Few desserts say “fall is here” quite like a trifle layered with spiced cake, creamy pumpkin filling, whipped topping, and crunchy toffee bits. A Pumpkin Trifle isn’t just a dessert—it’s an edible centerpiece that looks stunning on any holiday table and tastes even better than it looks. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, thanks to the use of spice cake mix and a simple, no-fuss pumpkin cheesecake layer.
Whether you’re looking for a dessert to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner, a Friendsgiving potluck, or simply a cozy family night at home, this trifle checks every box: festive, flavorful, and make-ahead friendly. Let’s dive into why this recipe works so well and how you can easily recreate it.
Pumpkin Trifle
Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix or yellow cake mix with 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup water for cake mix
- 3 large eggs for cake mix
- ½ cup vegetable oil can replace half with unsweetened applesauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened or substitute with Greek yogurt cream cheese or mascarpone
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 15 oz pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 16 oz whipped topping, thawed or substitute with homemade whipped cream
- 1 cup chopped toffee bits or substitute with crushed gingersnaps, pecans, or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the spice cake mix according to package instructions using water, eggs, and oil. Pour into prepared dish and bake for 23–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely. Cut into bite-sized cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and beat again until fluffy.
- Stir in pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, and pumpkin pie spice until smooth and creamy.
- To assemble, place half of the cake cubes into the bottom of a trifle dish.
- Spread half of the pumpkin filling over the cake layer.
- Spread a layer of whipped topping over the pumpkin layer and sprinkle with half the toffee bits.
- Repeat layers with remaining cake, pumpkin filling, and whipped topping.
- Finish with a final sprinkle of toffee bits on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
Notes
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of a Pumpkin Trifle is its versatility. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and how you can customize it.
Spice Cake
- 15.25 oz spice cake mix: A shortcut that guarantees warm fall spices without the extra measuring.
- Water, eggs, vegetable oil: The classic cake mix trio. You can swap in unsweetened applesauce for half the oil to lighten it up.
Substitution Idea: If you can’t find spice cake mix, use yellow cake mix and add 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice.
Pumpkin Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Gives the filling that cheesecake tang and creaminess.
- ¾ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens without graininess.
- 15 oz pumpkin puree (not pie filling!): Pure pumpkin ensures the flavor shines.
- 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice & 2 tsp vanilla extract: Warm spice and cozy depth.
Substitution Idea: Want it lighter? Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt cream cheese or mascarpone for a silkier finish.
Whipped Topping & Garnish
- 16 oz whipped topping (thawed): Fluffy layers that balance the richness.
- 1 cup chopped toffee bits: Adds a crunch and caramel flavor in every bite.
Substitution Idea: Crushed gingersnaps, chopped pecans, or even chocolate shavings can work in place of toffee bits.
How to Make Pumpkin Trifle Step by Step
1. Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix the cake ingredients until smooth, pour into a greased 9×13 dish, and bake for 23–25 minutes. Once cooled, cut into bite-sized cubes.
2. Prepare the Pumpkin Filling
In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and beat again until fluffy. Stir in pumpkin puree, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice until creamy.
3. Assemble the Layers
- Start with cake cubes at the bottom of your trifle dish.
- Spread half the pumpkin filling on top.
- Add whipped topping, then sprinkle with toffee bits.
- Repeat the layers until you finish with whipped topping and a final toffee garnish.
4. Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or overnight for best results. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Why This Recipe Works
- Visual Appeal: The layers make it look fancy, even though it’s easy.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for busy holidays—you can assemble it the night before.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Creamy pumpkin cheesecake filling with sweet toffee crunch is irresistible.
For another make-ahead fall treat, check out this Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake—it’s just as easy and festive.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Pumpkin Gingersnap Trifle: Replace the cake cubes with crushed gingersnaps for extra spice.
- Chocolate Pumpkin Trifle: Use chocolate cake mix and add shaved dark chocolate between layers.
- Healthier Swap: Use homemade Pumpkin Donuts as the cake base for portion control.
- Mix It Up: Stir chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon sugar into the whipped topping for extra dimension.
- Looking for another cozy dessert twist? Try our Apple Butterscotch Crisp, a slow-cooker favorite with gooey apples, crunchy oat topping, and a sweet butterscotch finish. It’s the perfect cousin to this trifle when you want something warm and rustic.
