This Easy Pumpkin Trifle has a ginger snap cookie layer, a rich pumpkin spice cheesecake layer, and a fluffy homemade whipped cream layer. The textures and flavors of the three layers complement each other perfectly in this dessert. I also love how the colors complement each other in the trifle dish. All the pretty colors of fall!
What Is Trifle?
A trifle designates a dish that generally features fruit, sponge cake, custard, and whipped cream all layered together in a large bowl. The trifle is not to be confused with a parfait, which is typically layered in tall glass for individual portions. Trifle is placed in a larger bowl to be served to a group.
Ingredients in Easy Pumpkin Trifle
This is a no bake dessert that is quick and easy to make with simple ingredients! In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to whip the pudding mixture together. Layer this trifle with a creamy and dreamy mousse that is sweet and savory all in one. This is a fall and holiday dessert that everyone loves!
Ginger snap cookies – I found a 16 ounce box of gingersnaps, the Nabisco brand. You could also use a pre-made spice cake mix and cut it into squares.Cream cheese – Let this sit on the counter until it is soft and reaches room temperature. We don’t want any lumps in the mixture.Vanilla extract – Adds extra flavor to the pumpkin mixture. Pumpkin puree – Make sure it is puree and not pumpkin pie filling. Sugars – Sweeten the filling with granulated and powdered sugar. Pumpkin pie spice – All the fall seasonings in one mix! Whipping cream – Heavy whipping cream is in the dairy section at the grocery store.
How to Present a Trifle Dish
This dessert looks really pretty in a trifle dish, but you could also layer it into parfait cups for individual servings. I used a couple of big spoons to layer this dish, but you can also pipe the layers in using piping bags with large tips, or a ziplock bag with a hole cut in the corner. This also makes it easier to get nice looking edges.
Homemade Whipping Cream
I am OBSESSED with homemade whipped cream. It is SO much better than what you can buy at the store. One thing to note: it is really important that you don’t over-whip the cream. It will be runny and it won’t hold up under the other layers if you whip it too much.
Variations and Substitutions
This is a pudding mixture that is smooth and creamy! Similar to a pumpkin pie filling, just without the eggs, this trifle has a light and airy texture with a fall flavor! Make the best trifle using these tips and variations.
Combine cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to make your own homemade pumpkin pie spice seasoning. If you aren’t a fan of ginger snaps, you can use Biscoff cookies that can be blended until crumbled. These work the same as ginger snaps. Take a pound cake and cut into 1-inch cubes. Layer in-between the pudding mixture. Instead of whipping cream, you can use Cool Whip or instant vanilla pudding.Top this trifle off with caramel sauce when you serve it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trifles
Read Next: Pumpkin Dessert Recipes
Storing the Best Pumpkin Cheesecake Filling
This pumpkin mixture is perfect to make ahead, refrigerate, and then layer in a pretty bowl. It is a simple recipe that doesn’t have a long shelf-life. Pumpkin cheesecake trifle recipe will be the showcase of the party. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for two to three days. Tightly wrap with plastic wrap or place in an air tight container with a lid. You can even separate the ingredients until ready to serve.
More Pumpkin Recipes
If you are in the mood for pumpkin, try out our Nothing Bundt Cake Pumpkin Spice, Fall Waffles, or Pumpkin Coffee Cake recipes. Here are some more delicious pumpkin recipes.
Pumpkin Spice SteamerPumpkin Chocolate Chip MuffinsPumpkin BreadPumpkin MousseEasy Pumpkin CookiesPumpkin RollPumpkin DipPumpkin Cobbler
How to Make Pumpkin Trifle
Pumpkin Spice Steamer
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins
Pumpkin Bread – 3 Ways!
Pumpkin Mousse
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