Pumpkin Caramel Trifle

Baking Recipes Reading Time: 8 minutes
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There are certain desserts that just feel like a season. You do not even need to taste them yet. You can smell them baking and suddenly the house feels warmer and the day slows down a bit. This Pumpkin Caramel Trifle is one of those desserts for me.

Pumpkin Caramel Trifle

I remember the first time I made this one. It was one of those fall Saturdays where the leaves were starting to pile up in the yard and the kids were tracking them straight into the kitchen. Football was on in the background. I had a cup of coffee that had already gone cold and a plan to make something that would last us through the weekend.

This trifle came together almost by accident. I had a spice cake mix in the pantry. A can of pumpkin that had been waiting patiently since October. A jar of caramel sauce that honestly gets pulled out more often than I probably want to admit. I layered it all together and set it in the fridge thinking it would be a simple dessert.

What I did not expect was how quiet the room got when we finally dug in. That kind of quiet where everyone is focused on their spoon and no one is rushing. That is how you know a dessert is a keeper.

A trifle dessert in a glass bowl with layers of cubed cake, cream, and chopped pecans, set on a white surface with pecans and a spoon nearby.

This is the dessert I make when family is coming over and I want something that feels special but does not require me to be in the kitchen all day. It is the dessert I make when I want leftovers in the fridge and smiles at the table. It is cozy and forgiving and generous. Just like the best fall recipes should be.

What Is A Pumpkin Caramel Trifle?

Pumpkin Caramel Trifle is a layered dessert made with tender spiced cake, a creamy pumpkin filling, rich caramel sauce, and crunchy pecans all stacked together in a big beautiful dish that is meant for sharing.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make ahead: This dessert actually gets better after chilling which makes it perfect for busy days.
  • Feeds a crowd: One trifle dish easily serves twelve to eighteen people without stretching ingredients thin.
  • Classic fall flavors: Pumpkin spice caramel and cream cheese come together in the most comforting way.
  • Beginner friendly: No fancy techniques or special tools required.
    Beautiful presentation: The layers look impressive without extra effort.
A spoon drizzles caramel sauce over a stack of ice cream topped with chopped nuts on a white plate, with a fork and dessert stand in the background.

When to Serve This Recipe

  • Thanksgiving dessert: A perfect alternative or addition to traditional pie.
  • Fall gatherings: Ideal for potlucks and family get togethers.
  • Holiday parties: Easy to transport and serve.
  • Weekend treat: Great when you want something sweet that lasts a few days.

Ingredients

  • 1 spice cake mix plus ingredients listed on box: This is the base and brings warm spice flavor without extra work.
  • 1 fifteen ounce can pumpkin: Adds moisture and classic pumpkin flavor.
  • 3 eggs: Helps bind the cake and gives structure.
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: Boosts the fall flavor and deepens the spice notes.
  • 1 eight ounce container whipped topping: Keeps the filling light and fluffy.
  • 1 eight ounce package cream cheese softened: The creamy backbone of the filling.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling without grit.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla: Rounds out the sweetness and adds warmth.
  • 1 jar caramel ice cream topping: Brings richness and ties everything together.
  • one half cup pecans chopped: Adds crunch and a nutty finish to each layer.
A fork cuts into a slice of spiced cake topped with creamy frosting, caramel sauce, and chopped pecans on a white plate.

How to Make Pumpkin Caramel Trifle

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9×13 baking pan. This is a good time to clear some counter space and get everything lined up. Cooking goes smoother when you are not hunting for a bowl halfway through.

Step 2: Mix the cake batter

In a large bowl add the spice cake mix pumpkin eggs and pumpkin pie spice. Beat with a hand mixer on low speed until everything is moistened. Then turn it up to medium and beat for two minutes until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Bake the cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely before cutting.

Step 4: Cut the cake

Once the cake is fully cooled cut it into one inch squares. They do not have to be perfect. This is a trifle and a little rustic charm is part of the appeal.

Step 5: Make the filling

In a mixing bowl beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla on medium speed until smooth. Add the powdered sugar and beat until fully combined. Gently fold in the whipped topping just until mixed. You want this filling light and fluffy.

Step 6: Assemble the trifle

In a trifle dish add a single layer of cake pieces. Drizzle caramel topping over the cake. Spread a layer of filling over the caramel. Drizzle more caramel over the filling and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Step 7: Repeat and chill

Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used or the dish is full. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This dessert benefits from a few hours of chilling time.

