Quick & Sweet: Pumpkin Pecan Delight Trifles Recipe for Fall Fun

Pumpkin pecan delight trifles capture the essence of autumn’s most comforting flavors in a single, elegant dessert.

Imagine layers of rich, velvety goodness that dance between creamy and crunchy textures.

Warm spices mingle with sweet, nutty undertones, creating a symphony of seasonal sensations.

Delicate and indulgent, these trifles promise a culinary experience that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

The combination invites you to savor each carefully crafted spoonful with pure delight.

Subtle hints of warmth and sweetness emerge in every perfectly balanced bite.

This dessert will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with nostalgic memories and pure comfort.

FAQs About Pumpkin Pecan Trifles

• How long can I store these Pumpkin Pecan Delight Trifles?

These trifles can be refrigerated for 2-3 days in an airtight container. The layers might soften slightly, but they’ll still taste delicious.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare each component separately up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the trifles just before serving to keep the cake cubes and pecans crisp.

• Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and the texture should remain similar.

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Definitely! Walnuts or toasted almonds would work wonderfully in this recipe. Just toast them the same way as the pecans for maximum flavor.

Pumpkin Pecan Trifles That Steal the Show

• Dive into a dessert that builds excitement with each delightful spoonful, combining soft pumpkin cake, creamy cheesecake filling, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel in a beautiful layered presentation.
• Transform classic autumn flavors into an elegant individual dessert that captures the warmth of pumpkin pie and the decadence of a gourmet trifle, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy weeknight treats.
• Impress friends and family with a seemingly complex dessert that's surprisingly simple to prepare, featuring straightforward steps like toasting pecans, making homemade caramel, and creating a no-bake cheesecake filling.
• Enjoy the flexibility of individual servings that allow each person to appreciate the dessert's textures and flavors, making it an interactive and personal sweet treat that suits any celebration or casual dinner.

Ingredients for Pumpkin Pecan Trifles

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and base for the pumpkin cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential for cake's rise and light texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Adds warm, classic autumn flavor profile.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps with cake's moisture.
• Pumpkin Puree: Brings rich, seasonal pumpkin flavor and moisture.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake tender and soft.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps blend ingredients.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and provides structure.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth caramel base.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to caramel.
• Whipping Cream: Provides silky texture for caramel.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances caramel's complex flavor.

• Cream Cheese: Creates smooth, rich filling base.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens cheesecake layer.
• Whipping Cream: Adds lightness and volume to filling.

• Pecan Pieces, Pecan Halves: Adds crunch and nutty flavor, best when freshly toasted.

How to Make Pumpkin Pecan Trifles in Layers

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Granulated sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Large eggs

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Create Cake Batter

Slowly fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5: Bake Pumpkin Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean. Allow cake to cool completely, then cut into small cubes.

Step 6: Craft Caramel Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir continuously while cooking.

Step 7: Finish Caramel

Once mixture starts boiling, cook for one minute. Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.

Step 8: Toast Pecans

Spread pecan pieces on a baking sheet. Roast in 350°F oven for 7 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Step 9: Prepare Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.

• Heavy whipping cream
• Vanilla extract

Beat until stiff peaks form.

Step 10: Fill Piping Bag

Transfer cheesecake filling to a piping bag for easy layering.

Step 11: Assemble Trifles

Start by drizzling caramel sauce in serving dishes.

• Pumpkin cake cubes
• Cheesecake filling
• Toasted pecans
• Caramel drizzle

Repeat layers until dishes are full.

Step 12: Garnish and Serve

Top with final caramel drizzle and a few whole pecan halves. Chill before serving for best flavor.

Pro Tips for Serving Pumpkin Pecan Trifles

• Toast Pecans Perfectly: Spread pecan pieces evenly on a baking sheet and watch closely while toasting to prevent burning, releasing their rich, nutty flavor without scorching.
• Create Smooth Caramel: Stir continuously while making caramel sauce to prevent burning and ensure a silky, even texture that coats the dessert beautifully.
• Layer with Precision: Use a piping bag for the cheesecake filling to create clean, elegant layers that look professional and ensure even distribution in each serving.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the trifles for at least an hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and create a more intense, cohesive dessert experience.
• Cut Cake Carefully: Use a sharp knife to create uniform, bite-sized cake cubes that stack neatly and provide the perfect texture in each spoonful.

