Description
This Pumpkin Spice Trifle is a delightful layered dessert perfect for fall and Thanksgiving. It features moist yellow or spice cake cubes, a spiced pumpkin puree, creamy vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped cream, all topped with caramel sauce and crunchy crushed gingersnap cookies. Easy to assemble and make ahead, it’s a festive treat bursting with autumn flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix, prepared according to package directions
Pumpkin Mixture
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
Pudding Layer
- 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Whipped Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly & Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup crushed gingersnap cookies or graham crackers
Instructions
- Prepare Cake: Bake the cake according to the package instructions and let it cool completely. Once cooled, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes to create the base layer of your trifle.
- Make Pumpkin Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, mixing thoroughly until well blended. This mixture adds a warm, spiced flavor to the dessert.
- Prepare Pudding: Whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, then refrigerate for 5 minutes to set. This creamy layer will add richness to the trifle.
- Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy texture perfect for layering.
- Assemble Trifle: In a trifle dish, start by layering the cake cubes evenly at the bottom. Next, spread a layer of the spiced pumpkin mixture, followed by a layer of vanilla pudding, and then a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with whipped cream on top.
- Add Toppings: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top layer of whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed gingersnap cookies or graham crackers for added crunch and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled trifle for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute spice cake for yellow cake to enhance the fall flavors.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a lighter version, use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream.
