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Imagine the delight in your home when you unveil a dessert bursting with eerie charm and irresistible flavors your own Graveyard Brownie Trifle. This recipe isn’t just a sweet treat; it’s a showstopper that brings excitement, laughter, and spookiness to your Halloween table. Whether you’re planning a festive family night or a themed party, this layered masterpiece will enchant kids and adults alike, sparking those warm, unforgettable seasonal moments.
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Easy Halloween Graveyard Brownie Trifle
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A spooky, chocolatey Halloween dessert that layers brownies, jelly snakes and orange custard under cookie ‘graveyard soil’ and edible decorations for a festive treat.
Ingredients
1 x 135g pack lime jelly
green food gel or colouring
425g (14oz) chocolate brownies
125g (4oz) jelly snakes (halved, if long)
500g (1lb) fresh custard
orange food colouring
1/2 x 225g pack soft-baked chocolate cookies
chocolate writing icing
3 rich tea finger biscuits
3 chocolate cornflake clusters
green sugar sand, to decorate (optional)
Instructions
1. Break the jelly into a bowl, add 450ml boiling water and stir until dissolved. Add enough green food colouring to turn the liquid a vivid green; set aside to cool.
2. Crumble the brownies into the base of a glass trifle dish, about 8cm deep and 18-20cm wide. Press down with the back of a spoon to level the surface. Top with most of the jelly snakes, pushing a few close to the sides of the dish so they can be seen.
3. Put the custard in a bowl and stir in enough orange food colouring to turn it a pale tangerine. Pour it over the snake and brownie layer and spread level. Chill for 30 minutes, or until set. Spoon a little of the cooled liquid jelly over the custard layer to create a film-like layer; chill until set.
4. Carefully pour the remaining jelly over the top and return to the fridge for 4 hours, or until set. In a food processor, whizz the cookies to a fine crumb. Sprinkle over the top of the trifle for the ‘soil’. Add the remaining jelly snakes, pushing the ends of each into the crumb ‘soil’ layer.
5. Decorate the rich tea biscuits with the writing icing to make ‘RIP’ or cross ‘headstones’ and push them into the trifle, positioning an ‘earthy mound’ cornflake cluster at the base of each. Sprinkle with a little sugar sand for ‘moss’, if you like.
Notes
Make sure layers are fully set before adding the next to ensure structural integrity.
Use clear glass for best visual effect.
Can be made gluten-free by choosing suitable brownies and cookies.
Perfect for Halloween parties and kids’ celebrations.
Make ahead and chill overnight for even richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Layered, No-bake
- Cuisine: Halloween, British
Why You’ll Love This Graveyard Brownie Trifle
Halloween desserts are all about creativity, and you deserve a recipe that delivers flavor, texture, and fun in every bite. This trifle pairs rich chocolate brownies, vibrant jelly snakes, and creamy orange-tinted custard for a frightful dessert experience. Each layer hides surprises, making every spoonful an adventure; it’s perfect for anyone craving a playful, visually stunning dessert.
Ingredients Table: What You Need For Your Spooky Trifle
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Lime jelly | 1 x 135g pack |
| Green food gel or colouring | As needed |
| Chocolate brownies | 425g (14oz) |
| Jelly snakes (halved, if long) | 125g (4oz) |
| Fresh custard | 500g (1lb) |
| Orange food colouring | As needed |
| Soft-baked chocolate cookies | 1/2 x 225g pack |
| Chocolate writing icing | As needed |
| Rich tea finger biscuits | 3 |
| Chocolate cornflake clusters | 3 |
| Green sugar sand (optional) | To decorate |
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Graveyard Brownie Trifle
- Break lime jelly into a bowl, add 450ml boiling water, and stir until dissolved. Add enough green food colouring to make it vivid; cool completely.
- Crumble the brownies into the base of your trifle dish (8cm deep, 18-20cm wide). Press down to level.
- Top with most jelly snakes, pushing a few against the dish sides for visibility.
- Stir orange food colouring into custard until pale tangerine. Pour over the brownie/snake layer, spread level, and chill until set (about 30 minutes).
- Spoon a little cooled jelly over custard for a film-like layer; chill until that sets.
- Carefully pour remaining jelly over top, return to fridge, and chill for 4 hours or until set.
- Whizz chocolate cookies to fine crumbs and sprinkle as “soil” over the set trifle.
- Add remaining jelly snakes, pushing ends into the soil.
- Decorate rich tea biscuits using writing icing for “RIP” or crosses. Insert as headstones and position a cornflake cluster at each base to resemble earthy mounds.
- Sprinkle green sugar sand for mossy effect, if desired.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Trifle
- Let each layer chill fully for easy assembly and sharp, distinct layers.
- Try orange jelly or other spooky colors for added Halloween spirit.
- Substitute gluten-free brownies if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Use clear trifle dishes for the best visual effect; glass bowls work well too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graveyard Brownie Trifle
What is the main flavour profile of this trifle?
You get a blend of rich chocolate, fruity jelly, and creamy custard, all layered for a delightfully spooky experience.
Can you make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare up to 24 hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to firm up.
How do you get the “graveyard” effect?
Use decorated biscuits for headstones, cookie crumbs for soil, and jelly snakes for a fun edible extension of the Halloween theme.
Can you customize the toppings?
Feel free to use gummy worms, Halloween sprinkles, or themed cake decorations to personalize your trifle.
Conclusion
This hauntingly delicious Graveyard Brownie Trifle will be the highlight of your Halloween celebration. Each creamy, chocolatey, and playful layer lets you embrace the season and your inner chef. Serve with pride, and enjoy the shrieks of delight from every guest. Now, it’s your turn: whip up a trifle that’s frightfully yummy and full of ghostly fun!