How to Make The Best Pumpkin Trifle

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This easy pumpkin trifle recipe is perfect for any occasion! Layered with creamy pudding, pumpkin cake, and whipped cream, it’s always a hit!

There’s something special about baking pumpkin desserts for the holidays. Maybe it’s the anticipation of having friends and family around the table or the warm smells of gingerbread and pumpkin spice wafting through the house. Whatever the reason, I always enjoy baking pumpkin desserts for the holidays. 

My Holiday Dessert This Year

 This year, I’m thinking about making a pumpkin trifle. It’s a layered dessert with vanilla pudding, pumpkin butter, pumpkin bread, whipped cream, and caramel topping. I’m looking forward to putting it all together and enjoying a delicious holiday treat! Read along to see just how easy this amazing dessert is to make!

pumpkin bread quick mix

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Should a Trifle Be Made the Night Before?

Holidays are the perfect time to enjoy a pumpkin trifle. Pumpkin, spice, and all things nice. But what’s the best way to make this seasonal dessert?

Some people swear by making it the night before, while others insist that it’s best to assemble it just before serving. So, what’s the best way? 

Flavor Enhances When Prepared Overnight

As any baker knows, pumpkin pies need time to set and develop their flavor. The same is true for pumpkin trifles. By preparing the vanilla custard and whipped cream components ahead of time, you give the flavors a chance to meld and intensify. Assembling the trifle the night before also allows the pumpkin spice cake to soak up all that lovely pumpkin flavor.

Pumpkin bread in pan ready to bake

My preference would always be to make my base ingredient, pumpkin bread, from scratch. However, if you are short on time, an easy pumpkin bread quick mix may be used. 

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pumpkin bread layered on top of vanilla pudding

Although, there is a downside to making your trifle too far in advance. The longer it sits, the soggier the cake will become. So if you’re planning on making your trifle more than a few hours ahead of time, you might want to consider using ladyfingers or another type of sturdier cake.

trader joe's pumpkin butter jar

In the end, whether or not you should make your pumpkin trifle the night before comes down to personal preference. If you’re short on time, go ahead and prepare everything in advance. But if you want your cake to maintain its pristine texture, you might want to wait until closer to serving time. Either way, your guests are sure to love this favorite dessert.


pumpkin bread cut in cubes with parfait glasses

Should You Put Pumpkin Butter in a Trifle?

There are a lot of pumpkin recipes out there that call for pumpkin butter, but what exactly is pumpkin butter? And should you put it in your pumpkin trifle? Pumpkin butter is simply a pumpkin puree that has been cooked down with sugar and spices. It’s thick and spreadable, sort of like a pumpkin jam. As for whether or not you should put it in your pumpkin trifle, the answer is yes! The pumpkin butter will add a delicious depth of flavor to your trifle, and it will also help to thicken up the overall pudding-like consistency. I love this one! 



Pumpkin trifle in two vintage glass cups

How to Make the Best Pumpkin Trifle

This easy pumpkin trifle recipe is perfect for any occasion! Layered with creamy pudding, pumpkin cake, and whipped cream, it's always a hit!
There's something special about baking pumpkin desserts for the holidays. Maybe it's the anticipation of having friends and family around the table or the warm smells of gingerbread and pumpkin spice wafting through the house. Whatever the reason, I always enjoy baking pumpkin desserts for the holidays. 
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people

Ingredients
  

  • 4 serving Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 cups Whipping Cream
  • 1/4 cup Sugar
  • 8 slices Pumpkin bread cut into cubes
  • 1 dolllop Pumpkin butter layered in each cup/serving
  • Caramel sauce for for drizzling
  • Chopped walnuts optional ttopping

Instructions
 

  • Prepare a pumpkin bread (either homemade or a store bought one works find)
  • Slice pumpkin bread into 8 slices, then cube
  • Prepare and chill a 4 serving size package of intant vanilla pudding mix
  • Beat 2 cups of whipping cream with 1/4 cup of sugar until soft peaks form
  • Layer into 8 small serving dishes, pudding, whipped cream, pumpkin bread
  • Top each with a dollop of pumpkin butter, a drizzle of carmel sauce and chopped walnuts (optional)
  • Dessert can be prepared for un to 2 hours before serving and kept in refrigerator
Keyword dessert, easy dessert recipe, entertaining, holiday dessert, pumpkin, pumpkin trifle

How Many Layers Are In a Trifle?

Typically a trifle will have 3 sets of layers. This will depend on the size of your vessel or trifle bowl. With my trifle, I used vintage depression glass champagne glasses and was able to do two layers comfortably. 

In the end, use your bet judgement to not overfill, but serve a good portion. 


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layered pumpkin trifle in vintage depression glass goblet

Pin It To Remember It:

This pumpkin trifle recipe is the perfect dessert for your next holiday gathering. It’s easy to make and looks impressive, but most importantly, it tastes delicious! So gather your friends and family around for a festive Christmas feast, complete with this scrumptious pumpkin trifle. Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I enjoyed creating it!

layered pumpkin trifle in vintage depression glass goblet

If you make it, tell me in the comments below what you think! I’d love to hear. 

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4 Comments

  2. 5 stars
    I love to make a trifle but have never tried a pumpkin trifle! I agree…I like to make mine the night before. Excited to try this!

    Reply

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