Storing and Reheating Pumpkin Pecan Trifles

• Refrigerate: Store trifles in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the layers intact and preventing moisture from affecting texture.
• Prevent Sogginess: Place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the trifle to minimize air exposure and maintain freshness.
• Reheat Gently: Enjoy cold or let individual servings sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor complexity.

Perfect Pairings for Pumpkin Pecan Trifles

• Brew a Cozy Companion: Pair this decadent pumpkin pecan trifle with a warm, spiced chai latte. The creamy, aromatic tea complements the rich caramel and pumpkin flavors, creating a harmonious blend of autumn warmth.
• Wine That Elevates: Select a late harvest Riesling or a sweet Moscato. These dessert wines bring out the trifle's nutty pecan notes and enhance the caramel's deep, sugary undertones without overwhelming the delicate dessert.
• Coffee Meets Dessert: Serve alongside a smooth, medium-roast coffee with a hint of cinnamon. The coffee's slight bitterness balances the trifle's sweetness, while its warmth highlights the dessert's comforting seasonal profile.
• Unexpected Pairing Magic: Try a small glass of bourbon or dark rum. These spirits echo the caramel's complexity and add a subtle, sophisticated edge to each decadent spoonful of the trifle.

Creative Twists on Pumpkin Pecan Trifles

• Autumn Harvest Trifle: Swap pumpkin cake with spiced apple cake, using fresh diced apples and cinnamon for a seasonal woodland flavor profile.
• Southern Pecan Parfait: Replace pumpkin puree with sweet potato, enhance caramel with bourbon, and add crushed praline pecans for a rich southern-style dessert.
• Maple Walnut Celebration: Substitute pecans with toasted walnuts, incorporate maple syrup into the caramel sauce, and use maple extract in the cheesecake filling for a cozy woodland-inspired treat.
• No-Bake Pumpkin Dream: Create a graham cracker crust base, use instant pudding instead of cake, and layer with no-bake cheesecake filling for a quick and easy version that requires zero oven time.

Pumpkin Pecan Delight Trifles Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Layers of silky pumpkin mousse and crunchy pecan crumble create magical Pumpkin Pecan Delight Trifles that celebrate autumn’s richness. Elegant dessert glasses showcase seasonal flavors, inviting you to savor each spoonful of this delectable sweet treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Wet Ingredients and Purees:

• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 3 eggs
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 (8 ounce) block cream cheese
• 2 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (1 ½ cups + 1 cup)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Nut Ingredients:

• ¾ cup pecan pieces
• 16 pecan halves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×9 inch cake pan with grease.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a large mixing bowl.
3. Whisk sugar, pumpkin puree, oil, milk, and eggs in a separate bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
6. Allow cake to cool completely, then slice into bite-sized cubes.
7. Create caramel sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Add brown sugar and whipping cream, stirring constantly until mixture begins to bubble.
9. Cook for one minute, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
10. Let caramel cool and slightly thicken before using.
11. Toast pecans by spreading on a baking sheet and roasting at 350°F for 7 minutes.
12. Prepare cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
13. Gradually incorporate whipping cream and vanilla, whipping until stiff peaks form.
14. Fill a piping bag with the cheesecake mixture for easy assembly.
15. Layer caramel sauce at the bottom of serving dishes.
16. Add a layer of pumpkin cake cubes over the caramel.
17. Pipe a layer of cheesecake filling on top of cake cubes.
18. Sprinkle toasted pecans and drizzle additional caramel.
19. Repeat layering process until dishes are full.
20. Garnish with a final caramel drizzle and pecan halves on top.

Notes

• Versatile dessert perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or cozy weekend treats that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Make-ahead friendly recipe where components can be prepared a day in advance, saving time during busy entertaining seasons.
• Toasting pecans intensifies their nutty flavor and creates a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Caramel sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, allowing for quick and easy dessert assembly anytime.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother mixing and better incorporation of cheesecake filling.
• Individual serving sizes make portion control easy and create an elegant presentation for dinner parties or potlucks.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg