Pumpkin Trifle Recipe

Reviewed on Jan. 30, 2011 by atmlady

I made this for a gathering of 15 women and everyone loved it. I did change the pudding to vanilla so the pumpkin flavor really stood out. Outstanding and so elegant looking.

Reviewed on Jan. 06, 2011 by froghouse

I was expecting a pumpkin flavor---the butterscotch flavor was overpowering. I took it to work for Thanksgiving--those that liked butterscotch said it was wonderful.

Reviewed on Dec. 14, 2010 by MBawden

A big hit at our family Thanksgiving dinner. The leftovers were just as tasty. I definitely plan to make this again.

Reviewed on Dec. 12, 2010 by bitchinthekitch

I used Spice Cake and just baked as the box directed. Also instead of all butterscotch mix, I used 2 boxes of vanilla and 2 boxes of butterscotch mix.. it tastes so much better! :)

I made it for a family members rehearsal dinner and there wasn't a drop left!

Reviewed on Nov. 27, 2010 by DianeLydia

I've made this dessert for the past 3 years. Everyone loves it. The only thing I did different this year was to switch one of the butterscotch pudding mix with vanilla pudding mix. This gave the pudding mixture a lighter flavor. I would even try using have butterscoth & half vanilla next time. This is now an annual Thanksgiving dessert request in our family.

Reviewed on Nov. 26, 2010 by kgburgess

OMG, I made this for dessert with our Thanksgiving dinner, and it was so fabulous! Even my husband, who is not big on desserts at all, really liked this and had it several times over the last couple of days! As other reviewers suggested, I used 2 boxes of butterscotch and 2 boxes of vanilla pudding all blended together, and it was just right so that the butterscotch flavor didn't dominate the pumpkin that was mixed with it. My husband said I should definitely make it again, and that means it's a keeper! I served it in individual trifle cups (the plastic "water glasses" from Dollar Tree make perfect individual trifle bowls and even have pedestals!) with the same number of layers, and it was so pretty to serve! One tip...I kept the pudding/pumpkin mix in one storage container, the crumbled gingerbread cake (found at Wal-Mart) in another container, and the cool whip in another. I stored the leftovers that way so that I could assemble the layers each time somebody wanted some, and that kept it fresh and not soggy, and it looked just as pretty every time I served it! This recipe would be easy to adapt for different seasons, too, by changing up the fruit, cake flavor, and pudding flavors.

Reviewed on Nov. 25, 2010 by annjenkins

I made this trifle for the first time today and took it to our family Thanksgiving dinner. It was a huge hit! Great Recipe!

Reviewed on Nov. 12, 2010 by jenharding

Sounded so delicious. But the pumpkin filling is pretty bland, even though I added almost twice the spice the recipe calls for. No plans to make this one again.

Reviewed on Nov. 01, 2010 by Teinerfl

I made this this past weekend for a Halloween party. We used 2 boxes of vanilla pudding and 2 boxes of butterscotch. Everyone loved it but we agreed, it as almost better the 2nd day. It made a huge amount and in reality, if I make this again, I'd probably do about 1/2 of the pudding and cool whip parts. We did add some crumbled heath bar to the top which was a nice addition! Overall, yummy!!!

Reviewed on Nov. 01, 2010 by marie.steere

My family loves this recipe it feeds all of us at Thanksgiving it is also very easy to make!

Reviewed on Oct. 30, 2010 by erhartford

I have been making this since it came out in 2002. It is always a hit, and I have given the recipe out everytime I make it. I do it up just as it says and garnish with Candy Corn Pumpkins. It is delicious!!

Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2010 by mrsjean

This was a hit at my house. If will definitely make it again.

Reviewed on Oct. 27, 2010 by doghandler

I made this for my club meeting, and you could hear the "mmm's"! Everyone loved it. I did make some changes. I used a spice cake mix instead of the gingerbread. I used two packages of the vanilla sugar-free instant puddng, and my store had pumpkin instant pudding for the season, so I bought two boxes of that instead of the butterscotch. I used the 16 oz. carton of lite whipped topping. I'll definitely make this again.

Reviewed on Oct. 26, 2010 by rpan27

Oh my, this one was delicious. My husband wants this instead of pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving. I even have to make it again to share with other friends who didn't get to try it yet. It was simple to make, looked beautiful when done (I almost didn't want to dig into it) and tasted fabulous!!! A+++++

Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2010 by LoriDemi

I took it to a family dinner. Everybody loved it and wanted the recipe!

Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2010 by vsphillips

I do food classes all over my county. I have used the pumpkin trifle recipe in several and have gotten rave reviews from all participants. I love the fact that it is a lower calorie alternative with taste to die for.

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2010 by tfd1003

I loved this recipe. I too used Spice Cake instead of gingerbread, but baked it in a 9 x 13 pan, instead of 8 x 8, and baked as directed on the box. I used 2 vanilla, 2 butterscotch pudding. AND I threw in some toffee bits in between the layers and on top. This stuff completely disappeared at my house, and I've already given out the recipe to about 6 people, just this week. Can't wait to make it again.

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2010 by lynettemantia

I too used spice cake mix and the flavors blended beautifully. This is a 5 star recipe for sure. I whipped up heavy whipping cream instead of Cool Whip.

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by fluffydo

I made this for friends for afternoon tea, it was a big hit.I used Jellos Caramel Mousse mix and it worked great.Also used spice cake..

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by nsmom

I made this to take to a friends for dinner. I had to email her the recipe the next day. It was yummy. I used 2 butterscotch and 2 vanilla puddings. My friend made it with 2 butterscotch and 2 cheesecake puddings. It's so easy to make.

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by periodontics

Took this to a Harvest dinner at church. Most liked and some said too rich. I also used spiced cake mix. I needed to be more careful getting my layers even.

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by aeball

I made this for a party and everyone raved about it and wanted the recipe. I did make it with vanilla pudding instead of butterscotch.

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by susanpinder

I made this recipe and took to a potluck party. Everyone raved about it - it will definatley by on my Thanksgiving Menu!

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by terriv

I too couldn't find gingerbread mix and used spice cake mix. Also agree on needing more whipped cream. The other thing I did was make it in individual cups, you don't do as many layers but it is easier to eat. I'm going to try it with vanilla pudding instead of butterscotch.

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by gailtot

I made this trifle for my family but had unexpected company so I served it to everyone, they loved it, it is a wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie, which I love, now I must make it for our church pot luck lunch next week, I raved about it so much, lol. Love it!!!!!

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by pstarkoski

I made this for a covered dish dinner at church and it was a huge hit. Everyone wants the recipe. This is an absolutely wonderful dessert and would be a hit during the holidays or anytime!!

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by eljay50

what a wonderful alternative to pumpkin pie!!! This was a super hit.I used spice cake and the only other change would be to add some pumpkin pie spice.

Reviewed on Oct. 21, 2010 by Joy44

I made this for our Church family night supper and it was a hit. It is quick and easy. I will add this one to my list to make again.

Reviewed on Oct. 19, 2010 by icela2525

Wonderful!!! Two things I did do different was change the gingerbread cake to yellow cake and used pumpkin pie spice, instead. We simply loved this trifle! Yummy!!!

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2010 by Katron511

This was delicious! I would probably use two cartons of cool whip - one did not seem to be enough. Next time I am also going to add Heath bar crunch to this.

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2010 by rosesdolls

This is awesome. Beautiful presentation and oh so light. I could not find gingerbread cake mix so I used spice cake. I will be making this instead of pie this Thanksgiving.

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2010 by scribblz

For those looking for mixes that aren't loaded with artificial ingredients, partially hydrogenated oils etc. I recommend buying your mixes from your local Trader Joes or Whole Foods- they make yummy stuff that's healthy also- a great weight off my mind when I'm feeding my family :)

Reviewed on Oct. 16, 2010 by hayturcow@msn.com

Great, delicious recipe, and so easy to make! Instead of the 4 packages of fat free pudding, 4 cups of milk, and the spices, I used 2 boxes of pumpkin spice pudding and two cups of skim milk. The trick to HEALTHY eating is to eat in moderation and not over-indulge, exercising helps, too...

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2010 by JEANE333

For jkjdk: For the 4 packages (1 ounce each) sugar-free instant butterscotch pudding mix, just get 4 little boxes of Jello, available in all grocery stores. They only weighs 1 ounce because there's no heavy sugar in it.

Excellent recipe for both taste and looks.

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2010 by jkjdk

l ounce boxes of pudding? Please explain where I can get l ounce boxes??????????

