Monster Mash Trifle

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of HERSHEY® for SheSpeaks. All opinions are 100% mine.

Inside: Unearth the secrets to a delightful and effortless Halloween trifle, masterfully crafted with iconic HERSHEY® Halloween candy, rich chocolate brownies, creamy pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. Get ready to impress with this spooky yet sweet centerpiece!

As the leaves begin to turn and a crisp chill fills the air, the magic of Halloween descends upon us, bringing with it a delightful excuse for all things spooky, sweet, and sensational! Are you ready to dive into the spirit of the season? For many, the highlight of Halloween isn’t just costumes and haunted houses, but the sheer joy of indulging in beloved candies and crafting delicious treats that bring smiles to faces, both young and old. If you’re looking for an easy-to-make dessert that’s big on flavor and visual appeal, look no further than this incredibly festive HERSHEY® Halloween Candy Trifle. It’s the perfect showstopper for any gathering, blending rich brownies, creamy pudding, and your favorite HERSHEY® chocolates into a layered masterpiece.

Preparing for Halloween festivities often means a trip to the store for all your holiday needs. And where better to stock up than Walmart? Their Halloween department truly transforms into a wonderland, brimming with an impressive selection of everything imaginable – from the latest costumes and enchanting decorations to, of course, a dazzling array of Halloween candy. It’s a one-stop shop that simplifies holiday prep, allowing you more time to enjoy the fun.

On my recent essential Walmart run, I made sure to gather all our family’s most cherished HERSHEY® Halloween candies. These aren’t just for trick-or-treaters; they’re also fundamental ingredients for creating unforgettable holiday desserts. Alongside these sweet treasures, I picked up some new, whimsical Halloween decorations to adorn our home, setting the perfect spooky-sweet ambiance. Walmart’s incredible variety ensures that whether you’re planning a grand Halloween bash or a cozy family night, you’ll find everything you need to make the season special.

I filled my cart with generous amounts of REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, classic KIT KAT® Bars, and delicious HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate. These timeless treats are a must-have for handing out to eager trick-or-treaters, but they also played a starring role in the creation of this unbelievably decadent Halloween candy trifle. Having plenty of HERSHEY® candy on hand meant I didn’t have to choose between sharing the joy with others and making our family’s favorite holiday dessert. It’s a win-win!

When it comes to Halloween candy desserts, this particular rich brownie trifle holds a special place in our family’s heart. It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a beloved tradition that signals the arrival of autumn’s most fun holiday. Every year, as Halloween approaches, anticipation builds for me to whip up this festive HERSHEY® candy trifle. And the best part? Despite its impressive appearance and gourmet taste, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy hosts and home bakers alike. Its vibrant layers and familiar candy flavors ensure it’s always a massive hit at Halloween parties, disappearing almost as fast as it’s served!

Unlocking the Magic: Essential Halloween Trifle Ingredients

Creating this show-stopping Halloween candy trifle is a breeze, requiring just a few key components that come together to form layers of pure delight. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the use of readily available ingredients, many of which you can easily find at your local Walmart. Here’s what you’ll need to assemble your hauntingly delicious dessert:

• Brownie Mix: A standard box of fudge brownie mix. Be sure to also have on hand the supplementary ingredients typically called for on the package, which usually include eggs, water, and vegetable oil. This forms the rich, fudgy foundation of our trifle.
• Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: One package of instant vanilla pudding mix will create a wonderfully smooth and creamy layer. Its neutral flavor provides a perfect canvas for our festive coloring.
• Milk: For the ultimate creamy texture and luscious consistency in your pudding, we highly recommend using whole milk. The higher fat content contributes to a richer, more indulgent mouthfeel.
• Whipped Topping: You’ll need two 8 oz containers of frozen whipped topping. Remember to transfer them to the refrigerator at least 6 hours before you plan to assemble your trifle, allowing them ample time to thaw completely. This ensures a light and airy texture that complements the dense brownies and pudding.
• Orange Food Coloring: To truly capture the spirit of Halloween, a vibrant orange pudding layer is essential! If you don’t have orange food coloring on hand, don’t fret. You can easily create your own by mixing red and yellow food coloring in a 1:1 ratio until you achieve your desired pumpkin hue.
• Your Favorite HERSHEY® Halloween Candy: This is where the fun truly begins and the trifle gets its signature flavor! We absolutely love using Snack Size REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, classic KIT KAT® Bars, and delectable HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate bars. Their varied textures and flavors add incredible depth and a delightful crunch to each spoonful. Feel free to customize this with your family’s personal HERSHEY® favorites!

