large, deep glass or serving dish will work, but a trifle bowl really shows off the layers.

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In Summary

Heaven in a Bowl is the ultimate “wow” dessert — rich, creamy, chocolatey, and peanut buttery in every bite. It’s quick to assemble, perfect for parties, and guaranteed to disappear fast.