  • Overhead view of baking ingredients including flour, pumpkin puree, eggs, brown sugar, pecans, vanilla extract, cream cheese, spices, and shredded coconut arranged on a white surface.
  • A glass bowl containing three eggs, pumpkin puree, and various dry ingredients on a white surface.
  • A hand mixer with beaters is immersed in a bowl of brown batter, which appears well-mixed, on a white surface.
  • A glass bowl filled with thick, brown batter sits on a white surface.
  • A glass baking dish filled with an even layer of light brown batter on a white surface.
  • A rectangular glass baking dish containing a single, evenly-baked sheet of brown cake with cracked edges on a white background.
  • A rectangular baked dessert in a glass dish is cut into small, even squares, viewed from above on a white background.
  • A block of cream cheese and vanilla extract in a glass measuring bowl, viewed from above, on a white surface.
  • A glass mixing bowl containing creamed butter and sugar with a pile of flour on top, ready to be mixed together.
  • A glass mixing bowl filled with thick, whipped cream or frosting sits on a white surface.
  • A glass mixing bowl filled with smooth, swirled, creamy white frosting on a white surface.
  • A glass mixing bowl filled with whipped cream cheese mixture, with electric mixer beaters resting inside.
  • A glass baking dish with sliced cake, a bowl of whipped cream, a jar of caramel sauce, and a bowl of chopped pecans on a white surface.
  • A glass bowl with an even layer of square and rectangular pieces of brown cake or bread arranged in a circular pattern.
  • A glass bowl containing square pieces of brown cake arranged in two circular layers against a white background.
  • A glass bowl containing a smooth, white creamy mixture on a white surface.
  • A glass bowl filled with creamy dessert topped with chopped nuts and a drizzle of caramel sauce, viewed from above.
  • A spoon drizzles caramel sauce over a bowl of square-cut pieces of brown cake, with a white tiled background.
  • A spoon drizzles caramel sauce over a bowl of square-cut pieces of brown cake, with a white tiled wall in the background.
  • A spatula spreads thick, white cream over a layer of crumbled brown cake in a clear glass bowl.
  • A glass bowl filled with creamy dessert, topped with chopped pecans and caramel sauce, on a white surface.

Substitutions

  • Cake mix swap: Use yellow cake mix with extra spice if spice cake is unavailable.
  • Nut free option: Omit the pecans for a nut free dessert.
  • Homemade whipped cream: Replace whipped topping with freshly whipped cream if preferred.

Variations

  • Chocolate drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Ginger snap crunch: Sprinkle crushed cookies between layers for texture.
  • Individual servings: Build this trifle in small cups for parties.

Tips and Tricks

  • Cool the cake fully: Warm cake will melt the filling and blur the layers.
  • Softened cream cheese matters: This prevents lumps in the filling.
  • Do not overmix filling: Gentle folding keeps it fluffy.
  • Chill before serving: This helps the layers set and flavors meld.
A close-up of a dessert featuring moist cake pieces topped with melting vanilla ice cream, pecans, and caramel sauce on a white plate.

FAQs

Can I make this the day before?

Yes and it is encouraged. The flavor improves after chilling.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Up to three days when covered tightly.

Can I freeze this trifle?

Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy layers.

Serving Ideas

  • With hot coffee: A perfect pairing for cozy evenings.
  • After a holiday meal: Light enough to enjoy even after a big dinner.
  • At potlucks: Easy to serve and transport.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate covered: Keeps layers fresh and prevents drying.
  • Make ahead friendly: Assemble up to twenty four hours before serving.
  • Leftovers stay delicious: Flavors continue to develop overnight.
A plate with a serving of layered cake topped with creamy frosting, chopped pecans, and syrup, with more cake in a glass trifle dish in the background.

Pumpkin Caramel Trifle

This Pumpkin Caramel Trifle is the kind of dessert that shows up once and suddenly becomes tradition. Soft spiced cake, creamy pumpkin filling, rich caramel, and crunchy pecans layered together into a cozy fall dessert that feeds a crowd and makes everyone feel right at home.
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Ingredients

  • 1 spice cake mix plus ingredients listed on box
  • 1 15-ounce can pumpkin
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 8-ounce container whipped topping
  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 jar caramel ice cream topping
  • ½ cup pecans chopped

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a large bowl, add cake mix, pumpkin, eggs and pumpkin pie spice. Beat with a hand mixer on low until moistened, then continue on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  • Pour batter into a greased 9×13 baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let cake cool completely. When cool, cut into 1 inch squares.
  • While cake is cooling, make filling.

For filling:

  • Beat cream cheese and vanilla on medium speed until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar and beat well.
  • Add in whipped topping and mix just until combined.

To assemble:

  • In a trifle dish, add a single layer of cake pieces.
  • Drizzle a layer of caramel topping over the cake pieces.
  • Add a layer of filling mixture to cover cake.
  • Drizzle another layer of caramel over filling and sprinkle with pecans.
  • Repeat layers until all ingredients are used or dish is full.
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve. Cover and refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Cake mix swap: Use yellow cake mix with extra spice if spice cake is unavailable.
  • Nut free option: Omit the pecans for a nut free dessert.
  • Homemade whipped cream: Replace whipped topping with freshly whipped cream if preferred.

Variations

  • Chocolate drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
  • Ginger snap crunch: Sprinkle crushed cookies between layers for texture.
  • Individual servings: Build this trifle in small cups for parties.

Tips and Tricks

  • Cool the cake fully: Warm cake will melt the filling and blur the layers.
  • Softened cream cheese matters: This prevents lumps in the filling.
  • Do not overmix filling: Gentle folding keeps it fluffy.
  • Chill before serving: This helps the layers set and flavors meld.

Serving Ideas

  • With hot coffee: A perfect pairing for cozy evenings.
  • After a holiday meal: Light enough to enjoy even after a big dinner.
  • At potlucks: Easy to serve and transport.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate covered: Keeps layers fresh and prevents drying.
  • Make ahead friendly: Assemble up to twenty four hours before serving.
  • Leftovers stay delicious: Flavors continue to develop overnight.

Private Notes

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Servings: 12 servings

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Caramel Trifle is one of those desserts that does not ask for perfection. It just asks that you slow down enough to enjoy it. It is generous and comforting and meant to be shared with people you love.

Whether you make it for a holiday table or a quiet weekend at home I hope it brings a little warmth to your kitchen and a lot of smiles to your table. From one home cook to another this is a recipe worth keeping close.

If you make it do yourself a favor and sneak a spoonful before it hits the table. You earned it.

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