Brownie Trifle in a Jar Recipe for Christmas Gifts

I love giving homemade treats to family, friends, and neighbors at Christmas.

There is just something fun about filling a cute jar with a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

These brownie trifles have layers of soft brownies, fluffy chocolate cream, and chopped nuts for a little crunch.

They're easy to make, fun to give, and perfect for sharing during the holiday season!

Ingredients

See the recipe card below for measurements and instructions.

• Brownies Squares
• Philadelphia Cream Cheese
• Powdered Sugar
• Chocolate
• Cool Whip
• Nuts, Chopped

Tips for the Best Brownie Trifle in a Jar

These little desserts are easy to put together, but a few tips will help you get pretty layers and a smooth, creamy filling.

Start With Soft Cream Cheese

Let the cream cheese sit out until it is soft enough to mix.

Cold cream cheese can leave little lumps in the filling, and no one wants that!

Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar in a large bowl until smooth before adding the melted chocolate.

Let the Melted Chocolate Cool

Melt the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

Let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the cream cheese mixture.

You want the chocolate to stay melted, but not hot.

This helps the filling mix together without making it too runny.

Keep the Filling Light and Fluffy

Once the chocolate and cream cheese are mixed, add the thawed Cool Whip.

Mix on low speed just until everything is combined and you don't see any white streaks.

Try not to mix it too much. You want the filling to stay light and fluffy, so it's easy to spoon into the jars.

Cut the Brownies Into Small Pieces

Cut the brownies into pieces about ½ inch wide.

Small pieces make it easier to add an even layer to each jar. They also make the dessert easier to eat with a spoon.

If you're using Cosmic Brownies, you can leave the frosting and candy pieces right on top.

If you bake your own brownies, make sure they are fully cooled before cutting them.

Use a Spoon or Piping Bag for Neat Layers

One of the best parts of these desserts is seeing all those yummy layers through the glass!

Start with brownie pieces, then add a layer of chocolate cream and a sprinkle of chopped nuts.

Repeat the layers until the jar is almost full.

For neat layers, you can spoon the filling into the jars or use a piping bag. A zip-top bag with one corner cut off works too.

Try to keep the filling away from the sides of the jar as you add it so the layers are easy to see.

Don't worry if your layers aren't perfect, though. They will still taste great!

Serving and Storage

This recipe makes about six small dessert jars, depending on the size of your jars and how full you make them.

I like using 8-ounce mason jars because they're a nice size for a single dessert and easy to decorate for gifts.

Once the jars are filled, cover them with lids and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This gives the chocolate filling time to chill and set.

You can also make these brownie trifles a day ahead, which is so helpful during the busy Christmas season.

Keep the jars covered in the refrigerator and enjoy them within three days.

Because the filling has cream cheese and Cool Whip, these desserts need to stay cold. Don't leave them sitting out for more than two hours, or one hour if it's hotter than 90°F.

How to Give Brownie Trifles as Christmas Gifts

This is my favorite part!

Once the jars are filled and chilled, add the lids and tie a pretty ribbon around each one.

Red and green ribbon looks so cute for Christmas, but you can use any colors you like.

You can also add a small gift tag with a sweet note.

I like the idea of writing "A Little Jar of Chocolate Joy" or "Made With Love" on the tag.

Be sure to add a note that says to keep the dessert refrigerated and enjoy it within three days of making it.

If you're taking these to friends or neighbors, carry them in a cooler with ice packs to keep them cold.

These jars are great for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, or anyone who loves a good chocolate treat.

And if you happen to make an extra jar for yourself, I won't tell!

More Treat Gift Ideas

If you're looking for more ideas, check out my other homemade Christmas gifts and sweet treats for even more ways to spread a little holiday cheer.