Want a fun snack-style variation? Try this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix for an easy fall bite.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge covered for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended—the texture of whipped topping doesn’t hold up well.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the trifle a day before serving. The flavors deepen overnight, and the cake soaks up just enough filling to stay moist without getting soggy.
- Pumpkin desserts actually taste better after they’ve had a little time to rest, which makes them perfect for holidays. If you’re prepping ahead, this trifle holds beautifully overnight. And if you’d like a quicker fall treat to enjoy fresh from the oven the same day, check out these Pumpkin Donuts—they come together in under 40 minutes.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Pumpkin isn’t just tasty—it’s packed with nutrients like vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. Adding pumpkin to desserts brings a touch of wholesome goodness without sacrificing flavor. According to Healthline, pumpkin is low in calories yet incredibly nutrient dense, making it a seasonal powerhouse.
Pumpkin Trifle FAQ
Can I make Pumpkin Trifle without a trifle bowl?
Absolutely! While a trifle bowl gives you that classic “showpiece” look with visible layers, you don’t need one to enjoy this dessert. Mason jars are a great option if you want to serve individual portions—perfect for parties, meal prep, or gifting. Clear glasses work well for a more elegant presentation at dinner gatherings. If you’re making it family-style, a deep glass baking dish is a practical substitute. The layers might not be quite as tall or dramatic, but the creamy pumpkin, fluffy whipped topping, and spiced cake flavors will still shine through.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, and it’s a fantastic upgrade! To make your own, whip 3 cups of heavy cream with 6 tablespoons powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. For extra stability, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch or a tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding mix, which helps it hold its shape longer. Homemade whipped cream will give the trifle a richer, fresher taste and less sweetness compared to store-bought whipped topping. Just keep in mind it won’t last quite as long—so it’s best if you’re serving the trifle within 24 hours.
How do I keep the cake from getting soggy?
The key to avoiding soggy trifle layers is to start with completely cooled cake. If the cake is even slightly warm, it releases steam, which can make the filling watery. Another tip is to keep your pumpkin cheesecake mixture thick—strain your pumpkin puree if it’s watery, and don’t skip the cream cheese since it stabilizes the filling. Finally, allow the trifle to chill at least 2 hours before serving, but not more than 24–36 hours in advance. This way, the cake absorbs just enough moisture for flavor without turning mushy.
What’s the best way to transport Pumpkin Trifle to a party?
Pumpkin Trifle is portable with a little planning. Assemble it in a sturdy, deep bowl with a secure cover. If you’re worried about spills, wrap the top tightly in plastic wrap, then add a lid if your bowl has one. Place the trifle in an insulated cooler bag with ice packs around it to keep it cold during travel. Another option is to layer the components separately—store the cake cubes, pumpkin filling, whipped topping, and toffee bits in individual containers, then assemble once you arrive. This method guarantees the cleanest layers and avoids any shifting during transport.
Can I add alcohol to Pumpkin Trifle?
Yes! Adding a splash of alcohol can elevate your trifle for adults. Brush the cake cubes lightly with bourbon, dark rum, or Kahlúa before layering. A little goes a long way—too much can overpower the pumpkin and make the cake soggy. The alcohol enhances the warm spices and pumpkin flavor, creating a more complex, cozy dessert that pairs beautifully with coffee or after-dinner drinks. For a fun twist, you can even swap the vanilla extract in the pumpkin layer for a splash of bourbon or spiced rum.
Pumpkin Trifle: The Viral Fall Dessert Everyone’s Talking About
Pumpkin Trifle is one of those desserts that looks like you spent hours on it, but in reality, it comes together with just a few simple steps. The layers of spiced cake, pumpkin cheesecake filling, whipped topping, and toffee bits create a dessert that’s equal parts comforting and impressive.
It’s festive, versatile, and perfect for fall gatherings—whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or just want to savor the flavors of autumn. Serve it once, and you’ll likely be asked to make it every year!
For more cozy fall inspiration, don’t miss our Pumpkin Donuts and Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake. And don’t forget to share your own Pumpkin Trifle creations with us on Facebook and Pinterest.