Description

This Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is a deliciously layered dessert combining moist pumpkin spice cake, creamy maple-infused cheesecake, whipped cream, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for fall gatherings, it offers a harmonious blend of autumn flavors presented in an elegant, easy-to-assemble trifle format.

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:

1 box pumpkin spice cake mix (or homemade recipe)
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs

For the Cheesecake Layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans

For the Whipped Cream Layer:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for whipping)
Whipped cream (for layering, quantity as desired)

For Garnish:

1/2 cup candied pecans
Extra maple syrup for drizzling

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Cake: Preheat your oven according to the cake mix instructions. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin spice cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Pour the batter into a greased baking pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined and creamy. Gently fold in the chopped pecans for texture.
Whip the Cream: Using a mixer, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside a portion of whipped cream for the trifle layers. Alternatively, use pre-made whipped cream if preferred for layering.
Assemble the Trifle: Cut the cooled pumpkin cake into small cubes. In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer the pumpkin cake cubes, spread a layer of the maple cheesecake mixture, then add a generous layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until the dish is filled, finishing with a whipped cream layer on top.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top layer with candied pecans and drizzle extra pure maple syrup over the trifle for added sweetness and visual appeal. Chill the assembled trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Notes

Use homemade pumpkin spice cake if you prefer to avoid boxed mixes.
Chilling the trifle overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
For a nut-free version, omit chopped and candied pecans and substitute with crushed pretzels or granola.
Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup and powdered sugar to taste.