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2010 by kdeorio

I made this recipe and substitued Spice cake for the gingerbread. It is excellent and worth every bite as far as calories are concerned. I'd definitely make this again and again and again.

Reviewed on Oct. 15, 2010 by WHEEZERBREEZER

I made this after getting the recipe at a Taste of Home Show in Warren ,Ohio. We had a campground supper with about 15 people,I made a double batch and there was an empty bowl after dessert. I copied the recipe and passed it out to everyone there. A-1 dessert.

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 2010 by Netizen

Excuse me, but, the recipe is rated as HEALTHY and it isn't. Is Taste of Home aware that you are telling people to leave their site?

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 2010 by lstaylor555

Really, really good!!! Poo Poo the trans fats. It's worth evert bite. If your worried about healthy recipes, you need to find another site.

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 2010 by cliffnada

Made this dessert more times than I can count! It's the one the family always asks for....and gets!!!! Definitely a keeper.

Reviewed on Oct. 14, 2010 by Netizen

Read the labels on your cake mix, instant puddings and whipped toppings. Watch for partially hydrogenated oils, these are TRANS FATS. Make sure it is as healthy as you thought.

Reviewed on Oct. 01, 2010 by MVPhelan

This is one of my favorite recipes! If I can't find gingerbread, spice cake is a great alternative. I'm not a huge fan of butterscotch, so I usually do 2 boxes of butterscotch and 2 of vanilla. I'm going to make this for the first time this season today. I can't wait to have it tomorrow at my daughter's birthday party!

Reviewed on Apr. 18, 2010 by skooter941

So good! I agree that the spice cake versus gingerbread cake is more crowd-friendly, even though I am personally a huge fan of gingerbread. I also did not use all butterscotch pudding. I used 2 boxes vanilla and two of butterscotch. I wanted more of the pumpkin flavor to come through. Everyone loved it!

Reviewed on Dec. 08, 2009 by krobitsch

Made this for Thanksgiving and everyone loved them! I made them in individual glasses instead since none of the stores in my area carried full size trifle bowls. I made them with one layer of gingerbread cake and one of spice cake which worked really well. Will definitely be making these again!

Reviewed on Nov. 28, 2009 by nicolemeo

I brought this to Thanksgiving dinner and it got rave reviews - beat out every pie on the table!

Reviewed on Nov. 03, 2009 by SueFla

This was absolutely WONDERFUL!!! Thank you Hyla, for a great recipe!

Reviewed on Mar. 03, 2009 by JoAnn199

Many compliments at my church function! Rave reviews!

Reviewed on Dec. 01, 2008 by lbrierton

Loved this recipe! One of the lightest desserts. Made it for 2 Thanksgiving dinners w/ no leftovers. This is something I would make anytime of the year.

Reviewed on Nov. 26, 2008 by anjee419

I made this, but it seemed too bland with the amount of pudding,and pumpkin ratio, so I increased the pudding.I will definetely make this beautiful,tasty recipe again!

Reviewed on Nov. 25, 2008 by janam0826

I made it for a get together and since I don't particularly like gingerbread, I used spice cake instead and it was a hit.

Reviewed on Nov. 20, 2008 by hummer42

I make this for afternoon tea parties! It gets rave reviews! I only make half a recipe and use a smaller bowl. Great recipe! Lou Ann

Reviewed on Nov. 07, 2008 by bettswhite

has anybody tried this with vanilla pudding instead of butterscotch? Whoops - sorry - I had missed Little Lady's comment.

Reviewed on Nov. 05, 2008 by katlam

Reviewed on Nov. 05, 2008 by guitarmonkie

I made this dessert for our church potluck last weekend and it was a big hit! Robin Hood makes a Gingerbread Cookie/Cake mix, so I used that, but instead of whipped topping, I used whipped cream. It's not as low in fat but it tasted wonderful! I'll be making it for Christmas, but probably half the recipe.

Reviewed on Nov. 05, 2008 by meadow

Would you mind sharing your recipe for the gingerbread, I refuse to use mixes with all the artificial ingredients. I don't have a homemade recipe that I know of. I will also use homemade pudding and whipped cream. Just had experience with a nutrition and health class, have to watch the ingredients. thanks!

Reviewed on Nov. 04, 2008 by mspittypat11

Another alternative to the Gingerbread Cake Mix is the Spiced Cake Mix. It's just as good!

