Pumpkin Spice Trifle with Cream Cheese Layers

Is there anything that says ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ quite like the warm, comforting scent of pumpkin spice? This stunning Pumpkin Spice Trifle with Cream Cheese Layers is the dessert of your cozy autumn dreams. It’s wonderfully easy to make, even if you’re juggling a dozen other dishes, and it creates a beautiful centerpiece that’s sure to wow your guests. Honestly, it’s become my go-to holiday showstopper because it’s just so simple and so delicious.

Top Reasons To Make It

This trifle is the perfect choice for your Thanksgiving table for so many reasons. It’s a true make-ahead dessert, allowing you to check one big item off your list the day before. The layers of spiced cake, creamy filling, and fluffy whipped cream are a textural dream. It’s also incredibly forgiving—no need for perfect frosting skills here! And perhaps best of all, it serves a crowd, making it ideal for large family gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree: for that quintessential fall flavor.
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: creates a rich, tangy layer.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: sweetens the cream cheese filling perfectly.
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice: the heart of the warm, spiced flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: adds a sweet, aromatic depth.
• 2 cups heavy cream: whips up for the light, fluffy top layer.
• 1 pre-made pound cake or gingerbread cake (10-12 oz), cubed: a fantastic time-saver.
• Optional: crushed gingersnap cookies or pecans for garnish: adds a lovely crunchy finish.

Instructions

1. Begin by making the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s completely smooth and lump-free.
2. Add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, one teaspoon of the pumpkin pie spice, and the vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Beat again until everything is beautifully combined and smooth. Set this aside.
3. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice until you have stiff, billowy peaks.
4. Now for the fun part: assembling the trifle! In a large glass bowl, spread a thin layer of the whipped cream on the bottom. Add a third of your cubed cake in an even layer.
5. Top the cake layer with half of your pumpkin cream cheese mixture, spreading it gently.
6. Repeat the layers: another third of the cake, the rest of the cream cheese mixture, and then the final third of cake.
7. Finish by spreading the remaining spiced whipped cream over the top. Cover carefully and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let all the flavors cozy up together.
8. Just before serving, sprinkle with crushed gingersnaps or pecans for a bit of festive crunch.

Tips For Success

Let your cream cheese and heavy cream sit on the counter for about 20 minutes before you start. Room temperature ingredients blend together so much more smoothly. When cubing the cake, don’t worry about making the pieces perfect—rustic is charming! If you have the time, letting the trifle chill overnight is the secret to the best flavor. It’s truly worth the wait. And don’t be shy with the garnish; that little bit of crunch makes each bite even more interesting.

Variations & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese. Not a fan of store-bought cake? You can easily swap it for cubes of your favorite homemade pumpkin bread. If you need a gluten-free option, a gluten-free pound cake or gingerbread works perfectly here. For a fun flavor twist, try adding a layer of sweetened tart cherries between the cake and cream cheese for a little surprise.

Storage & Reheating

This trifle stores beautifully covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The layers will hold up nicely, though the cake will continue to soften—which is a good thing! I do not recommend freezing this dessert, as the whipped cream and creamy layers can become grainy and separate when thawed.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This dessert is a dream paired with a hot cup of coffee or a mug of spiced chai tea. It’s rich and decadent, so a small scoop is often plenty. For a beautiful Thanksgiving dessert table, place it right in the center. It pairs wonderfully with other classic Thanksgiving treats like pecan pie bars or simple spiced cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this trifle ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend it. Making it the day before allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, making it one less thing to worry about on Thanksgiving day.
• What other cakes can I use? A store-bought gingerbread loaf, spice cake, or even angel food cake would all be delicious alternatives for your Thanksgiving baking recipes.
• Is this one of those easy Thanksgiving desserts? It really is. Using a pre-made cake is a huge time-saver, and the assembly is simple and fun, making it a top choice for easy Thanksgiving dessert ideas.
• How do I keep the layers from getting muddy? The key is to use a light hand when spreading the cream cheese and whipped cream layers. Gently spreading instead of stirring is the trick for those beautiful, defined stripes.