Looking for a showstopping fall dessert? This Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is the perfect blend of creamy, fluffy, and crunchy layers—all packed into a beautiful trifle bowl. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, hosting a cozy autumn gathering, or just want a festive sweet treat, this layered dessert delivers everything you love about pumpkin spice cake, maple cream, and cheesecake all in one.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Trifle Dessert
There’s a reason trifle desserts are crowd favorites—they’re easy to assemble, can be made ahead, and look stunning on the table. This particular trifle is:
- Bursting with warm pumpkin spice flavor
- Layered with rich maple cheesecake filling
- Topped with crunchy candied pecans
- Ideal for any holiday dessert table
- A no-fuss way to impress guests!
Ingredients for Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle
Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this festive layered dessert:
For the Pumpkin Cake Layer:
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin purée
- 3 eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup water
For the Maple Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 pkg (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed
Toppings:
- 1½ cups chopped pecans (or candied pecans)
- Optional: ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Electric mixer
- Large trifle bowl or glass dish
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Baking pan
How to Make Pumpkin Maple Cream Trifle (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Bake the Pumpkin Cake
Mix together the cake mix, pumpkin purée, eggs, oil, and water until smooth. Pour into a greased baking pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes. Let cool completely, then cut into cubes.
💡 Love pumpkin? Try these fluffy Pumpkin French Toast Roll-Ups for breakfast!
Step 2: Make the Maple Cheesecake Layer
Beat the softened cream cheese, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping gently until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Trifle
In your trifle bowl, layer half of the pumpkin cake cubes, followed by half the maple cheesecake filling, and sprinkle pecans over it. Repeat the layers until the bowl is full, finishing with cheesecake and pecans on top.
Step 4: Garnish and Chill
Dust the top with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to let the layers set.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesecake Trifle Every Time
- Let the cake cool completely before cutting—this prevents soggy layers.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for best flavor and structure.
- Fold, don’t stir, when combining whipped topping to keep it fluffy.
- Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Trifle Bowl Recipes
- Over-mixing the filling: It can become too runny.
- Layering warm cake: It melts the filling and causes a mess.
- Skipping chill time: The trifle needs time to firm up and let the flavors meld.
Variations: Customize This Fluff Dessert for Any Holiday
- Use Pumpkin Zucchini Bread instead of spice cake for a heartier texture.
- Add a caramel drizzle between layers for extra decadence.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or leave them out for a nut-free version.
Presentation Tips: How to Serve This Holiday Trifle Dessert
- Use a clear trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful layers.
- Add dollops of whipped topping or piped maple cream on top.
- Garnish with whole pecans or crushed Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for crunch and flavor.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Trifle Fresh
Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s not freezer-friendly, so enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Pairings and Occasions for Pumpkin Trifle Desserts
- Serve it with Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew for a cozy brunch.
- Add it to your Thanksgiving dessert table next to Apple Pie Dip.
- Bring it to fall potlucks and holiday parties as a no-fuss, make-ahead dessert.
Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best when made the night before.
Can I use homemade pumpkin cake?
Absolutely. Try this Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl cut into cubes for extra spice.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free spice cake mix and check all other ingredients for gluten content.
Final Thoughts: Make It the Star of Your Dessert Table
This Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is more than just a treat—it’s a celebration of fall flavors. With creamy cheesecake, fluffy pumpkin cake, and crunchy pecans, every spoonful is rich, satisfying, and holiday-ready. Serve it chilled, and get ready for rave reviews.
Looking for more fall dessert inspiration? Try Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or the cozy Pumpkin Magic Custard Cake next!
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Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle – The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Showstopper
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is a stunning layered dessert perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering. Featuring moist pumpkin spice cake, fluffy maple cheesecake filling, and homemade whipped cream, all topped with crunchy pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup, it’s a festive and crowd-pleasing showstopper that’s easy to assemble and ideal for making ahead.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (15.25 oz / 432g)
- 1 can pumpkin purée (15 oz / 425g)
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- 3 large eggs
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 oz / 226g each)
- ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) maple syrup
- For the Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy whipping cream
- ¼ cup (30g) powdered sugar
- 1 tsp maple extract or vanilla
- For Garnish:
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted or candied)
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling
- Optional: crushed ginger snaps or graham crackers
Instructions
- Bake the Pumpkin Spice Cake: Preheat oven per cake mix instructions. Combine cake mix, pumpkin purée, water, and eggs in a large bowl. Mix until smooth, pour into greased 9×13-inch pan, and bake as directed (25–30 minutes). Let cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla, then beat until creamy.
- Whip the Cream: In a cold bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and maple extract (or vanilla) until stiff peaks form.
- Assemble the Trifle: Cut cooled cake into 1-inch cubes. In a trifle dish, layer half the cake, half the cheesecake filling, and a layer of whipped cream. Repeat layers, then top with pecans, maple syrup drizzle, and optional cookie crumbles.
- Chill & Serve: Refrigerate at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving to allow layers to set and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use real maple syrup for the richest flavor.
- Toast pecans for enhanced aroma and crunch.
- Ensure cake is fully cooled before layering to avoid melting cream.
- Make up to 24 hours in advance for best results.
- Not freezer-friendly; store in fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake Assembly (with baked cake)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Pumpkin Trifle, Maple Cheesecake Trifle, Holiday Dessert, Thanksgiving Trifle, Christmas Trifle, Pecan Pumpkin Dessert
