For Thanksgiving last year, I wanted to make something different than the ‘usual’ pumpkin or pecan pie! I knew my Strawberries ‘n’ Cream Trifle was always a hit during the summer holidays, so I decided to make a ‘fall’ version using pumpkin, cinnamon, and spice cake mix! It turned out even better than I could have imagined, and was gone before many of the pies were even touched!
The creamy ‘pumpkin pudding’ pairs perfectly with the spice cake…and the gingersnap topping adds the perfect crunch! My relatives could not believe this was a light dessert, and many of them asked for the recipe…Which usually means it was a hit! (not to mention I left with an empty trifle dish) If you are having a fall get-together, and are looking for a crowd pleaser, I can promise you that this dessert won’t let you (or your guests) down!
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer
- 1 (18.25-oz) box spice-style cake mix (you could also use reduced sugar cake mix for even lower sugar/calories!)
- 1 cup pumpkin
- 1 cup water
For the Pudding and Whipped Cream Layers
- 1 (1 oz) box no sugar added instant vanilla (or butterscotch) pudding mix
- 1 cup fat free milk (or milk substitute of choice)
- 1/2 cup pumpkin
- 1 tbs brown sugar (or sweetener of choice to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice!)
- 2 (12-ounce) containers light whipped topping
- *Optional Topping: 1/3 cup gingersnaps, crushed
Method
- To make the cake layer, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 13×9 inch baking dish with non-stick spray. Combine cake mix, pumpkin puree, and water in a large bowl. Mix until well combined, and transfer into the baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. When completely cooled, crumble the cake (or cut into small squares depending on the look you want) and set aside.
- While cake is baking, in a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix together for about 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. Fold in 1 container of cool whip, and 1/2 cup of pumpkin, brown sugar, and spices until well blended. (Note: Leave the other whipped topping as is for the whipped cream layer).
- In a trifle bowl or (a large pretty glass serving bowl), layer half of the cake, half of the pudding/pumpkin mixture, and half of the whipped topping. Repeat layers until the trifle glass is filled to the top. (I like to end with the whip cream layer!)
- Garnish with cinnamon or crushed gingersnaps if desired, (you may also layer the gingersnaps throughout the layers. Refrigerate for 1 hour, or until ready to serve. (Also tastes great when made the night before!)
Note: *You may also use wineglasses or individual dessert glasses for individual trifles!
Enjoy! Love Katie
Servings: 16 (~1 cup per serving)
Calories: 175 per serving
Weight Watcher Points Plus: 6 per serving
