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
Scale
- 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