Make your Halloween preparations incredibly convenient by stocking up on your go-to HERSHEY® Halloween candy and all other seasonal essentials with a quick, hassle-free trip to Walmart. Alternatively, enjoy the ease of online shopping at Walmart.com, delivering everything you need right to your doorstep!

How to Craft a Spooktacular HERSHEY® Halloween Candy Trifle

Assembling this magnificent Halloween trifle is as enjoyable as eating it. Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, perfect for any Halloween celebration!

1. Prepare the Brownies: Begin by baking your brownies according to the package directions in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan. For the best results, ensure the brownies are fully cooled to room temperature before proceeding. Once cooled, cut them into approximate 1-inch, bite-sized pieces. These rich, fudgy chunks will form the foundational layer of your trifle.
2. Craft the Festive Pudding: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix with the milk. Beat or whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken to a lovely, creamy consistency. Now, it’s time to add that signature Halloween flair! Stir in a generous amount of orange food coloring until you achieve your desired vibrant orange shade. Keep in mind that the color will lighten slightly once the whipped topping is incorporated, so aim for a slightly more intense orange at this stage.
3. Fold in Whipped Topping: Gently fold one of the thawed 8 oz packages of whipped topping into your orange pudding mixture. Use a spatula to carefully combine, preserving as much of the airy texture of the whipped topping as possible. This creates a light and fluffy pudding layer that’s not too dense.
4. Assemble Your Trifle Masterpiece: Now for the creative layering! In a large, clear trifle dish or a similar large glass bowl (a clear vessel really lets those beautiful layers shine!), start by evenly spreading half of your brownie pieces across the bottom. Next, carefully spoon half of the orange pudding mixture over the brownies. Follow this with a layer made from half of the remaining thawed whipped topping. Repeat these layers once more: the second half of the brownies, followed by the rest of the orange pudding mixture, and finally, the remaining whipped topping. For the grand finale, generously scatter your favorite HERSHEY® Halloween candies over the very top. Don’t be shy – the more candy, the merrier and more festive your trifle will look!
5. Chill to Perfection: Once assembled and adorned, place your Halloween candy trifle into the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This crucial step allows the layers to set, the flavors to meld beautifully, and ensures a perfectly cool and refreshing dessert experience.

Elevate Your Trifle: Pro Tips & Creative Variations for Success

This HERSHEY® Halloween Trifle recipe is wonderfully versatile, offering plenty of room for customization and smart shortcuts to make your holiday entertaining even easier. Here are some fantastic tips and substitutions to help you create the perfect spooky sweet treat:

