Description
A decadent and festive Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle featuring layers of spiced pumpkin cake, creamy maple pecan cheesecake filling, and whipped cream, topped with candied pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup. Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
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 your 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 in the trifle.
- Make the Maple Pecan Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the powdered sugar, pure maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well combined. Fold in the chopped pecans gently to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the maple pecan cheesecake mixture, creating a light and fluffy filling perfect for layering.
- Assemble the Trifle: Using a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by layering the cubed pumpkin spice cake at the bottom. Follow with a generous layer of the maple pecan cheesecake filling, then add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until the dish is full, finishing with a final layer of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top of the trifle with candied pecans and drizzle with additional maple syrup for extra sweetness and texture. Serve the trifle immediately, or refrigerate it for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Allow the trifle to chill for a bit to let the flavors blend and intensify.
- This dessert can be made a day in advance; just wait to add the candied pecans until just before serving to maintain their crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pumpkin cheesecake trifle, maple pecan dessert, pumpkin spice dessert, layered trifle, fall dessert, holiday dessert
