Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

Fall is the time of year when pumpkin desserts shine. Options like pumpkin pie and pumpkin cookies are crowd-pleasers, but this pumpkin gingerbread trifle recipe takes pumpkin flavor to the next level. Gingerbread cake layered with butterscotch pudding, pumpkin puree, spices and whipped topping creates a showstopper—and it’s super easy to prep thanks to pantry staples.

With caramel notes of butterscotch, warm autumn spices and pumpkin, this stunner is the ultimate seasonal dessert whether you need a tasty treat after a fall dinner or plan to add something new to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle Ingredients

• Gingerbread cake mix: Store-bought gingerbread cake mix is a flavorful base for this trifle. If you prefer, you could also make a gingerbread cake from scratch.
• Milk: Combine instant pudding mix with milk to make pudding for the filling. This recipe calls for fat-free milk, but you can swap in 1% or 2% if that’s what you have.
• Butterscotch pudding mix: This pumpkin and gingerbread trifle recipe calls for four packages of sugar-free butterscotch instant pudding, but you can use regular instant pudding mix instead.
• Spices: To liven up the filling mixture’s flavor, add warm spices, such as ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and allspice.
• Pumpkin: Pumpkin puree enhances the filling mixture. To control the flavor, use real pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling. We prefer canned pumpkin for most of our fall baking and desserts, but if you make pumpkin puree from scratch, use it!
• Whipped topping: Thaw a tub of frozen whipped topping for the quickest assembly of this trifle. Of course, you can always use homemade whipped cream instead, but whipped topping is more stable and will hold its shape better in the layers.

Directions

Step 1: Make the gingerbread

Prepare and bake the gingerbread mix according to the package directions for cake. Let it cool completely. Break the cooled cake into crumbles, reserving 1/4 cup of crumbles in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Make the filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, pudding mixes and spices until the mixture thickens, about two minutes. Stir in the pumpkin.

Step 3: Layer the cake and filling

In a 3-1/2 quart trifle dish or glass bowl, layer a quarter of the cake crumbles, half the pumpkin mixture, another quarter of the cake crumbles and half the whipped topping. Repeat the layers. Top the trifle with the reserved 1/4 cup of cake crumbles and refrigerate until serving.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle Variations

• Use a different cake: This pumpkin butterscotch gingerbread trifle would be great with a spice cake or pumpkin cake base. You could even take a shortcut and use a boxed spice or pumpkin cake mix.
• Try another pudding: Butterscotch is an excellent pairing for gingerbread cake. If you’d prefer to use another instant pudding mix, try vanilla or cheesecake and add extra spice.
• Add a topping: Assemble the trifle and dress up the top before you serve it. Drizzle it with caramel sauce or add a dusting of cinnamon.

How to Store Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle

With pudding and whipped topping in the filling, it’s important to store this trifle in the refrigerator. Cover it and store it for up to three days.

Can you make pumpkin and gingerbread trifle ahead of time?

This pumpkin and gingerbread trifle is a great make-ahead dessert. Prep it the day before or the morning you plan to serve it. Cover it and keep it stored in the fridge. You can also bake the cake a day or two in advance, cover it well and store it in the refrigerator. Then, make the pudding the day you plan to serve the trifle and assemble the trifle according to the directions.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Trifle Tips

Can you use store-bought gingerbread cake for this trifle?

You can use store-bought gingerbread cake for this trifle. Crumble the cake into pieces and assemble it with the filling as directed. If you can’t find gingerbread cake, you can also choose another flavor.

Can you make individual pumpkin butterscotch gingerbread trifles?

To make individual trifles, use small bowls or jars. Layer the gingerbread cake crumbs, filling and whipped topping in each for mini trifles.

How do you serve pumpkin and gingerbread trifle?

A trifle is a stunning centerpiece dessert for the table. It’s all about the layers, so we recommend using a glass trifle bowl to show them off. Use a large spoon to scoop layered portions out of the trifle dish and into individual bowls. Depending on the vibe, serve pumpkin gingerbread trifle with coffee, tea or espresso martinis.