Reviewed on Nov. 03, 2008 by bakergrl

I saw this recipe in Taste Of Home,and fell in love with it the minute I saw it.I made it for a potluck at our local community center,and was the biggest hit there ever was.Who ever created it,did a good job!It was absolutely sinfully delicious and not overly sweet.I did'nt use a boxed gingerbread mix,instead I made it from scratch which was even better.

                                                        Bonnie Brandon (Taste Of Home Subscriber)

Reviewed on Oct. 31, 2008 by rumbamel

Reviewed on Oct. 24, 2008 by Cuccidatti

I have made this every year for Oktoberfestfor the last 4 years. It is always a great treat and goes really fast. It's one of my favorite recipes and people always love it!

Reviewed on Oct. 22, 2008 by Kichler073

Very easy to make and it was a hit. I did use chocolate cake.

Reviewed on Oct. 20, 2008 by reitagolightly

I made this Thanksgiving the first year it came out. My family loves it (especially my nephews). They always ask if I'm making my trifle for lunch. Thanks for a great recipe.

Reviewed on Oct. 20, 2008 by Faye Harris

I made the Pumpkin Trifle this past weekend for a pot luck dinner. Everyone raved about it and licked the bowl clean!! Even the people who "don't like pumpkin" tried it, and loved it. It was very easy to prepare.

Reviewed on Oct. 19, 2008 by khinson

I made this a few days ago for my son's rehearsal dinner and everyone loved it. It was delicious and very easy to put together.

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2008 by buslady932

I made this dessert last weekend for guests we had. They loved it. I am making it this Sunday for a dinner we are having for our church. I know it will be a hit because it is delicious and lowfat and low sugar. I know people will be asking for the recipe. Now only is it pretty in a trifle bowl but it is delicious as well. Keep sending those lowfat, low sugar recipes. Thanks! Diana R. Michigan

Reviewed on Oct. 18, 2008 by bethar

Excellent dessert!!! Thanks for sharing! Fun, low-fat, pretty, and tastes GREAT!

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by SandiKC

Re: Pumpkin Trfle

Easy to make and Family loved it. Pumpkin and butterscotch go together really well, and gingerbread flavor just tops it all off perfectly. Is the dish I am to bring to all Family Dinners now!!!

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by Marpaints

Was my turn to make the birthday dessert for our bowling team. Made the Pumpkin Trifle. Wow! Everyone wants the recipe. Really good; really easy. Thanks, MR

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by Buncobabe

I have been making this recipe since it first appeared in Taste Of Home Magazine. Everyone likes it and my family prefers it to Pumpkin Pie during the holiday season.

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by gogranem

My family loved this! I made it with a spice cake mix as I couldn't find a gingerbread one.

Gogranem

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by OKeefe

I tried it for a potluck dinner and it was very easy to make and was almost all gone. I was asked for the recipe, that tells you it was liked. the only problem I had was getting a gingerbread mix/ We only have a superWalmart and it didn't have any and one grocery store in town but they had it. I will make it for Thanksgiving and possibly for the next covered dish dinner/ Very good/

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by CookieCarol

I have used left over bran muffins instead of the gingerbread. It's a good recipe!

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by deniced

My daughter is the biggest pumpkin lover and she and her family thought this was a wonderful desert. Easy to put together and delish when done. Thanks.

Reviewed on Oct. 17, 2008 by stef42678

This recipe not only tastes delicious but it looks great. It is easy to make and looks great as a centerpiece until dessert is served. It is rich and creamy and is a great dessert for fall.

Reviewed on Oct. 16, 2008 by ticklin_ivory

I got great comments on the low sugar Pumpkin Trifle today at a potluck! I substituted sugar-free pumpkin bread from the WalMart bakery for the gingerbread because I was in a hurry - worked great!

Reviewed on Oct. 16, 2008 by martha053

My sister made this for a "sisters" reunion and it was the main attraction at the table! AND it tasted as good as it looked!

Reviewed on Oct. 16, 2008 by reserdawn

This was so good! I had to substitute spice cake for gingerbread cake because I couldn't find the gingerbread.

Reviewed on Oct. 10, 2008 by LittleLady_GA_54_f

This is soooooo good!  I made it for Christmas the year it came out in Light & Tasty.  Have since made it with vanilla pudding and spice cake.  Turned out real good that way, too.  Definitely a keeper.