How to Make Easy Recipe for Trifle Your Family Will Absolutely Love

Simple Indulgence: The Ultimate Easy Trifle Recipe

The holiday season is upon us, and that means it’s the perfect time to indulge in some delicious desserts that capture the spirit of autumn. If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive dessert to serve at your next gathering, look no further than this delightful recipe for Pumpkin Spice Trifle.

Made with Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Bread Mix as the bottom layer of cake, this layered dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this scrumptious treat that combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and spice with a creamy, dreamy whipped layer, English trifle style. Let’s get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make this Easy Recipe for Trifle:

Pumpkin Cake Layer:

1. 1 box of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Bread Mix
2. 1 package prepared vanilla pudding
3. 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree
4. 1 cup water
5. 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
6. 3 large eggs
7. 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

Whipped Cream Layer:

1. 2 cups of milk
2. 2 packages of vanilla pudding mixture
3. 1 tub of Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)

The Topping:

1. Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work well)
2. 1 cup heath bar (or other type of toffee bits)

Easy Recipe for Trifle Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Cake:

Start by preheating your oven to the temperature specified on the Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Bread Mix package. Grease and flour a baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 box of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Bread Mix
• 1 package prepared vanilla pudding
• 1 cup of canned pumpkin puree
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons of pumpkin pie spice

Mix these ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy, and you should already be getting excited about the lovely aroma of pumpkin spice the batter is giving off. Smells like the holidays, doesn’t it?

2. Bake the Pumpkin Cake:

Pour the pumpkin cake batter into the prepared baking dish. Follow the baking instructions on the Pumpkin Spice Bread Mix package, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

This may vary depending on your oven, so watch your cake carefully and begin checking it a few minutes before the maximum time it should take is up. 

While your cake is baking, you can continue with your preparations for the other parts of your trifle recipe: the whipped cream layer and the toppings.

3. Make the Whipped Cream Layer:

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients to create a luscious whipped topping:

• 2 cups of milk
• 2 packages of vanilla pudding mixture
• 1 tub of Cool Whip (or heavy whipping cream that you have beaten until it has stiff peaks)

Whisk these ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and fluffy consistency. This creamy layer will add a delightful contrast to the pumpkin cake’s richness.

4. Assemble the Trifle:

Once your pumpkin cake has finished baking and has cooled down, it’s time to assemble the trifle.

Grab a trifle dish, fancy punch bowl (or any large glass bowl) to showcase the pretty layers. Just make sure you use a clear glass bowl so that the entire trifle can be seen, not just the top.

Here’s how you’ll layer your trifle:

• Start with a layer of 1/3 of the pumpkin cake cut into cubes in the bottom of the bowl. Simply cut the cake into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Next, add a layer of 1/3 of the whipped cream mixture. Spread it evenly over the pumpkin cake layer. (This is instead of the pudding layer of a traditional trifle.)
• Sprinkle a generous amount of chopped nuts (we recommend pecans or walnuts) and toffee bits on top of the whipped cream layer.

Now, repeat these layers two more times to create three layers in total. The final result should be a visually stunning trifle with alternating layers of pumpkin cake, whipped cream, nuts, and toffee bits.

5. Chill and Serve:

Cover your trifle dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours to allow all the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set. This step is essential for achieving the best taste and texture. If you serve it too soon, the whipped layer might be too runny.

This easy trifle recipe is worth the wait, we promise.

When you’re ready to serve, garnish the top layer with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice or some extra chopped nuts for an elegant touch and the best presentation.

Then, scoop out generous portions of this heavenly Pumpkin Spice Trifle and watch your guests’ faces light up with joy!

 

Are There Variations for This Easy Recipe for Trifle?

Of course! As always, our recipes are easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry or on your individual tastes. Here are some easy substitution ideas:

1. A different kind of cake for the bottom of the trifle bowl:

If you would rather not lean into the fall flavor of pumpkin, other cake ideas would work just fine. Layers of angel food cake would be delicious, for example. You could also use a chocolate cake mix, a vanilla cake mix, or even a store-bought cake that’s already baked if you like.

The only thing to remember is to make sure the cake is fairly thick and fluffy so that it can absorb some of the whipped cream layer without getting soggy or disintegrating. 

2. Layers of fruit:

I know that for some people, trifle is just not trifle without their favorite fruits layered into the mix. So, if you want to add fresh fruit, such as slices of mandarin oranges, fresh strawberries, or layers of fresh berries, be our guest!

We recommend adding your fruit after the whipped cream layer and before the nuts and toffee bits. 

3. Whipped cream layer:

You can easily change this layer for individual tastes and preferences. Try using chocolate pudding instead of vanilla, or adding some cream cheese for a totally different taste and texture. 

4. The topping:

The possibilities here are endless. Instead of toffee bits, you could use white chocolate or dark chocolate chunks for the top. You could also skip the toffee bits altogether for another sweet treat that your guests enjoy more.

5. Create Individual Trifles:

Whichever of these simple ingredient combinations you choose (we still like ours best), you can also change the entire vibe of this easy recipe for trifle and use mason jars to create little individual trifles!

This is the perfect dessert for a very large group of people, a fall baby shower, or just to have a fun and fancy evening with your family. Layer all ingredients in the jar exactly as you would the large trifle bowl, just use less each time.

This easy recipe for Pumpkin Spice Trifle is the ultimate holiday dessert that combines the convenience of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice Bread Mix with a touch of homemade goodness. The layers of moist pumpkin cake, velvety whipped topping, crunchy nuts, and sweet toffee bits create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving more.

Whether you’re hosting a festive family gathering or attending a potluck, this trifle is a showstopper that will impress your guests without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Give it a try this holiday season, and let the warmth of pumpkin spice fill your home with joy and deliciousness. Enjoy every spoonful of this delightful treat – it’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall!

jodie & julie

 

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