Dessert

Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle Recipe

ByLily Cross October 26, 2025October 26, 2025

Introduction

The Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is a festive dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. Layers of spiced pumpkin cake, creamy maple pecan cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together in a beautiful and delicious treat. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.

A glass bowl shows a layered dessert with five visible layers. The bottom layer is a rough-textured light brown crumb mix. Above this is a smooth, thick caramel layer in a warm golden brown color. Next is another crumb layer with a similar rough texture and color as the bottom. Above this is a creamy white layer, smooth and thick, topped by dollops of white whipped cream in the center. The dessert is crowned with a topping of chopped pecans and whole pecan halves scattered over the whipped cream. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box pumpkin spice cake mix (or homemade recipe)
1 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
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
1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for whipping)
1/2 cup candied pecans (for topping)
Extra maple syrup for drizzling
Whipped cream (for layering)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pumpkin spice cake according to the box instructions or your homemade recipe. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely and cut it into cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture to create a light, fluffy filling.
Step 4: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer cubed pumpkin spice cake, then a layer of the cheesecake filling, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Step 5: Garnish the top with candied pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cream cheese and high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor.
Try homemade pumpkin spice cake for a from-scratch option.
Chill the cheesecake filling for 30 minutes before folding in whipped cream to help it set better.
Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
For a polished look, use a piping bag to layer the whipped cream.
Add chocolate ganache between layers for a chocolate pumpkin twist.
Incorporate a splash of spiced rum into the filling for an adult version.
Add roasted apples or pears between layers for a fresh fruit note.
Use a gluten-free pumpkin spice cake mix for a gluten-free dessert.
Omit nuts and top with sunflower seeds for a nut-free variation.

Storage

Store leftover trifle covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first few days for optimal taste and texture. Avoid freezing the assembled trifle, as cream layers may not thaw well. You can freeze the cake and cheesecake filling separately, then thaw in the refrigerator before assembling the trifle.