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Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle

November 10, 2014

This Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle is an easy and elegant trifle with layers of pumpkin butterscotch pudding, cinnamon-spiced maple whip cream, and spice cake! This Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle is an amazing fall dessert!

pumpkin spice cake butterscotch trifle 19

Trifles are easy to throw together. Literally. Trifles are fantastic to make because they don’t have to look perfect. By nature, they’re a bit more haphazard. You literally just sort of throw everything together, attempt for it to look picturesque and pretty, but accept that it will be a bit haphazard. That’s part of their charm! This Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle is no exception.

Correction: Trifles *should* be easy, unless you make it hard on yourself. I did this –>self-imposed difficulties in assembling the trifle.

pumpkin spice cake butterscotch trifle 2

First, I nearly cried when I ran out of Cool Whip halfway through because I didn’t properly ration or measure. I just slapped it on. Okay, I didn’t cry, but we’ll say I was… highly distressed. Without any backup containers in the house, I briefly pondered whose house I could possibly be in, then walked out the door in my pajamas (yes, I was that person) and drove to the corner store for another container. Or four. I can’t be caught in this scenario again, after all.

Btw, I like to refer to the Dollar General down the street as the ‘corner store’ because it sounds much more quaint and 1950s than ‘the dollar store.’ Don’t you think?

pumpkin spice cake butterscotch trifle 9

Things move along more swimmingly after the emergency Cool Whip run, but I probably could’ve made the layers a bit more even in this Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle. Who really cares though? Remember… we’re going for charm.

Next, I plan to make tall and puffy mountains of Cool Whip atop the trifle. They turn out to be more like little hills. I dunno… they’re still pretty cute.

Then I sprinkled the top with toffee bits, not because there’s toffee anywhere else in this trifle. No, they’re just for fun. I was supposed to reserve cake crumbs as a garnish, but I made the affirmative decision to go with toffee bits. Yes, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it. I planned the toffee bits. I actually really did.

pumpkin spice cake butterscotch trifle 19

Lastly, I decide that I’m really, really, *really* in the mood for Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle and will eat it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between because in an instance of very poor planning, I made it the day before we are going out of town for a week. Pumpkin Trifle ALL DAY. Perfect!

That is the saga of this Pumpkin Trifle recipe. But seriously, it’s easy. Just make sure to have the correct amount of ingredients on hand and you’ll be golden! This Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle is luscious. Lots of layers of spice cake, pumpkin-butterscotch pudding, and fancified Cool Whip (by way of some cinnamon and maple syrup). It’s altogether quite light, but is packed with so many great flavors and spices, best of all pumpkin, of course.

pumpkin spice cake butterscotch trifle 22

4 from 1 vote
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Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle

An easy and elegant trifle with layers of pumpkin butterscotch pudding, cinnamon-spiced whip cream, and spice cake!
Course Dessert
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Author Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl

Ingredients

  • 1 - box spice cake mix prepared according to instructions (mine required 1 c. water, 1/2 c. oil, 3 eggs)
  • 1 - 15 oz. can pureed pumpkin
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp. ginger
  • 3 c. cold milk low-fat works fine
  • 4 boxes instant butterscotch pudding mix
  • 2 - 8 oz. containers Cool Whip thawed
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/4 c. maple syrup
  • Optional garnish: 2 tbsp. toffee bits

Instructions

  1. Prepare spice cake mix according to instructions on the box. Allow to cool completely.
  2. Break up the cake into coarse crumbs and crumbles. Reserve 1/4 c. for garnish (if not using toffee bits as garnish), and divide the remaining crumbs into 4 equal portions.
  3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, 1 tsp. cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, ginger, milk, and instant pudding mixes. Whisk til smooth, and set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, fold together Cool Whip, cinnamon, and maple syrup.
  5. To assemble the trifle, from bottom to top, it will be as follows: cake crumbs, pudding, cake crumbs, Cool Whip, cake crumbs, pudding, cake crumbs, Cool Whip, garnish. Got it? 🙂
  6. To assemble, evenly sprinkle one portion of the spice cake crumbs into the bottom.
  7. Next, gently spread half of the pumpkin butterscotch mixture over the cake crumbs.
  8. Sprinkle a second portion of the cake crumbs.
  9. Gently spread half of the Cool Whip mixture over the cake crumbs.
  10. Sprinkle the third portion of cake crumbs over the Cool Whip.
  11. Gently spread the remaining pumpkin butterscotch mixture over the cake crumbs.
  12. Sprinkle the fourth and final layer of cake crumbs.
  13. Spread remaining Cool Whip mixture.
  14. Garnish with toffee bits, or the 1/4 c. reserved cake crumbs - whichever you chose.
  15. Enjoy!

