Pumpkin Trifle

Table of Contents

1. Pumpkin Trifle Ingredients
2. Pumpkin Trifle Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make This Pumpkin Trifle Recipe
4. Troubleshooting this Pumpkin Trifle Recipe
5. How To Serve This Pumpkin Trifle
6. When To Serve Pumpkin Trifle
7. How To Store Pumpkin Trifle
8. Why This Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle Is The Best
9. Pumpkin Trifle Frequently Asked Questions
10. More Pumpkin Recipes You'll Love
11. JUMP TO RECIPE

Pumpkin trifle brings together layers of creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling, light and airy angel food cake, and a generous sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a dessert that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, this dessert has the perfect combination of textures and flavors, creating a dessert that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

What You Need To Know

MAIN INGREDIENTS: Angel food cake, cream cheese, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, whipped topping

QUICK STEPS: Cube angel food cake, beat cream cheese with sugar and pumpkin pie spice, mix in pumpkin puree and fold in whipped topping, layer cake cubes and pumpkin cheesecake filling in a trifle bowl, top with more whipped topping and a dusting of pumpkin pie spice

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 15 minutes, 12 servings

Why This Recipe

• Our team of recipe developers carefully tested the amounts of pumpkin pie spice and pumpkin puree to strike just the right balance between warm spices and rich creaminess. Too much spice can easily overpower the natural sweetness of the pumpkin puree, while too little can leave the filling flat.

Pumpkin Trifle Ingredients

This pumpkin trifle brings together simple, everyday ingredients to create a dessert that feels both effortless and indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here’s everything you need for this recipe:

• 1 (14 ounce) store bought angel food cake
• 2 (8 ounces) packages cream cheese
• 1 ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice (+ more for dusting over the top)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 3 (8 ounces each) whipped topping, thawed

Pumpkin Trifle Substitutions and Additions

Angel Food Cake: You can swap angel food cake with spice cake or sponge cake for a heartier base with more fall flavors. Using spice cake will add warmth from the extra spices, while sponge cake gives a firmer texture.

Pumpkin Puree: If pumpkin puree isn’t available, you can use pumpkin pie filling instead, but reduce the amount of pumpkin pie spice since the filling already contains spices.

Cream Cheese: For a lighter option, swap out cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone. Both will still give the filling a creamy texture, but Greek yogurt adds a slight tang, and mascarpone provides a richer, more subtle flavor.

Whipped Topping: If you prefer a homemade touch, replace the store-bought whipped topping with homemade whipped cream using heavy whipping cream. Simply beat the cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the mixture.

Pumpkin Pie Spice: Feel free to mix up your own blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand. This way, you can adjust the spice levels to your personal taste.

Garnishes: While the recipe suggests a dusting of pumpkin pie spice, you can top the trifle with ginger snaps, Biscoff cookies, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for an added crunch or sweetness. These toppings can give your trifle an extra layer of texture and flavor.

How To Make This Pumpkin Trifle Recipe

This pumpkin trifle comes together quickly and easily with a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. With a creamy pumpkin cheesecake layer, light angel food cake, and fluffy layers of whipped topping, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

STEP ONE: Start by slicing the angel food cake into one inch cubes. Try to cut them evenly for a uniform layer. This creates a sturdy base for the trifle, helping the layers stack nicely and making sure each bite has a bit of everything.

Pro Tip: Use a serrated knife for cleaner cuts, which prevents the cake from tearing.

STEP TWO: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix for one and half to two minutes until the cream cheese is completely smooth with no lumps.

PRO TIP: Be sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before you start, as this will make it easier to get that silky texture without overmixing.

STEP THREE: Add the granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue mixing for another one and a half to two minutes until everything is well incorporated.

Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.

STEP FOUR: Next, add the pumpkin puree to the cream cheese mixture. Continue to mix until the pumpkin is fully combined and no streaks remain.

This step is crucial for creating the rich, creamy pumpkin base.

STEP FIVE: Gently fold in one container of thawed whipped topping into the pumpkin cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overmix—this step helps keep the filling light and fluffy.

Look for a smooth, creamy consistency without any streaks of the whipped topping.

STEP SIX: In a large trifle bowl, place a layer of angel food cake cubes. Arrange them in a single layer, tightly fitting them together to form a stable base for the filling.

You want the cake to support the layers of pumpkin cheesecake and whipped topping above.

STEP SEVEN: Spoon half of the pumpkin cheesecake filling over the cake cubes. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to spread the mixture evenly over the cake layer, ensuring an even distribution for consistent layers throughout the trifle.

STEP EIGHT: Spoon one of the remaining containers of whipped topping over the pumpkin cheesecake layer. Again, smooth it out with a spoon or spatula to create an even layer that reaches all edges of the bowl.

STEP NINE: Layer the remaining angel food cake cubes on top of the whipped topping. Follow with the rest of the pumpkin cheesecake filling, spreading it evenly over the cake cubes. Finish with the last container of whipped topping, smoothing it out to create a clean, finished top.

STEP TEN: Dust the top of the trifle with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice (about one teaspoon) for an extra touch of fall flavor.

Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This step allows the flavors to meld together, making the trifle even more delicious.

Troubleshooting this Pumpkin Trifle Recipe

The cream cheese mixture ends up lumpy.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.

The layers become too soggy after assembling the trifle.
Cut the angel food cake into even one inch cubes and tightly pack the layers to prevent too much moisture from seeping into the cake.

