Description

The Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is a festive layered dessert combining moist pumpkin spice cake, creamy maple pecan cheesecake filling, and fluffy whipped cream. This trifle is crowned with candied pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup, creating a rich and indulgent treat perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or family celebrations. Its blend of autumn flavors and textures makes it a seasonal favorite that’s both visually stunning and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:

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

For the Maple Pecan Cheesecake Filling:

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)

For the Toppings:

1/2 cup candied pecans
Extra maple syrup for drizzling
Whipped cream (for layering)

Instructions

Bake the Pumpkin Spice Cake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pumpkin spice cake according to the box instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into cubes for layering.
Make the Maple Pecan Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Gently fold in the chopped pecans to add texture.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the maple pecan cheesecake mixture, creating a light and fluffy filling.
Assemble the Trifle: In a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, layer cubed pumpkin spice cake first. Next, add a layer of the maple pecan cheesecake filling, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Garnish and Serve: Top the trifle with candied pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup for a festive finishing touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Use fresh cream cheese and high-quality maple syrup for best flavor.
You can substitute with homemade pumpkin spice cake if preferred.
Refrigerate the cheesecake filling before folding in whipped cream for better consistency.
Try walnuts instead of pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Use a piping bag to layer whipped cream for a polished presentation.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing assembled trifle is not recommended; freeze components separately if needed.
For a gluten-free dessert, use gluten-free pumpkin spice cake mix.
To make the dessert vegan or dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives (note texture differences).
Add extra layers like roasted fruit or chocolate ganache for variations.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake trifle, maple pecan dessert, pumpkin spice dessert, fall dessert recipe, layered trifle, holiday dessert, Thanksgiving dessert, Christmas dessert, easy pumpkin recipe, creamy cheesecake