pumpkin spice cake butterscotch trifle 7

I have faith in your ability to portion out the Cool Whip properly, despite my own shortcoming, but just in case, I’ve added extra into this Pumpkin Trifle recipe so you don’t have to run to the dollar store in your PJs. 🙂

If you’re interested in other simple pumpkin desserts, I recommend this Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake (no-bake) that comes together in about 10 minutes flat, these Pumpkin Nutella Whoopie Pies (the Nutella Buttercream filling is the bomb!), or these Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies – they’re so chewy and wonderful. These are awesome recipes!

Pumpkin Butterscotch Spice Cake Trifle pin 1

pumpkin spice cake butterscotch trifle pin

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  • Double Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake – 2 Ways! Part 2 – The No Bake VersionDouble Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake – 2 Ways! Part 2 – The No Bake Version
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Filed Under: Desserts, Holidays, Pumpkin Recipes, Recipes, Thanksgiving 71 Comments

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Lovely comments

  1. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    November 10, 2014 at 9:38 am

    This trifle looks fantastic, Sarah! I love how easy these are to throw together too, unless you run out of ingredients! 🙂 Which, I have cried before when that has happened…more like tears of frustration, but I know how you feel! And this definitely looks like the best breakfast, lunch, and dinner!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 10, 2014 at 10:22 am

      Lol! Right? I knew my fellow food blogger friends would understand the frustration when you’re in the middle of something and have to run out to the store real quick because you forgot an ingredient or simply didn’t plan well enough. Ugh! I had to make 2 runs yesterday for forgotten items! Usually, I can get S.O. to do it for me, but he was too busy wallowing in the Buffalo Bills loss. Haha! Hope you had a wonderful weekend! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Heather @ Shards of Lavender says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:54 am

    I’m sorry, but I was laughing when I was reading your saga of the Pumpkin Trifle. Laughing with you, not at you… I’ve found myself short on ingredients too many times, and have gone to the store without makeup(which is a huge thing for me) for just one ingredient. I think your trifle looks amazing! Cool Whip never cooperates when you want a photo of it… Gorgeous photos and the combination of flavors really works well! Pinned:)

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 10, 2014 at 7:36 pm

      Right? We’ve all been there! Usually I handle that situation with more grace, but I was in a time crunch, and going out of town, and… you know how it goes. Just the timing of it! Lol! I knew my blog friends would totally get it! 🙂

      Reply
      • Heather says

        November 30, 2014 at 9:50 pm

        Sarah, we made this for Thanksgiving and it was gone at the end of the day. No leftovers:( I will be making it again!

        Reply
        • Sarah says

          November 30, 2014 at 10:20 pm

          YAY! I’m so glad you tried it and liked it! That’s awesome! Thanks for letting me know. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Heather! 🙂

          Reply
  3. Manali @ CookWithManali says

    November 10, 2014 at 5:59 pm

    I hear you, this happens with me all the time! Somehow I am never able to find ingredients when I need them the most, so annoying! But I think your trip to the store was worth it because this looks incredible! Gorgeous photography and I want to eat all of it now! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 10, 2014 at 7:38 pm

      Even yesterday, I had to run out TWICE for ingredients! Lol! Most days that doesn’t bother nearly as much as when I’m in a time crunch and already a little frazzled. But it all worked out! Thanks so much for your kind comment, Manali! Your brownies today are beautiful!!! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Stacey @ Bake.Eat.Repeat. says

