Description
This Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is a delightful layered dessert combining moist pumpkin spice cake, creamy maple-flavored cheesecake, whipped cream, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for fall gatherings, it blends warm autumn flavors with a creamy texture, elegantly served in a trifle dish for an impressive presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Pumpkin Spice Cake
- 1 box of pumpkin spice cake mix (or homemade recipe)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for whipping)
- Whipped cream (for layering)
Additional
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Pumpkin Spice Cake: Preheat your oven according to the pumpkin spice cake mix instructions. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix 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. Let it cool completely.
- Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract and continue to beat until well combined and creamy. Set aside.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will be used in the trifle layers and to add lightness to the dessert.
- Prepare Cake for Layering: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into small cubes that will easily layer in the trifle dish.
- Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle bowl or individual clear glasses, start by layering a portion of the pumpkin cake cubes. Drizzle some maple syrup over the cake layer for extra moisture and flavor. Then add a layer of the maple cheesecake mixture. Follow with a layer of whipped cream and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Repeat the layers until all components are used, ending with whipped cream on top.
- Top and Garnish: Finish the trifle by sprinkling the top with candied pecans and a final drizzle of maple syrup. Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
- Serve: Serve chilled, scooping out generous portions of layered cake, cream, and pecans for a rich and festive dessert experience.
Notes
- You can substitute the pumpkin spice cake box mix with your favorite homemade pumpkin cake recipe if preferred.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped cream substitutes.
- The trifle can be assembled a day in advance to enhance flavor melding and convenience.
- Ensure the cake is completely cooled before layering to prevent the cream layers from melting.
- If you like, toast the chopped pecans lightly for enhanced flavor and crunch.
