Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle: A Perfect Fall Dessert with Layers

Looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that celebrates all things fall? This Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle blends moist pumpkin spice cake, a velvety pumpkin cream filling, and ribbons of sweet caramel in every beautiful layer. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, or any autumn gathering. Not only is it stunning in a trifle bowl, but it’s also surprisingly easy to prepare.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Crisp Recipe for another easy, warm dessert that screams fall comfort.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a dessert to a potluck, this caramel pumpkin trifle will steal the show. Below, we’ll walk you through exactly why you need to make it, the ingredients you’ll need, expert tips, delicious variations, and even pro-level serving ideas.

JUMP TO

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle

The cozy taste of fall in every creamy bite

This trifle is autumn in dessert form. With layers of spiced pumpkin cake, silky pumpkin cream, and luscious caramel sauce, every spoonful delivers warmth, richness, and comfort. The flavor profile combines pumpkin pie spice, sweet vanilla, and buttery caramel—flavors that just scream fall.

Not only is it flavorful, but the texture is absolutely dreamy. The cake cubes soak up the caramel and cream layers, becoming moist but not soggy, while the filling stays fluffy and smooth. It’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to cozy up with after a chilly walk outside.

A show-stopping dessert for holidays and gatherings

Pumpkin pie is classic, but this caramel spiced pumpkin trifle brings the wow factor to your holiday table. Layered desserts are naturally beautiful, and the contrast of golden cake, creamy orange filling, and caramel drizzle is irresistible.

Whether served in a large glass trifle bowl or in individual mini jars, it’s sure to impress. Better yet, it serves a crowd, making it ideal for Thanksgiving or holiday potlucks. Plus, it travels well and can be made ahead—so it’s stress-free, too.

Check out this festive twist on pumpkin: Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Simple ingredients, extraordinary flavor

Don’t let its fancy appearance fool you—this dessert comes together with a handful of pantry staples. A boxed yellow cake mix is elevated with pumpkin puree and warm spices. The cream cheese layer uses just five ingredients, and the whole thing is topped with store-bought caramel sauce and chopped pecans.

Every ingredient has a purpose:

• Cake mix creates a light, sponge-like base
• Pumpkin brings moisture and flavor
• Pumpkin pie spice warms everything up
• Cool Whip and cream cheese give that signature creamy, tangy filling
• Caramel topping ties it all together with sweetness and sheen

Discover great ideas like Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats Recipe for more ways to use canned pumpkin this season.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Pumpkin Trifle

Creating the ultimate Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle is easier than it looks. You don’t need specialty tools or rare ingredients—just a few baking staples and some fall flavor favorites. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to layer up this showstopper of a dessert.

Pantry staples and seasonal favorites

This dessert combines convenience with comforting seasonal ingredients. Here’s a full list of what you’ll need:

Pumpkin Cake Layer	Creamy Pumpkin Filling & Topping
Yellow cake mix	Cream cheese (softened)
100% pure pumpkin (canned)	Confectioners’ sugar
Pumpkin pie spice	Pumpkin pie spice
Eggs	100% pure pumpkin (again!)
Milk	Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream)
Canola or vegetable oil	Caramel ice cream topping
	Chopped pecans (optional but recommended)

This combination delivers an incredible depth of flavor: warm spices, rich pumpkin, cool cream, and a caramel finish that ties it all together.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for another creamy pumpkin hit.

Choosing the right pumpkin and cake mix

For the best texture and flavor, use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling. Canned pumpkin provides consistent moisture and deep flavor without added sugar or spices. You’ll need two 15-ounce cans—one for the cake and one for the filling.

As for cake mix, yellow cake mix works best because it balances out the spice and pumpkin with a rich, buttery base. But if you want to experiment, you can try a Butter Golden or Spice Cake mix for more intense flavor.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies for another genius use of pumpkin in soft-baked treats.

Optional toppings and swaps to customize

Want to make your trifle your own? Here are a few creative tweaks:

• Swap Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a more natural taste.
• Use walnuts instead of pecans if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add a touch of bourbon or maple extract to the caramel sauce for a grown-up flavor profile.
• For a crunchier texture, mix in toffee bits or gingersnap crumbles between layers.