    November 10, 2014 at 11:44 pm

    This looks amazing Sarah! I love your saga – so funny, I’ve totally gotten so irritated at running out of something when I think I have enough! Although, often my recipe “adaptations” are solely because I decided I needed to make something right that minute, even though I am missing half the ingredients!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 11, 2014 at 8:49 am

      Lol! Yeah, I’ve been there too. ‘Well I don’t have ____ so I’ll use ____” = new recipe altogether. Haha! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Allison says

    November 12, 2014 at 9:48 am

    I’ve never been a trifle girl, but this recipe might make me change my mind!!!! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 12, 2014 at 10:33 am

      Thanks, Allison! Yes, let’s change your mind about trifles! Haha! This one’s great – perfect fall flavors and it’s super easy as long as you have lots of Cool Whip in the house! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Susan - ofeverymoment says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:16 am

    I love trifles of any kind. Adding this one to my collection of recipes! Glad I found it at the Wonderful Wednesday Hop!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 12, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      Oh, great! I’m so glad you have a new trifle recipe to try! Thanks so much for your comment, Susan! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Lisa | A Merry Mom says

    November 14, 2014 at 11:34 am

    Oh, yum! This looks soo good! Pinned to try it. This has two of my hubby’s favorites – pumpkin and butterscotch – so he will love it! And he might let me try a bite, too. 😉

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 14, 2014 at 4:48 pm

      Hi Lisa! That’s awesome! I’m so glad you like the recipe! Let me know if you try it. 🙂 Happy Friday!

      Reply
  8. [email protected] says

    November 16, 2014 at 3:49 am

    Girl, when a dessert looks as divine as this, who cares if the layers are even!! 😉 I wish I could dive straight into it!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 16, 2014 at 11:04 am

      Lol! Thanks so much, Jocelyn! I just had a tough morning with 2 recipe fails, and your comment totally brightened my day!! Thanks so much for your kind words! 🙂

      Reply
  9. Rachel @{i love} my disorganized life says

    November 18, 2014 at 5:18 pm

    *drool*! Featuring at this week’s Wednesday Whatsits- thanks for linking up!

    Reply
  10. Nicole from Flavors by Four says

    November 18, 2014 at 8:49 pm

    Hey Sarah! Just dropping by to let you know I’m featuring your trifle this week at the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop #100!! Come on by to check it out 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 18, 2014 at 9:44 pm

      That’s great news! Thanks so much! I really appreciate it! 🙂 I’ll see you at the party!

      Reply
  11. [email protected] says

    November 18, 2014 at 9:13 pm

    Love trifles and adding this one to my recipes! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 18, 2014 at 9:42 pm

      That’s great! So glad you like the recipe! Let me know if you try it! 🙂

      Reply
  12. [email protected] in Pyjamas says

    November 24, 2014 at 2:37 pm

    I don’t usually like trifles, this version could persuade me otherwise. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 24, 2014 at 2:57 pm

      So glad you like this one! Thanks for the party, Laura! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Raquel says

    November 26, 2014 at 12:59 pm

    This is so pretty! I love how gorgeous the layers look. Oh and I feel your pain when you run out of an ingredient. Glad you recovered quickly 🙂

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 26, 2014 at 1:33 pm

      Haha! I think we’ve all been there, right? Thanks so much, Raquel! Happy Thanksgiving!! 🙂

      Reply
  14. Clara says

    October 29, 2016 at 5:43 pm

    Hi,
    Is the amount of maple syrup and cinnamon for 12 oz. of Cool Whip or is it doubled for 24 oz. of
    Cool Whip?
    I just finished making this and it didn’t seem to me like 1/4 cup syrup and 1/2 tsp. cinnamon was enough. Also, at least for the trifle dish I used, I think 1 12 oz. tub and 1 6 oz. tub would be enough.
    It looks gorgeous and I am sure it is going to taste wonderful, since, of course, I tasted the components as I was putting it together.
    Clara

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      October 30, 2016 at 12:12 pm

      Since trifles are so tossed together, I think it probably depends on a little on the size of dish, and how big you end up making the layers! But I bet 2 of the 8 oz. container size would probably be enough. You’re right – you could easily add more cinnamon. I didn’t add more maple syrup because it just takes all the fluff out of the cool whip and makes it heavy! How did it taste??

