If you love Friends, you’ll remember the iconic Thanksgiving episode in season 6 when Rachel creates her unforgettable Thanksgiving trifle. With two recipe pages stuck together, her trifle included ladyfingers, custard and the infamous layer of beef sauteed with peas and onions. While the original version may be unappetizing, this dessert can be recreated with delicious ingredients, turning it into a fun conversation piece for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving or any Friends-themed party.
Why You’ll Love This Friends-Inspired Trifle
- Cost effective. Use pantry staples, boxed mixes or pre-made items to save time and money.
- Minimal baking required. Only the brownies need baking, which can be done ahead of time. Store-bought brownies can be used instead to save time.
- Quick to assemble. Once everything is prepared, the layering process is simple and fast.
- Fun nostalgic dessert. Friends fans will love referencing this classic Thanksgiving episode while enjoying a dessert that actually tastes good.
- Make it allergy-friendly. Use the ingredients and brands you know are safe for your home, family and/or guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why)
Cookies: while vanilla wafer cookies replace the traditional ladyfinger cookies, any preferred type of cookies or allergy-friendly brands are fine to use.
Pudding: using instant pudding creates an easy custard-style layer without extra steps.
Jam and Bananas: use strawberry or raspberry jam for the classic trifle flavor. Bananas add sweetness and an extra layer of texture.
Brownies: to recreate Rachel’s “beef” layer, use a boxed brownie mix, homemade brownies or store-bought brownies. Allergy-friendly brownie mixes can also be used.
Candy: to create the “peas and onions” use small green chocolate candies, like sixlets, for peas and shaved white chocolate or shredded coconut for onions.
Whipped Cream: use non-dairy whipped topping, coconut whipped cream or make your own homemade whipped cream.
Helpful Baking Tools
Pan: use a 9×9 inch pan or 9×13 inch pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup and removal of brownies.
Mixing Bowls: use multiple mixing bowls for pudding and other ingredients.
Trifle Bowl: a clear trifle bowl with a flat bottom creates the visual appeal of a layered trifle.
Measuring Cups: use both a liquid measuring cup and dry measuring cups for accurate measuring.
Whisk: use a whisk to make and remove any lumps from the pudding.
Spoon and Spatula: use a wooden spoon and/or a silicone spatula for stirring, scraping bowls and folding ingredients.
Box Grater: use a box grater for grating white chocolate “onions.”
Tips for a Recreating Rachel’s Trifle
Since this trifle does not contain beef sauteed with peas and onions, this version of Rachel’s trifle is easier to make and even tastier to eat. To keep the process simple and cost-effective, consider using boxed mixes or house-brand ingredients from stores like Aldi.
- Use boxed ingredients. No need to make everything from scratch. Pre-made or boxed ingredients save time and taste great.
- Make brownies ahead of time. Cooled brownies crumble better into the “beef” layer than warm brownies.
- Toss bananas in lemon juice. Tossing bananas in a little bit of lemon juice prevents browning and keeps the trifle looking fresh.
- Use soft chocolate candy for peas. Avoid hard candies for peas. Softer chocolate candies blend better with the pudding and are easier to eat. Or, omit the candy altogether.
- Check labels for allergens. Confirm ingredients do not contain or share equipment with your allergens.
Keeping the Trifle Budget-Friendly
One of the best parts of this dessert is how affordable it is to make. Whether you prefer house-brand or name-brand ingredients, many items can be picked up at Aldi or Target for just a few dollars each. This trifle typically costs between $10 to $15 dollars depending on brands used and serves a crowd without stretching your holiday budget.
All prices are approximate, do not include extras like eggs or milk and vary by store location. Here is a general idea of what you might spend to make Rachel’s Thanksgiving trifle.
Aldi | Target | |
Wafer cookies | $3.15 | $4.59 |
Pudding mix | $1.09 | $1.59 |
Brownie mix | $1.65 | $2.59 |
Strawberry jam | $2.75 | $3.79 |
Whipped topping | $1.25 | $1.99 |
*Approximate Cost | $9.89 | $14.55 |
How to Make Rachel’s Thanksgiving Trifle
Before you begin, gather all ingredients and prepare your brownies and pudding. While Rachel’s trifle only used one layer of jam, I added another layer because, as Joey says, “jam…good.” Be sure to check the recipe card for detailed instructions, including exact ingredient measurements.
1. Crumble brownies and mix in the candy.
2. Spread a layer of pudding on the bottom of the bowl.
3. Add cookies; stand some cookies around the outer edge.
4. Spread a layer of jam over the cookies.
5. Add another layer of pudding.
6. Layer the brownie-candy mixture.
7. Top with more pudding, jam and bananas.
8. Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream.
Easy Dessert Swaps
You can make any additions or changes as you’d like. Trifles are easy to personalize with a different flavor, design twists or allergy-safe swaps.
- Swap Pudding Flavor: banana pudding pairs well with bananas and enhances the flavor.
- Try Different Jams: raspberry or mixed berry jams all work well.
- Use Sponge Cake: swap cookies for sponge cake for a softer texture.
- Add Chocolate Chips: replace candy “peas” with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips or any other flavored chips.
Allergy Tip: Always read labels carefully, especially for ingredients that may be processed on shared equipment and/or facilities.
How to Store Rachel’s Thanksgiving Trifle
Store the assembled trifle in the refrigerator for up to one day before serving. Cover the trifle bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Brownies can be made in advance and frozen in an airtight container for up to three months.
Fun Ways to Eat Your Trifle with “Friends”
Rachel’s trifle brings nostalgia, laughs and a fun twist to the holiday table. What other dessert allows you to easily recite lines while eating? Here are a few fun ways to enjoy your trifle.
- Serve it on a plate and watch yourself eat it in the bathroom mirror.
- Call a friend to tell them how good the trifle is.
- Enjoy it on a balcony, but watch out for birds who may knock it out of your hands.
More Thanksgiving Treats to Try
If you are planning more Thanksgiving desserts, then try this Classic Pumpkin Pie or bake a batch of Pumpkin Spice Shortbread Cookie Bites. Homemade fall spice blends also make a thoughtful hostess gift. After you try any of these recipes, leave a rating so I know what you think.
Rachel’s Thanfksgiving Trifle
Ingredients
- 3/4 box vanilla wafer cookies (use more if desired)
- 3.4 ounce (1 box) vanilla pudding mix*
- 1 box brownie mix* (pre-made brownies can be used)
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 container whipped topping
- 1-2 bananas, sliced
- 1/4 cup chocolate green candies (use more or less as desired)
- 1 tbsp white chocolate or coconut (use more or less as desired)
Instructions
Trifle Procedure
- Bake brownies according to recipe directions. Once baked and cooled completely, crumble the brownies into a bowl and mix in the green chocolate candy and grated white chocolate or shredded coconut. Set aside.
- If making homemade whipped cream, prepare and set aside.
- Make pudding according to package directions. Add ½ cup of cool whip or whipped cream and fold into the pudding.
- Cut bananas into thin slices and toss in lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Measure and place jam into a ramekin or small bowl.
Trifle Assembly
- Spread a small layer of pudding on the bottom of the trifle bowl.
- Add cookies on top of the pudding layer and stand some around the outer edge of the bowl to create the classic trifle look.
- Spread a layer of jam over the cookies and add more pudding.
- Add the brownie mixture, then top with another layer of pudding, jam and bananas.
- Finish with a thick layer of whipped cream.
Notes
Discover more from From Scratch Baking
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Great recipe!
Thank you! Glad you like it!