Ice Cream Trifle

This Ice Cream Trifle layers rich brownies with smooth vanilla and chocolate ice creams, sliced bananas, and a luxurious hot fudge topping. Quick to assemble and perfect for any gathering, it's a crowd-pleaser that's as fun to make as it is to eat!

Prep Time15

Cook Time20

Rest Time1

Total Time1 35

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Ice Cream Trifle Recipe

Servings:

Calories: 509kcal

Ingredients

18.4 ounces fudge brownie mix, prepared according to box directions (typically, you'll need eggs, water, and vegetable oil)
4 cups vanilla ice cream, your favorite brand - We used Great Value
4 cups chocolate ice cream, your favorite brand - We used Great Value
11.75 ounces hot fudge sundae topping
5 to 6 medium-size bananas, sliced (reserve 8 to 10 slices for garnish)
8 ounces thawed whipped topping
Chocolate sauce, for drizzling
10 ounces maraschino cherries with stems, drained and patted dry
¼ cup chopped nuts, we used chopped pecans but you can use walnuts or peanuts
¼ cup colorful sprinkles

Instructions

Prepare the brownies according to the box directions, and allow the brownies to completely cool. Once cooled, slice the brownies into 1-inch cubes.
Add hot fudge sauce to a small, microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high power for 20-25 seconds until warm but not hot. Stir well to ensure the hot fudge is smooth.
Place a single layer of brownie cubes at the bottom of a trifle dish. (My trifle dish was 3.25 quarts -or- 104 ounces)
Add the vanilla ice cream over the brownie layer. Use an offset spatula or a spoon to spread the ice cream layer.
Drizzle half of the warmed hot fudge topping over the vanilla ice cream layer.
Arrange a single layer of sliced bananas over the hot fudge.
Add another single layer of brownie cubes over the sliced banana layer.
Spread the remaining hot fudge sauce over the brownie layer.
Spread a layer of chocolate ice cream over the hot fudge layer.
Arrange another layer of the sliced bananas over the chocolate ice cream layer.
Reserve ½ cup of whipped topping and set it aside. Spread the remaining whipped topping over the banana layer.
Drizzle chocolate sauce over the layer of whipped topping.
Evenly sprinkle the chopped nuts and colorful sprinkles over the chocolate sauce.
Dollop the reserved whipped topping in the center of the trifle.
Arrange the 8-10 slices of banana around the dollop of whipped topping.
Arrange 8-10 cherries around the edges of the trifle. Place 1-2 cherries on top of the dollop of whipped topping. Serve immediately. (If your kitchen is on the warmer side, you can place the trifle in the freezer until you are ready to serve. As a side note, if you are placing the trifle in the freezer, do not garnish with the sliced bananas until you are ready to serve, they will turn brown when they thaw)

Notes

To give your brownies a cleaner cut, use a sharp knife and clean it under hot water between slices. Even brownie cubes which help make your trifle layers look tidy.
Avoid overheating the hot fudge as it can become too runny and might soak the brownie layers rather than sitting neatly on top.
Press the brownie pieces slightly into the base to create a firm foundation for the subsequent layers. This helps in keeping the structure of the trifle intact when serving.
Allow the ice cream to soften for five to ten minutes before spreading. This makes the layering smoother and prevents the brownies from shifting.
If you’re serving later, consider adding the final banana slices and whipped topping just before serving so they're nice and fresh.

Nutrition