This delicious Pumpkin Trifle is a smooth, creamy layered dessert that's perfect for fall. This pumpkin dessert has a WOW factor which makes it an ideal Thanksgiving dessert. The no-bake pumpkin trifle recipe take less than 30 minutes to whip up!
Trifle is one of those desserts that looks very impressive which makes it perfect for bringing to a party. This pumpkin trifle recipe is perfect for your Thanksgiving dessert table. It has beautiful layers with different textures and colors. The one thing each layer has in common is deliciousness!
Pumpkin Trifle is a layered dessert. It consists of chocolate wafer cookies, whipped topping, pumpkin puree, and pudding.
This recipe makes enough to feed 8 people but can be adjusted to your needs. I would recommend making this in a trifle dish or glass bowl so you can see all the pretty layers of this delicious dessert.
Since this festive dessert has such an amazing presentation, I recommend bringing the trifle right to the dining table and scoop out the individual servings there.
If you love easy Thanksgiving desserts, you should also check out this no-bake pumpkin cheesecake and naked carrot cake.
Pumpkin Trifle is the perfect sweet ending to your roasted turkey or glazed ham dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- No baking required!
- Ready to eat in just 30 minutes.
- Pumpkin is the flavor of the season.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors!
- This easy pumpkin trifle looks so fancy.
- Budget-friendly Thanksgiving dessert!
Ingredients for Pumpkin Trifle
You only need 6 ingredients to make this pumpkin trifle recipe.
- pumpkin puree
- Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafer Cookies (or similar)
- French vanilla pudding mix
- granulated sugar
- pumpkin pie spice
- heavy whipping cream
How to Make Pumpkin Trifle
Here are the step-by-step photos and instructions for making this easy pumpkin trifle recipe. For the complete instructions, check the printable recipe card further down on the page.
Step One: Pumpkin Layer
Whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks.
In a separate bowl mix together the pumpkin puree and pudding mix.
Take about ⅓ of the whipped cream and fold it into the pumpkin puree until combined.
Add the sugar to the remaining plain whipped cream and gently mix until combined.
In a trifle serving dish, spread a thin layer of the pumpkin mixture across the bottom.
Step Two: Cookie Layer
Place a layer of cookies on top of the pumpkin mixture in the trifle dish, the cookies should be touching and cover the majority of the surface, but small spaces left open is not a problem.
Step Three: Whipped Cream Layer
Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on top of the cookies.
Step Four: Repeat
Continue the process of layering cookies with alternating layers of pumpkin cream and whipped cream (pumpkin cream, cookies, whipped cream, cookies, pumpkin cream, cookies...etc.) Be sure to end with whipped cream on the top.
Step Five: Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight.
When ready to serve, take out of the fridge and garnish with crumbled cookies or sprinkles.
Substitutions
Don’t have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this pumpkin trifle recipe.
- Cookies: Use any kind of cookies or wafers you like. You could also cut a spice cake into pieces to use in place of the cookies.
- Pudding: Swap the vanilla pudding for another flavor such as caramel.
- Whipping Cream: Instead of heavy whipping cream, you can use thawed whipped topping.
Variations
Want to personalize this pumpkin trifle? Though there are only a few ingredients to make this Thanksgiving trifle, here are some ideas for changing up this recipe.
- Some alternate cookie suggestions are Biscoff cookies, graham crackers, shortbread cookies, OREO thins with the center removed, or OREO cookies ground in the blender or food processor.
- Top with bits of chocolate toffee.
- Instead of using whole cookies for the cookie layer, place cookies in a large zippered bag and crush until you have bite-sized pieces.
Equipment
All you need are a handful of kitchen tools to make this pumpkin trifle.
- trifle bowl
- stand mixer or hand held mixer
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover trifle with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezer: Since the cookies will become soggy, I do not recommend freezing this dessert. However, it takes no time to make and you can store it in the fridge for a bit. Trifle tastes a little better after being refrigerated for a few hours. It gives the flavors a chance to meld and the cookies to soften slightly.
Tips
- Make sure your heavy cream is very cold so it will whip up faster.
- Use 100% pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling.
FAQ
Do you have questions about how to make pumpkin trifle? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this pumpkin trifle recipe.
Yes, this Pumpkin Trifle recipe is perfect for a party, potluck or holiday. You can make it the day before and keep it covered in the fridge until time to serve!
You will need a large trifle bowl for this recipe. If you don't own one, I would recommend buying one online or at your local department store. If you can't find a trifle bowl, any deep glass bowl will work.
Yes, you can. To make pumpkin puree just cook and puree fresh pumpkin in a blender or food processor. You can also buy canned pumpkin puree to save time.
Yes, you can use Cool Whip in place of the real whipped cream if you want to make this recipe even easier!
If you're looking for an impressive party dessert or something new to try at Thanksgiving dinner this year, pumpkin trifle should be your go-to! Be sure to come back and let me know what you think about this Pumpkin Trifle recipe if you enjoy it!
More Trifle Recipes you may enjoy
- Caramel Brownie Trifle with Cheesecake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle with Pretzels
- Triple Berry Trifle with Cheesecake
- Banana Pudding Cheesecake Trifle
Easy Pumpkin Trifle
Equipment
Ingredients
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree
- 2 boxes (9 oz) Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafer Cookies or similar
- 1 box (3.4 oz) French Vanilla dry pudding mix or vanilla
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Whip the heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks.
- In a separate bowl mix together the pumpkin puree and pudding mix.
- Mix until thoroughly incorporated.
- Take about ⅓ of the whipped cream and fold it into the pumpkin puree until combined.
- Add the sugar to the remaining plain whipped cream and gently mix until combined
- In a trifle serving dish, spread a thin layer of the pumpkin mixture across the bottom.
- Place a layer of cookies on top of the pumpkin mixture in the trifle dish, the cookies should be touching.
- Cover the majority of the surface, but small spaces left open is not a problem.
- Spread a thin layer of whipped cream on top of the cookies.
- Continue the process of layering cookies with alternating layers of pumpkin cream and whipped cream...
- (pumpkin cream, cookies, whipped cream, cookies, pumpkin cream, cookies...etc.)
- Be sure to end with whipped cream on the top.
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight.
- When ready to serve, take out of the fridge and garnish with crumbled cookies or sprinkles.
- Enjoy every bite!
Notes
(the cream filling in the oreos will cause a different texture, but will still be a pleasant taste.)
2. It is OK to substitute plain vanilla pudding mix for the french vanilla.
3. This is a delicious dessert with an addicting texture! The cookies become soft and cake-like as they sit!
The chocolate is rich and a perfect compliment for the creaminess of the whipped cream and the spice of the pumpkin.
4. You could make this dessert up to 2 days in advance if needed!
Nutrition
Shelby says
My mother in law used to make this boring trifle. I was not a fan until now that I found your recipe! I'm so glad I found your site. It's really helpful and inspiring me to get out there and start cooking again. Thanks 😊 this is delicious!!!
Karin and Ken says
I am so glad to hear you like this trifle! It’s a favorite! Thank you for taking the time to comment and let me know. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. All the best. Karin