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Halloween Pumpkin Trifle

This Halloween-inspired layered dessert combines soft sponge cake, creamy pumpkin mousse, and festive toppings for a playful treat. The dish features alternating layers of moist cake and smooth pumpkin filling, topped with fun spooky decorations for a seasonal presentation. Its final appearance is colorful, textured, and inviting, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup pumpkin puree canned or homemade
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream chilled
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sponge cake cubed into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/4 cup caramel or honey for drizzling
  • optional festive toppings gummy worms, chocolate eyeballs, candied ginger, orange zest

Equipment

  • Large glass trifle dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Method
 

  1. Start by preparing your pumpkin mousse: in a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree with cinnamon and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and fragrant.
  2. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes fluffy and airy.
  3. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture using a rubber spatula, combining carefully until smooth and well incorporated. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to set.
  4. Prepare your sponge cake: cut it into small, uniform cubes to ensure even layers and easy layering.
  5. Begin assembling the trifle: in your glass dish, layer a handful of cake cubes evenly across the bottom.
  6. Spoon a generous layer of pumpkin mousse over the cake, spreading gently with a spatula to create an even surface.
  7. Drizzle a small amount of caramel or honey over the mousse for added sweetness and shine.
  8. Repeat the layers: add more cake cubes, followed by mousse, and a drizzle of caramel, until your dish is filled, finishing with a layer of mousse on top.
  9. Cover the assembled trifle and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing flavors to meld and textures to set.
  10. Just before serving, decorate the top with festive toppings like gummy worms, chocolate eyeballs, candied ginger, or orange zest for a spooky touch.
  11. Slice into the layered dessert and enjoy the vibrant, textured flavors that blend softness, creaminess, and fun decorations!

Notes

Ensure each layer is even for a balanced bite. Chill the mousse thoroughly before assembling to keep layers stable. Watch caramel closely during cooking to prevent burning. Let the assembled trifle rest in the fridge for best flavor melding.