They don’t call this thing “heaven in a bowl” for nothin’! It’s got layers and layers of the tastiest treats you could find.
This is great for parties, Halloween, dessert after a big dinner party or just for 1 very lonely, sad person.
However, if you decide to eat this, grab a bib first! It could get messy! Here we go
Can there really be such a thing? Heaven in a bowl?
I did actually research this dilemma only to find that it is true.
There really is heaven in a bowl. It involves some of my very favorite treat ingredients and it is all in one delightful dish. Having it in one dish saves me from embarrassment,
Ingredients
1 Pkg.Of Fudge Brownie Mix.
2 Pkgs.Of Miniature Reeses.
4 Cups.Of Cold Milk; preferably 2%.
2 Pkgs.Of instant vanilla pudding.
1 Cup.Of creamy Peanut butter.
4 Tsp.Of Vanilla extract.
Thawed cool whip; I used 2 cans.Of 8-oz.
How To Make Heaven In A bowl
1st Step
To make the brownie batter, just follow the directions on the box.
Then, pour the batter into a 12×9-inch pan that has been buttered.
2nd Step
Set oven temperature to 350 degrees and bake for 20-25 minutes.
When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs, the cake is baking.
3rd Step
Put it on a wire rack to cool once you’ve taken it out of the oven.
When cool, slice into 3-quarter-inch-thick slices. The peanut butter cups should be halved and used as a garnish. Place aside.
4th Step
In a large bowl, beat the pudding with the milk for 2 minutes.
A thick mixture is the desired consistency. Put in the vanilla extract and peanut butter.
And combine thoroughly. Mix in 1 1/2 cups of whipped topping.
5th Step
Place one-third of the brownies in a glass dish that holds 5 quarts.
Top with the remaining peanut butter cups and a third of the pudding.
6th Step
Layer it again, and again. Finally, sprinkle the remaining topping and the saved peanut butter cups on top.
Put in the refrigerator for a few minutes to chill before serving.
Variations and Tips for Heaven in a Bowl:
Variations:
Brownie Alternatives:
Use store-bought brownies for a quicker option.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using a chocolate cake instead of brownies for a softer texture.
Nutty Twist:
Add crushed peanuts, almonds, or walnuts in between the layers for a crunchy surprise.
You can also drizzle some peanut butter over the layers for extra richness.
Flavor Substitutions:
Swap out the peanut butter cups for other candies like Snickers, Milky Way, or M&M’s for a different twist.
Try using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla for a double-chocolate experience.
Healthy Version:
Use low-fat or fat-free Cool Whip and pudding for a lighter version.
You can substitute the creamy peanut butter with natural peanut butter or almond butter for a healthier option.
Adding Fruits:
Add some fruit like sliced strawberries, bananas, or raspberries between the layers for a fresh, fruity element.
You could also add a layer of fruit preserves or jam to introduce some tang.
Make It a S’mores Version:
Add some mini marshmallows and crushed graham crackers between layers to give it a s’mores-like flavor.
Tips:
Cool the Brownies Properly: Be sure the brownies are fully cooled before slicing; otherwise, they could get too mushy when you layer them.
Even Layering: When layering the pudding and brownies, try to spread each layer evenly for the best texture and presentation.
Chill Before Serving: For best results, chill the dessert for at least an hour (or overnight) so that the layers set and the flavors meld together.
Make Ahead: You can make this dessert a day ahead of time to save on prep work, and it often tastes even better after sitting overnight.
Presentation Tip: Serve in a clear glass trifle dish or a glass bowl so guests can see the beautiful layers.
Enjoy experimenting with these variations to make this dessert your own!
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information for Heaven in a Bowl.
Keep in mind, the values will vary based on exact ingredients, portions, and specific brands used. This is based on a standard recipe with regular ingredients.
Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Serving size: 1/12 of the dish (assuming the recipe yields 12 servings)
Calories: 480–550 kcal
Total Fat: 26–30g
Saturated Fat: 7–10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 45–60mg
Sodium: 250–350mg
Total Carbohydrates: 63–70g
Dietary Fiber: 2–3g
Sugars: 45–50g
Protein: 6–8g
Vitamin A: 6–10% DV
Vitamin C: 2–4% DV
Calcium: 6–8% DV
Iron: 6–8% DV
Key Nutritional Elements:
Calories: This dessert is calorie-dense due to the brownies, peanut butter, pudding, and whipped topping.
Fat: High in fat, mostly from the peanut butter, brownies, and whipped topping.
Carbs: A significant amount of carbohydrates from the brownies, pudding, and candy.
Protein: Moderate protein from peanut butter, Cool Whip, and brownies.
Sugars: High in sugar due to the candy, pudding, and whipped topping.
Notes:
If you’re looking to reduce calories or sugar, you can substitute low-fat Cool Whip, sugar-free pudding, or use a sugar alternative.
Opt for healthier brownie mixes or even homemade brownies with reduced sugar for a lighter version.
Enjoy this indulgent treat, but be mindful of portion sizes if you’re watching your calorie intake!