Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle Recipe
This Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is a decadent layered dessert featuring moist pumpkin spice cake cubes, a creamy maple pecan cheesecake filling, and fluffy whipped cream. Topped with crunchy candied pecans and a drizzle of pure maple syrup, this trifle is perfect for fall celebrations or any special occasion where you want to impress your guests with a show-stopping treat.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:
- 1 box 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)
- Bake the Pumpkin Spice Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pumpkin spice cake using either the box instructions or your favorite homemade recipe. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely. After cooling, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes suitable 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, blending until fully incorporated. Gently fold in the chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the filling.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the maple pecan cheesecake mixture to lighten the texture, creating a fluffy and creamy filling perfect for layering.
- Assemble the Trifle: Using a large trifle dish or individual serving glasses, start by layering a portion of 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 the layers until the dish is full, finishing with a top layer of whipped cream.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the top layer of whipped cream with candied pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup for added sweetness and texture. Serve the trifle immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- This dessert is best served chilled and can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours before serving.
- For a homemade pumpkin spice cake, use your favorite recipe if preferred over a box mix.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- When whipping the cream, avoid overwhipping to prevent turning it into butter.
- The trifle can be assembled in individual glasses for elegant presentation and easy serving.
- Use pure maple syrup to enhance the rich, authentic maple flavor in the filling and garnish.
Keywords: maple pecan trifle, pumpkin cheesecake trifle, pumpkin spice dessert, layered trifle, fall desserts, holiday dessert