Peanut Butter Cup Brownie Trifle

Thanks to my friend, Cherie, I have a new desert that will be the favorite of my daughter, Megan. Megan and her husband will be spending Christmas with Cherie and her husband and will be able to enjoy this delight. It is sure to be a hit! Thanks for blogging-in, Cherie!

1(21.4 oz) package deluxe brownie mix
2 (5.1 oz ) boxes vanilla instant pudding mix
4 cups milk
3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
This is a peanut butter and chocolate fanatics dream dessert!

1 cup whipping cream, whipped and divided or you can use 3 cups cool whip
2 1/2 cups coarsely chopped peanut butter cups, divided
Garnish:
Additional peanut butter cups, sliced


13 x9 pan
Prepare brownie mix according to package directions
Bake and cool completely
Cut brownies into pieces...about 3/4 inch
Combine vanilla pudding and milk in large mixing bowl ; beat at low speed about 2 minutes or until thick. Add peanut butter and vanilla. Beat until smooth. Gently fold in half of whipped cream or 2 cups of cool whip. Set aside the remaining cup of whipped cream or cool whip

Place half of chopped brownies in bottom of 3-qt trifle bowl. Top with 1 1/4 cups chopped peanut butter cups and half of the pudding.
Repeat layers .
Pipe reserved whipped cream or cool whip over trifle. Garnish with sliced peanut butter cups standing up in the piped whipped cream or cool whip.
Yields about 12 servings.