Dessert

Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle Recipe

ByElla Hart October 27, 2025October 27, 2025

Introduction

This Maple Pecan & Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle is a festive and creamy dessert perfect for autumn and holiday gatherings. Layers of spiced pumpkin cake, luscious maple pecan cheesecake filling, and whipped cream come together to create a show-stopping treat everyone will love.

The image shows a dessert in a clear glass bowl with multiple layers. The bottom layer is a crumbly brown mixture, followed by a smooth light caramel layer. Above this is a creamy off-white layer, then another crumbly brown layer mixed with the caramel. On top is a thick layer of white whipped cream piped in swirls. The dessert is finished with a generous sprinkle of crushed nuts and whole pecans scattered on top. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Spice Cake:
- 1 box pumpkin spice cake mix (or homemade recipe)
- 1 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs
For the Maple Pecan Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (for whipping)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup candied pecans
- Extra maple syrup for drizzling
- Whipped cream (for layering)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the pumpkin spice cake mix according to the package instructions or your homemade recipe. Bake and then allow the cake to cool completely before cutting it into cubes.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Fold in the chopped pecans gently.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the maple pecan cheesecake mixture to create a light, fluffy filling.
Step 4: Begin assembling the trifle by layering cubed pumpkin spice cake in a large trifle dish or individual glasses. Add a layer of the maple pecan cheesecake filling, then a layer of whipped cream. Repeat the layers until the dish is full, finishing with whipped cream on top.
Step 5: Garnish the top of the trifle with candied pecans and drizzle with extra maple syrup. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cream cheese and high-quality maple syrup for the best flavor.
Chill the cheesecake filling for 30 minutes before folding in whipped cream to help it set better.
Substitute walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Use a piping bag to apply whipped cream layers for a polished look.
Try adding a layer of roasted apples or pears for extra freshness.
Make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pumpkin spice cake mix.
Add a splash of spiced rum to the cheesecake filling for an adult twist.

Storage

Cover the trifle tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. It’s best not to freeze the assembled trifle, as the cream layers can separate. However, you can freeze the cake and filling separately, thaw them in the refrigerator, and reassemble before serving.