Check out our cozy fall favorite Healthy Pumpkin Brownies if you’re after a lighter pumpkin-based dessert.

How to Make Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle Step by Step

This dessert may look like it came from a bakery window, but it’s incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few stages—baking, mixing, and layering—you’ll have a professional-looking trifle that tastes as good as it looks.

Baking the moist spiced pumpkin cake

Start with a box of yellow cake mix and don’t follow the package instructions. Here’s what to do instead:

Pumpkin Cake Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350℉.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with pumpkin pie spice.
3. Add in 1 cup canned pumpkin, ¾ cup milk, ½ cup oil, and 4 eggs.
4. Beat on medium speed until smooth (about 2 minutes), scraping the bowl as needed.
5. Pour batter into a greased 9×13″ baking dish and bake for 28–30 minutes.
6. Check doneness with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
7. Let it cool completely, then cut into 1-inch cubes.

The added egg and pumpkin make the cake extra moist, light, and sponge-like—perfect for soaking up the caramel and creamy filling.

Whipping up the creamy pumpkin filling

This creamy layer is what makes this trifle so luscious. It’s smooth, fluffy, and packed with fall spice.

Cream Filling Instructions:

1. Beat 8 oz. softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add 1 can (15 oz.) of pumpkin, 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, and 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
3. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
4. Gently fold in 1 tub (8 oz.) of Cool Whip until light and airy.

That’s it—you now have a creamy pumpkin dream that complements the cake and balances the sweet caramel perfectly.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for another creamy, spiced dessert.

Layering your trifle like a pro

Now it’s time to build your masterpiece. A clear trifle bowl works best, but any large glass dish will do.

Trifle Assembly:

1. Place half the pumpkin cake cubes into the bottom of your bowl.
2. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of caramel topping.
3. Spoon in half the creamy pumpkin filling and smooth it out.
4. Drizzle with ¼ cup more caramel sauce.
5. Repeat: cake → caramel → cream → caramel.
6. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top.

Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight—this allows all the flavors to meld and the textures to settle beautifully.

Looking for more pumpkin layers in your life? Try our Pumpkin Crisp Recipe for a warm, spiced dessert that comes together fast.

Make-ahead tip: You can make this the night before, and it actually tastes better after resting in the fridge. If you’re short on time, chill for at least 4–6 hours.

Check out this creamy combo in another form: Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats is a great prep-ahead breakfast twist.

Tips to Elevate Your Pumpkin Trifle Game

A layered dessert like Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle is already a showstopper—but with just a few expert tips and creative twists, you can take it from great to unforgettable. Whether you want to impress guests or tweak it to fit dietary needs, here’s how to go next level.

Best caramel sauces to use (homemade or store-bought?)

The caramel drizzle is what ties every layer together. While store-bought caramel ice cream topping works well (and is super convenient), making your own adds a richer depth.

Top options:

• Store-bought: Look for thick, buttery sauces like Ghirardelli or Smucker’s Caramel Topping.
• Homemade: Melt ½ cup sugar in a saucepan with 2 tbsp butter and ¼ cup cream, stirring constantly until golden and smooth.

Pro tip: Warm the caramel just slightly before drizzling to help it spread evenly without sinking.

Make-ahead magic – how long to chill

Trifles are meant to be made ahead. This dessert is at its best after chilling overnight, giving the cake time to soak up flavor without getting soggy.

If you’re in a rush:

• Chill for at least 4 to 6 hours
• Add chopped nuts and final caramel drizzle just before serving for maximum crunch and shine

Need something quick? Our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cream Pies offer the same creamy-spiced combo with less prep time.

Presentation tips for a stunning trifle bowl

We eat with our eyes first—and this trifle is a total show-off when layered with care. Here’s how to make it look as good as it tastes:

• Use a clear trifle bowl or deep glass dish to show off layers
• Start layering from the outside in so the prettiest parts show through the glass
• Wipe down the inside edges between layers to keep it clean
• Sprinkle chopped pecans in a circular pattern for a polished finish

Want to go mini? Use mason jars or parfait glasses for individual trifles—perfect for parties or grab-and-go treats.