• Homemade vs. Boxed Brownies: While a boxed brownie mix makes this recipe incredibly quick and simple, if you’re a baking enthusiast or have a go-to recipe you adore, feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe in place of a boxed mix. Just ensure they are fully cooled and cut into bite-sized pieces before layering.
• The Ultimate Time-Saver: Prep Ahead! Hosting a Halloween party can be hectic, so why not save yourself some last-minute stress? This trifle is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare and assemble the entire trifle a day (up to 24 hours) in advance. Simply keep it covered tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will deepen and meld beautifully overnight!
• Clever Leftover Storage: Lucky enough to have some of this deliciousness remaining after the party? Spoon any leftovers into individual airtight containers or cover the trifle dish securely. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It tastes just as wonderful the next day!
• Effortless Ingredient Gathering: Walmart Grocery Pickup: Short on time and want to avoid the grocery store aisles? Take full advantage of Walmart Grocery Pickup! Simply place your order online for all your trifle ingredients, including your favorite HERSHEY® Halloween candy, and pick them up at a designated time. It’s an absolute game-changer for busy schedules.
• Personalized Portions: Make Individual Trifles: For a charming and easily managed party treat, consider layering the ingredients in individual clear cups or small mason jars. This creates adorable, individual-sized Halloween party desserts that are perfect for grab-and-go enjoyment. It’s a fun twist, similar to how we create our popular dirt and worms recipe.
• Candy Customization: While we love REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, KIT KAT® Bars, and HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate, feel free to experiment with other HERSHEY® Halloween candy varieties. Think JOLLY RANCHER® Gummies for a fruity twist, WHOPPERS® for malted crunch, or even chopped HERSHEY’S COOKIES ‘N’ CRÈME bars for added texture and flavor.
• Pudding Power-Up: Want to switch up the pudding flavor? Chocolate pudding could create an even more decadent base, or a pumpkin spice pudding could add another layer of autumnal flair.

I just know that you and your family will absolutely adore this Halloween candy trifle as much as our family does! It’s the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and chocolaty goodness, infused with the festive spirit of Halloween.

This HERSHEY® Halloween Candy Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of all the fun and sweetness that the season brings. It’s a simple recipe that yields impressive results, making you the star of any Halloween gathering without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your favorite HERSHEY® treats from Walmart, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a Halloween memory that everyone will savor!

For even more delightful trifle recipes that are perfect for any occasion, be sure to explore my strawberry and banana pudding, charming strawberry shortcake trifles, and the festive patriotic berry trifle.

Explore More Frightfully Good Desserts for Halloween!

If you’re still on the hunt for more creative and delicious Halloween dessert ideas to complete your holiday spread, look no further! These recipes are sure to add an extra touch of spooky fun to your celebrations:

• Ghost Donuts
• Halloween Cake Mix Cookies
• Witch Hat Cupcakes (Original says “Witch Hat Cookies” but links to cupcakes, maintaining original link and title from original content.)
• Halloween Popcorn Hands
• Mummy Cookies

Halloween Trifle

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 15 mins

Cook: 25 mins

Chill Time: 1 hr

Total: 1 hr 40 mins

A delicious trifle loaded with all of our favorite HERSHEY® Halloween candy and layers of brownies, pudding, and whipped topping.

Servings: 15 servings

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Ingredients

• 1 box fudge brownie mix + ingredients called for on the package (typically eggs, water, and vegetable oil)
• 1 3.4 oz package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 ½ cup milk (whole milk recommended for best results)
• 2 8 oz. frozen whipped topping, thawed
• Orange food coloring, or red & yellow in 1:1 ratio
• Your favorite HERSHEY® Halloween candy (e.g., Snack Size REESE’S Peanut Butter Cups, KIT KAT® Bars, HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate)

Instructions

1. Prepare brownies in a 9 x 13 baking pan according to the directions on the package. Cool completely to room temperature. Cut into 1-inch squares and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat or whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened. Add a good amount of orange food coloring to reach your desired shade of orange. Keep in mind that the color will lighten once the whipped topping is folded in.
3. Gently fold in 1 package of the thawed whipped topping into the colored pudding mixture.
4. In a trifle dish or large glass bowl, add half of the cut brownies. Follow with half of the orange pudding mixture, then half of the remaining whipped topping. Repeat these layers once more with the remaining ingredients. Top generously with your favorite HERSHEY® Halloween candy.
5. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe in place of a boxed mix for an extra touch.

You can make the trifle up to 24 hours ahead of time and store it, covered, in the fridge until ready to serve. This often allows the flavors to deepen even further.

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious.

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