      Reply
  15. Donna says

    January 11, 2017 at 1:05 pm

    5 stars
    Made this and it was delicious. Making it again tomorrow for different group!
    Would suggest keeping mixed ingredients refrigerated until needed to avoid
    them not being thick enough. Great recipe.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      January 17, 2017 at 9:46 pm

      I’m so glad you liked it, Donna! Thank you so much for the kind comment!!!

      Reply
  16. Amanda Haar says

    October 15, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    ? What about making night before ? Just wondering . Also as I was making all this deliciousness , I’ve decided that the filling is perfectly suitable for putting into a blind baked pie crust and use the filling as is and top it with the fancy cool whip !!!! Boom pie !

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      October 16, 2017 at 8:49 am

      Yes! You can definitely make this the night before, and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes great nice and chilled. It’ll last up to 5 days or so, but it will be best on days 1 and 2, for sure!

      Reply
    • Sarah says

      October 16, 2017 at 8:50 am

      Oh, and I LOVE the idea of this as a pie filling!!! I have to try that!

      Reply
  17. Lorissa says

    November 23, 2017 at 1:44 pm

    4 stars
    My pudding mix didn’t set up either, but I realized afterwards it’s probably coz I used cashew/almond milk. This could be the same issue others had. I’m sure you have to use proper milk. The taste of each component was amazing, so I’m definitely trying it again. I made an angel food cake & added pumpkin pie spice instead of a spice cake…delish!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 23, 2017 at 5:13 pm

      I’m sorry to hear that! I just made this again recently, but with chocolate pudding and chocolate cake, and it set up just fine. I don’t know why others have had issues. As long as it’s chilled properly, it should be fine. I’m glad you liked it regardless, and that you enjoyed the different components. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!

      Reply
  18. Kelle says

    November 5, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    Can you use fresh whipped cream instead of Cool Whip or do you think it wouldn’t be “stiff” enough? I can’t stand Cool whip 🙁

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 5, 2018 at 3:35 pm

      Yes, you can absolutely use homemade whipped cream or fresh whipped cream instead. My S.O. hates Cool Whip too!

      Reply
  19. Colette says

    November 17, 2018 at 4:22 pm

    What size box of pudding? Small or large?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 18, 2018 at 3:00 pm

      Small boxes – 3.4 oz. Thanks so much for pointing out that I need to include that more specifically. I hope you enjoy!

      Reply
  20. Sharryl says

    November 26, 2018 at 7:00 pm

    Can I freeze this?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 26, 2018 at 10:04 pm

      Hi there! I don’t think it would freeze all that well, to be honest. If you made the cake ahead of time, that would easily freeze, and then you could assemble it later… but I think the completely assembled trifle wouldn’t freeze very well! I’m sorry!

      Reply
  21. Nicole says

    December 23, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    If I wanted to omit the pumpkin is there something I should replace it with? Looks so yummy and I love the additions to the cool whip!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      December 23, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      Hmm…. I wish I had another idea or suggestion for something to substitute… I guess you could just make it a pudding trifle, leaving out the pumpkin altogether, but the pudding will be a bit runnier! Or maybe even check for a different trifle recipe altogether.. eek, I’m sorry I don’t have any better ideas! Let me know what you end up doing, and how it turns out.

      Reply
  22. Meena says

    November 8, 2019 at 1:16 pm

    Hello! I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. Do you make mix the instant pudding powder in dry with the rest of the ingredients? Or do you make the pudding first and then mix that in?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 8, 2019 at 2:00 pm

      Hey there! You mix the pudding in dry!

      Reply
      • Meena says

        November 26, 2019 at 7:16 pm

        Hi Sarah, thanks for replying!
        I just made it but my pumpkin pudding mix is basically liquid? Do I have to wait for it to set or put it in the fridge or something?

        Reply

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Hello, It’s Nice to Meet you!

I'm Sarah! A baker and dessert maker, craft addict, beauty product hoarder, and fitness enthusiast. I have a special affinity for shiny gold objects. I get distracted by glitter and sequins. If it's gleaming and lustrous, I need it. Welcome! Please stay awhile! Read More…

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