Don’t miss our Soft Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting for another dessert that balances beautiful presentation with fall flavor.

Variations of Pumpkin Trifle You Should Try

One of the best things about Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or looking to change things up for a different crowd, these variations keep things interesting while staying true to that cozy fall flavor.

No-bake pumpkin trifle

Short on time or avoiding the oven? You can skip the cake-baking entirely with a no-bake twist. Instead of baking the pumpkin cake layer, use:

• Store-bought pumpkin bread (cubed)
• Crumbled gingersnap cookies
• Pumpkin spice pound cake from your local bakery

Layer just like the original—cake (or cookie) base, creamy pumpkin filling, caramel drizzle, repeat. It comes together in minutes and still delivers that decadent trifle experience.

If you’re in a rush, try this time-saving dessert idea: Healthy Pumpkin Brownies for a quick fall-themed fix.

Gluten-free or dairy-free alternatives

Want to serve everyone at the table, regardless of dietary restrictions? Here’s how to modify the recipe:

Gluten-Free Version:

• Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix
• Double-check that your caramel topping and pumpkin puree are GF certified

Dairy-Free Version:

• Swap cream cheese for a plant-based option (like Daiya or Kite Hill)
• Use a non-dairy whipped topping or homemade coconut whipped cream
• Choose a caramel sauce made with coconut milk or almond milk

These simple changes keep the texture and flavor on point without sacrificing taste—or anyone’s dietary needs.

Mini trifle jars for individual servings

Individual trifles are fun, mess-free, and perfect for parties. Use mason jars, wine glasses, or even stemless champagne flutes to create personal pumpkin parfaits.

Benefits of going mini:

• Easy to serve (no messy scooping)
• Make-ahead friendly
• Portable for events and bake sales
• Great for portion control (or not—stack as high as you like!)

You can even customize each jar with different toppings: chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or a cinnamon stick for flair.

Check out this adorable, portable dessert: Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for another make-ahead fall treat.

Storage, Shelf Life & Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re prepping ahead for the holidays or storing leftovers after a big gathering, this trifle is as practical as it is delicious. Here’s how to keep it fresh and fabulous—plus the best ways to serve it up.

How long does it keep in the fridge?

The beauty of this dessert? It holds up really well. In fact, the flavor improves after a day in the fridge as the layers settle and meld together.

• Best consumed within 2 to 3 days for peak freshness
• Still safe and tasty up to 5 or 6 days
• Store covered with plastic wrap or a fitted lid to keep it from drying out

Pro Tip: Sprinkle nuts only before serving to keep them crunchy

Want a long-lasting treat instead? Try our Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats — they’re great for meal prepping your fall flavors.

Can you freeze pumpkin trifle?

Technically, yes—but with some caveats.

• Do not freeze a fully assembled trifle. The cream layer will weep, and the texture becomes grainy.
• You can freeze the pumpkin cake layer and even the caramel drizzle.
• The cream cheese filling is best made fresh for the best texture.

If you must freeze leftovers, place portions in airtight containers and eat within 1 month—just note it won’t be as visually appealing once thawed.

Best way to serve for holidays

This trifle was made for festive occasions. To get the most out of presentation and flavor:

• Assemble in a tall glass trifle bowl to showcase the layers
• Add toppings (caramel + pecans) right before serving
• Use a large serving spoon or ladle to scoop into bowls
• Want it extra fancy? Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Crisp if you’re looking for another holiday-ready pumpkin dessert with a crunchy twist.

FAQs About Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle

Conclusion: Celebrate Fall with the Ultimate Caramel Pumpkin Dessert

Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply want to treat yourself to something indulgent, Caramel Spiced Pumpkin Trifle brings the flavor of fall straight to your dessert table. With tender pumpkin cake, silky cream filling, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans—it’s a layered masterpiece made from everyday ingredients.

What makes it even better? It’s incredibly forgiving, endlessly customizable, and made for making memories. From Thanksgiving spreads to casual autumn potlucks, this pumpkin trifle is the comfort-food showstopper that never disappoints.

Check out our cozy fall favorite Healthy Pumpkin Brownies if you’re craving something warm, gooey, and a little bit lighter.

Print