The ultimate adults-only dessert that's secretly super easy! Layers of rich chocolate brownie spiked with Baileys, creamy vanilla custard, whipped cream, silky chocolate custard and a drizzle of salted caramel. Baileys Chocolate Trifle looks restaurant-level, but trust me - it's such a breeze to put together!
If you're a chocoholic (like me!), you'll also love my Baileys Chocolate Ripple Cake and these Baileys Tim Tam Cheesecake Balls - both are no-fuss, crowd-pleasing desserts that pack a flavour punch....
This was perfect for serving at the end of a dinner party. Smiles all around!
- Karin
When your favourite brownie meets a classic trifle - you get something rich, creamy, and a little bit boozy (in the best way!).
Layer up Baileys-infused fudgy brownie, vanilla and chocolate custards, whipped cream, and a glossy swirl of salted caramel. Each spoonful is pure chocolatey, creamy perfection.
It's the perfect Christmas or dinner-party dessert that you can prep ahead of time on the day to keep things stress-free. If you love a dessert with a cheeky Baileys twist, you'll also adore my no-bake Baileys Malteser Cheesecake and rich, bite-sized Baileys Truffles - both make the ultimate late-night treat for grown-ups!
Why You're Going To Love This Recipe
- Looks impressive, tastes incredible, yet takes minimal effort.
- No-bake - just assemble and chill.
- Make-ahead friendly - best prepared on the day, but no last minute rush as they need to chill for at least 2 hours. Perfect for entertaining or Christmas Day.
- Totally customisable - make it boozy, kid-friendly, gluten-free, or add your own twist.
- Layered decadence - every spoonful hits you with brownie, custard, Baileys, and caramel.
Jump to:
Trifle Ingredients
You can keep things simple with store-bought brownies and custards, or make your own from scratch - whatever suits your mood (and time!).
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Chocolate Brownie: Go for a dense, chewy texture-my easy Chocolate Brownies are ideal, or buy a pre-made brownie from the supermarket.
- Baileys Irish Cream: This alcohol adds that signature creamy flavour with store-bought Baileys, or make your own homemade Baileys.
- Vanilla & Chocolate Custards: Choose double-thick custards so your layers hold their shape.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: Store-bought is fine, or whip up a quick batch of my Salted Caramel Sauce.
Variations
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the Baileys; drizzle the brownie with chocolate milk or coffee syrup instead.
- Gluten-Free: Use a GF brownie mix and check that your custard and caramel are gluten-free certified.
- Baileys Custard Twist: Replace the vanilla custard with Baileys custard (usually available in supermarkets around Christmas).
- Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed Flake bars, Maltesers, or shaved chocolate between layers for texture.
Need To Substitute An Ingredient?
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How To Make Baileys Chocolate Trifle
Now for the fun part - let's layer up this indulgent trifle! It's quick, easy, and looks absolutely stunning once it's all assembled.
Note: Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the ingredients quantities and full detailed method.
- Prep the brownie: Bake (or buy) a dense chocolate brownie. Allow it to cool if baked. Crumble into bite-sized chunks and divide one-third of the brownie chunks between your trifle glasses, or a large trifle bowl.
- Add Baileys and vanilla custard: Drizzle a small splash of Baileys Irish Cream over the brownie pieces to soak in. Spoon over half the vanilla custard.
- Add next layer: Spoon over the next layer, using half of the chocolate custard.
- And more: Next, spoon over half the whipped cream.
- Drizzle the caramel and layer again: Add one-third of the salted caramel sauce, then do another full round of brownie, Baileys, custards, cream and caramel.
- To finish: Top with the remaining brownie chunks and a final drizzle of caramel. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the layers settle and flavours develop.
Recipe Tips
- Double-thick custard is key - thin custard will run and muddy your layers.
- Let it chill - at least 2 hours chilling time allows the flavours to blend subtly.
- For neat layers, use a piping bag for cream and custard rather than spooning.
- Use clear glassware so the layers show through beautifully.
- Homemade brownie vs store-bought: either works - avoid dry, crumbly ones.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge; best eaten on the day, but will keep for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not suitable - custard and cream don't thaw well.
- Transport tip: If travelling, assemble in a deep dish, cover tightly, and chill until just before serving.
Baileys Chocolate Trifle FAQs
These Baileys Brownie Trifles are best enjoyed on the day you make them, as the brownie can soften over time. You can absolutely prepare them earlier in the day though - they need at least 2 hours in the fridge to chill before serving.
Yes, just make sure it's thick and cool before layering so it doesn't melt the cream.
Of course, a big trifle bowl makes an eye-catching centrepiece, make sure to use a glass bowl to show off the layers!
Try grated chocolate, extra caramel drizzle, or a few Maltesers or shaved Flake for crunch and colour.
More Baileys Recipes
If you love Baileys Irish Cream as much as I do, you'll definitely want to try some of my other favourite Baileys recipes too!
WANT EVEN MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter or follow along on Facebook or Instagram. And if you love baking, then please come and join my Facebook cooking club group or subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Baileys Chocolate Trifle
Ingredients
- 20 cm chocolate brownie square, see notes
- Baileys Irish Cream see notes
- 900 g vanilla double thick custard
- 500 ml thickened cream whipped
- 900 g chocolate double thick custard
- ¾ cup salted caramel sauce
Instructions
- Place 6 large individual serving glasses onto the bench (or 8-10 smaller glasses).
- Crumble the cooked chocolate brownie into small chunks.
- Divide ⅓ of the brownie chunks between the serving glasses.
- Pour over a small amount of Baileys Irish Cream (the brownie will soak up the Baileys).
- Spoon over half of the vanilla custard, half of the whipped cream and half of the chocolate custard (in layers).
- Drizzle over ⅓ of the salted caramel sauce.
- Repeat all of the layers once more (including the Baileys Irish Cream).
- Finish off with the remaining ⅓ chocolate brownie and the salted caramel sauce.
- Place into the fridge until serving.
Notes
- Homemade brownie vs store-bought: either works - just avoid dry, crumbly ones.
- Double-thick custard is key - thin custard will run and muddy your layers.
- Let it chill - at least 2 hours chilling time allows the flavours to subtly blend.
- For neat layers, use a piping bag for cream and custard rather than spooning.
- Kid-friendly version - omit the Baileys Irish Cream. You can drizzle brownie with chocolate milk or coffee syrup if you like.
- Use clear glassware so the layers show through beautifully.
- Storage: Keep covered in the fridge; best eaten on the day, but will keep for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Not suitable - custard and cream don't thaw well.
- Transport tip: If travelling, assemble in a deep dish, cover tightly, and chill until just before serving.
Diane C. says
Can you send me the instructions on how to make the vanilla custard and the chocolate custard?
Lucy Mathieson says
Hi Diane, I used storebought custard for this recipe (to keep it quick and simple).
Nicole says
Hi Lucy! These look delicious - how far in advance can these be made?? Night before ?
Thanks, Nicole
Bake Play Smile says
Hi Nicole, absolutely - the night before would be fine!! You can always make the brownie a few days ahead of time and then put it all together the night before or on the day to save time. xx