The whipped topping deflates and doesn’t stay fluffy.
Gently fold the whipped topping into the pumpkin cheesecake filling without overmixing, which helps keep the texture light and airy.

The pumpkin cheesecake layer is too sweet or too spicy.
Stick to the exact measurements for pumpkin pie spice and sugar to maintain balance, but feel free to adjust to personal preference with small increments if needed.

The layers don’t hold up, causing the trifle to collapse.
Make sure the cake cubes are cut evenly and the trifle is layered with care, gently pressing each layer for stability. Avoid overfilling each layer with too much pumpkin cheesecake filling.

The trifle tastes bland.
Check that the pumpkin pie spice and vanilla extract are measured accurately. Spices can lose potency over time, so make sure your pumpkin pie spice is fresh.

The trifle is difficult to serve cleanly.
Chill the trifle for at least an hour before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop out clean servings.

How To Serve This Pumpkin Trifle

Once your pumpkin trifle is fully assembled and chilled, it’s time to think about how best to present and serve this layered dessert. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, bringing it to a potluck, or enjoying it with family, the way you serve the trifle can elevate the experience.

Classic Presentation: Serve the pumpkin trifle directly from the trifle bowl, using a large spoon to scoop out portions. Present it in clear glass dishes or bowls so the beautiful layers of pumpkin cheesecake filling, angel food cake, and whipped topping can be seen. This is a great option for showcasing the dessert’s elegant layers, perfect for any occasion.

Individual Portions: For a more refined presentation, divide the pumpkin trifle into individual cups or mason jars. This option works especially well for events or gatherings where people are mingling. The jars not only make the dessert easy to serve but also allow each guest to enjoy their own perfectly layered trifle.

Make It a Party Dessert: If you’re serving this for a crowd, you can set up a trifle bar. Offer toppings like crushed ginger snaps, caramel sauce, or even Biscoff cookies so everyone can customize their own portion. This idea makes it fun for guests while keeping the dessert simple to prepare ahead of time.

Add It to a Fall Dessert Spread: Pair the pumpkin trifle with other fall-inspired desserts like pumpkin rolls, apple crisp, or pecan pie. The light texture of the trifle balances perfectly with denser desserts, offering variety for your guests and rounding out the flavors of a fall-themed dessert table.

Transform It Into a Holiday Dessert: This trifle is versatile enough to be served during the holiday season. You can easily incorporate it into your thanksgiving dessert spread, pairing it with pumpkin pie, gingerbread cake, or even a batch of gingerbread cookies.

Complementary Drinks: For drink pairings, serve the pumpkin trifle with a warm chai tea latte or pumpkin spice latte to enhance the cozy flavors. If you’re serving it at a holiday party, a gingerbread cocktail or spiked eggnog would make a great match, adding a little extra cheer to the celebration.

When To Serve Pumpkin Trifle

This pumpkin trifle is a versatile dessert that works for nearly any occasion, offering a balance of light layers and rich flavors. Whether you’re planning a casual gathering or a special celebration, this dessert adds the perfect touch.

Fall Potluck: This trifle is a great addition to a fall potluck, where its simple preparation and layered presentation make it an easy crowd-pleaser without requiring too much effort.

Holiday Parties: Whether it’s for a holiday dessert table or a family gathering, this dessert pairs wonderfully with other seasonal dishes like gingerbread cake or pumpkin roll, adding something light yet rich to the menu.

Family Dinners: Bring this dessert to your next family dinner as a fall-themed sweet treat. Its layered texture provides a nice balance to heavier meals, offering a lighter, creamy finish to the evening.

Brunch Gatherings: Serve it at a weekend brunch alongside items like pumpkin muffins and fresh fruit. The dessert can even be portioned into individual cups for a fun and casual morning treat.

Thanksgiving Dinner: This pumpkin trifle works well as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving dessert spreads, offering a change from the typical pies while still embracing classic fall spices.

How To Store Pumpkin Trifle

Once you’ve made your pumpkin trifle, you’ll want to know the best way to store it for optimal freshness. Whether you’re preparing it ahead of time or saving leftovers, following these storage guidelines will help maintain its creamy texture and layers of cake.

MAKE AHEAD: This pumpkin trifle is an excellent option for making ahead of time. You can prepare the entire dessert and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld while keeping the layers intact.

Just be sure to cover the trifle with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

IN THE FRIDGE: If you have leftovers, store the trifle in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to three days.

After this, the texture may start to change, with the angel food cake softening too much from the whipped topping and pumpkin cheesecake filling.

IN THE FREEZER: Freezing is not recommended for this trifle as the whipped topping and cream cheese filling can lose their texture when thawed.

REHEATING: Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you’ve stored the trifle in the fridge for a few days, you can bring it back to its best by allowing it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.

This will soften the layers slightly, giving you a creamier texture.

Why This Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle Is The Best

This easy trifle recipe has become a go-to dessert for so many reasons. It’s not just the creamy layers and cozy fall flavors—it’s also how easy it is to put together while still making a big impression.

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dessert is perfect when you need something fast but impressive.

No-Bake Simplicity: No need to turn on the oven—just layer, chill, and serve for a fuss-free dessert.

Customizable Layers: You can easily swap out the angel food cake for layers of spice cake or change up the garnishes to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe makes enough for a crowd, making it perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or holiday dinners.

This pumpkin trifle is an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines creamy layers with classic cozy flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a simple way to impress without the hassle.

More Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love

• Fireball Pumpkin Pie
• Air Fryer Pumpkin Seeds
• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• Pumpkin French Toast Casserole
• Baked Pumpkin Donuts