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Thanksgiving Trifle

Thanksgiving desserts are as much a centerpiece of the holiday table as the turkey itself, and this Thanksgiving Trifle is here to steal the show. With luscious layers of pumpkin cream, tender pumpkin cake, and the spicy crunch of ginger snaps, this dessert brings all the cozy flavors of fall into one stunning dish. Not only does it dazzle in presentation, but its harmonious blend of textures and flavors makes it irresistibly delicious.

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Thanksgiving Trifle

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Layers of love in every bite! 🍂 This Thanksgiving Trifle is the dessert your holiday table needs. 🍰✨ #ThanksgivingTreats #LayeredDessert #HolidayIndulgence #TrifleLove #SweetCelebrations #FestiveEats #DessertGoals #FamilyFavorites #ThankfulBites #HolidaySweetness

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8–10 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 prepared pumpkin cake – Homemade or store-bought, this adds a soft, spiced base to the dessert.
  • 1 box crispy ginger snap cookies – Their crunchy texture and warm ginger flavor perfectly complement the pumpkin cream.
  • 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix – Forms the creamy foundation of the dessert.
  • 3 cups cold skim milk – Helps achieve the pudding’s smooth consistency.
  • 1 (15-ounce) canned pumpkin – Brings the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin to the cream layer.
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – Adds a delightful warmth with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • 3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip) – Lightens the cream layer and gives it a fluffy texture.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold skim milk.
  2. Use an electric hand mixer on low to medium speed and blend for about 2 minutes until thickened and smooth.
  3. Add the canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to the pudding mixture. Blend again until fully combined, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, ensuring a light and airy texture.
  5. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the cream filling to set.

2. Assemble the Trifle

  1. Cut the prepared pumpkin cake into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a glass trifle dish, layer half of the cake cubes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
  3. Add a layer of ginger snap cookies on top, breaking about 8-10 cookies into 1-inch pieces.
  4. Spread half of the chilled pumpkin cream mixture over the cookie layer, smoothing it out for an even layer.
  5. Repeat the process with another layer of cake cubes, followed by another layer of broken ginger snap cookies.
  6. Top it all with the remaining pumpkin cream, spreading it evenly across the top.

3. Decorate and Chill

  1. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. The dessert can sit for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  2. Just before serving, garnish the top with cookie crumbs and pieces for a decorative touch. You can also add whole ginger snap cookies around the edges for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Ingredient Substitutions:
    • If you can’t find a pumpkin cake, a spiced pound cake or even gingerbread will work wonderfully.
    • For a healthier twist, swap out the whipped topping for lightly sweetened Greek yogurt.
  • Variations:
    • Add a caramel drizzle between the layers for an extra indulgent touch.
    • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nuttiness.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve this trifle in individual cups or glasses for a personal touch at dinner parties.
    • Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider for a cozy dessert experience.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert for Thanksgiving, this trifle offers a make-ahead solution that’s as convenient as it is delightful. Best of all, it takes just 20 minutes to assemble, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities.

Let’s dive into the recipe and see what makes this dessert a standout choice for your holiday menu.

Ingredients

To create this delicious Thanksgiving trifle, you’ll need the following:

  • 1 prepared pumpkin cake – Homemade or store-bought, this adds a soft, spiced base to the dessert.
  • 1 box crispy ginger snap cookies – Their crunchy texture and warm ginger flavor perfectly complement the pumpkin cream.
  • 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant vanilla pudding mix – Forms the creamy foundation of the dessert.
  • 3 cups cold skim milk – Helps achieve the pudding’s smooth consistency.
  • 1 (15-ounce) canned pumpkin – Brings the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin to the cream layer.
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice – Adds a delightful warmth with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
  • 3 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed (e.g., Cool Whip) – Lightens the cream layer and gives it a fluffy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Cream Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold skim milk.
  2. Use an electric hand mixer on low to medium speed and blend for about 2 minutes until thickened and smooth.
  3. Add the canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice to the pudding mixture. Blend again until fully combined, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
  4. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping, ensuring a light and airy texture.
  5. Cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the cream filling to set.

2. Assemble the Trifle

  1. Cut the prepared pumpkin cake into 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a glass trifle dish, layer half of the cake cubes, spreading them evenly across the bottom.
  3. Add a layer of ginger snap cookies on top, breaking about 8-10 cookies into 1-inch pieces.
  4. Spread half of the chilled pumpkin cream mixture over the cookie layer, smoothing it out for an even layer.
  5. Repeat the process with another layer of cake cubes, followed by another layer of broken ginger snap cookies.
  6. Top it all with the remaining pumpkin cream, spreading it evenly across the top.

3. Decorate and Chill

  1. Cover the trifle with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. The dessert can sit for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
  2. Just before serving, garnish the top with cookie crumbs and pieces for a decorative touch. You can also add whole ginger snap cookies around the edges for an elegant finish.

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

The beauty of this Thanksgiving Trifle lies in the interplay of flavors and textures:

  • The pumpkin cake is soft, spiced, and moist, providing a tender base.
  • The ginger snaps offer a crisp, spicy contrast, balancing the sweetness of the cream.
  • The pumpkin cream filling is rich, velvety, and packed with fall flavors, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg from the pumpkin pie spice.

With every bite, you’ll experience a medley of flavors that embody the essence of autumn. The aroma of spiced pumpkin, paired with the gingery scent of cookies, makes this dessert as inviting as it is delicious.

Tips for Success

  • Ingredient Substitutions:
    • If you can’t find a pumpkin cake, a spiced pound cake or even gingerbread will work wonderfully.
    • For a healthier twist, swap out the whipped topping for lightly sweetened Greek yogurt.
  • Variations:
    • Add a caramel drizzle between the layers for an extra indulgent touch.
    • Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nuttiness.
  • Serving Suggestions:
    • Serve this trifle in individual cups or glasses for a personal touch at dinner parties.
    • Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider for a cozy dessert experience.

Why This Trifle is Perfect for Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving Trifle is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall’s most cherished flavors. Its vibrant orange and golden layers add a festive pop of color to your table, while its easy preparation makes it a host’s dream come true. As the perfect combination of beauty, flavor, and simplicity, this dish is sure to become a holiday tradition your guests will request year after year.

So, whether you’re hosting a formal Thanksgiving dinner or attending a casual gathering, bring this trifle along and watch it become the highlight of the dessert spread. Its warm, spiced flavors and creamy texture are guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds!

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