Pumpkin Trifle for Thanksgiving Dessert

This pumpkin trifle recipe features layers of whipped cream, pudding, and rich pumpkin bread. It’s a perfect fall or Thanksgiving dessert!

You’re going to laugh at me, but for the longest time I had no idea what a trifle was. I grew up in the midwest and came from a family of five kids. We never didn’t anything fancy beyond strawberry pretzel salad.

I always assumed making a trifle was an all day labor of love. There are several layers, so in my mind’s eye, each layer took a lot of time to make before constructing the final dessert.

So basically seventeen hours later you’d come out of the kitchen covered in flour, ready to tap out of making your trifle. “It’s done,” you say, before passing out on the floor.

But that isn’t a trifle at all. They’re actually pretty easy to make! Just layers of “tasty stuff” layered together, creating a visually appealing dessert. Generally speaking.

With fall dessert time here, and Thanksgiving desserts right around the corner – I decided to make a trifle for the first time in my life. A pumpkin trifle. And it turned out AMAZING!

If you love pumpkin desserts and pumpkin spice, this is going to be your new fave. You’re going to love the layers of spiced pumpkin bread, sweet pumpkin pudding, and whipped cream that make this dessert a seasonal delight.

As you go into making this pumpkin trifle, I’ve only got a few thoughts and tips. If you don’t need them, you can skip down to the recipe.

Bread or Cake Base

Pumpkin bread isn’t the only thing you can use for a trifle. Often the cake/bread layer is sponge cake, ladyfingers, pound cake, or something similar. You could even try brownies!

Adult Twist

Do you want to make this a little boozy? For an adult twist, you can soak your pumpkin bread or sponge cake in a bit of sherry or your favorite liqueur.

Layer it Up

There isn’t really a wrong way to layer these ingredients together. I like to divide all of the ingredients in half to form some form of pattern, but you are welcome to layer them however you would like.

Add Texture

If you want to – add some crunch with crushed cookies, nuts, or even granola between the layers for a delightful texture contrast.

Remember, the best part of making a trifle dessert is getting creative and experimenting with flavors and textures. Here’s what you’re going to need, but don’t be afraid to change it up!

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 (3.4 ounce packets) instant pumpkin spice pudding mix
• 4 cups whole milk (you can also sub with 2%)
• 5 cups diced pumpkin bread (the equivalent of a 9×5 inch loaf)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Large trifle dish or serving bowl
• Electric hand mixer
• Cutting board and serrated knife
• Plastic wrap

Trifles get better as they sit in the fridge. Let it chill for a few hours, or even overnight, to let the flavors meld together.

You can use store bought or homemade pumpkin bread. I like to grab a box of the Pillsbury pumpkin bread to make this easier, or use my own recipe. Just make sure that whatever you use will yield about 5 cups of diced bread.

This recipe is best stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure that you store it covered with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container if you don’t care about maintaining the layered pattern.

Get the printable recipe for this delicious pumpkin trifle dessert below:

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Do you love pumpkin recipes? Let me know in the comments! I’d also love for you to check out these other posts inspired by our favorite gourd:

Bagels • Blondies • Bread • Cheesecake Brownies • Chocolate Bread • Chocolate Chip Cookies • Cranberry Muffins • Cream Cheese Bars • Creme Brulee • Cupcakes • Dessert Dip • Donut Holes • Fat Bombs • Fudge • Icebox Cake • Linzer Cookies • Mini Pies • Monkey Bread • Mousse • Mug Cake • Pancakes • Pecan Bars • Pie Spice • Pudding • Rice Pudding • Seeds • Smoothie • Soup • Sugar Cookies • Whoopie Pies