Mini Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles: Cozy Fall Recipe

Autumn’s crisp breeze brings sweet whispers of indulgence with these mini caramel pecan pumpkin cheesecake trifles that effortlessly blend seasonal comfort and decadent charm.

Layers of creamy pumpkin goodness dance alongside rich caramel notes, creating a dessert that captures fall essence perfectly.

Delicate pecans add a delightful crunch, transforming each spoonful into a symphony of textures and flavors.

Elegantly presented in individual portions, these trifles promise to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Warm spices weave through each layer, evoking memories of cozy kitchen moments.

Prepare to be enchanted by this irresistible dessert that celebrates the magic of autumn’s most beloved ingredients.

These mini masterpieces will make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

Why Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles Wow

• Discover the Magic of Mini Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles
• Create stunning individual desserts that look like they came from a gourmet bakery, with beautiful alternating textures and rich flavors that will wow your guests.
• Prepare components ahead of time, making assembly quick and simple for busy hosts who want to serve a spectacular dessert without last-minute stress.
• Blend the warm, comforting tastes of pumpkin, caramel, and toasted pecans into a single bite that celebrates the essence of autumn's most beloved ingredients.
• Offer individual servings that are both elegant and convenient, allowing guests to enjoy a delectable dessert without the need for complicated cutting or plating.

Cheesecake Trifle Ingredient Highlights

• Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the pumpkin cake.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Cinnamon, Pumpkin Pie Spice: Warm spices that give the cake its classic fall flavor.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.
• Pumpkin: Provides moisture and a rich autumnal taste.
• Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help with the cake's binding.

• Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the creamy base of the filling.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake mixture.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Adds richness and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
• Vanilla: Provides a classic, sweet flavor to the filling.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Whipping Cream: Key ingredients for creating a rich, smooth caramel sauce.
• Vanilla: Enhances the caramel's flavor.
• Pecans: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty taste to the trifle.

Tools for Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles

• 9×9 inch cake pan: Essential for baking the pumpkin cake evenly.
• 2-quart pot: Perfect for creating smooth, rich caramel sauce.
• Baking sheet: Used for toasting pecans to enhance their flavor.
• Large mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients, another for wet ingredients.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese, whipping cream, and cake batter.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient quantities.
• Piping bag: Makes layering cheesecake filling neat and easy.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness.
• Cutting board and knife: For cutting cake into bite-sized cubes.
• Serving dishes: Needed for assembling individual trifles.

Steps for Pumpkin Trifle Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Pumpkin Cake

Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×9 inch cake pan.

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Pumpkin pie spice

• Sugar
• Pumpkin puree
• Vegetable oil
• Milk
• Eggs

Blend the wet and dry ingredients until smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick.

Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut into small, bite-sized cubes.

Step 2: Create Caramel Sauce

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Whipping cream

Heat over medium temperature, stirring occasionally.

Once the mixture boils, cook for one minute.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Let the sauce cool slightly before transferring to a storage container.

Step 3: Toast Pecans

Spread pecans on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for 7 minutes.

Allow them to cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.

Gradually add heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract.

Continue beating until stiff peaks form.

Transfer the mixture to a piping bag for easy assembly.

Step 5: Assemble Trifles

Begin by drizzling a teaspoon of caramel sauce at the bottom of each serving dish.

• Cubed pumpkin cake
• Cheesecake filling
• Toasted pecan pieces
• Caramel drizzle

Repeat the layers, finishing with a final caramel drizzle and a few whole pecan halves on top.

Serve immediately or refrigerate overnight.

Add the final caramel and pecan garnish just before serving.

Trifle Pro Tips and Tricks

• Spread nuts evenly on a baking sheet and watch closely while roasting to enhance their rich, nutty flavor without burning.
• Allow pumpkin cake to cool completely before cubing to maintain structural integrity and prevent moisture buildup in trifles.
• Chill mixing bowl and beaters beforehand for faster, more stable whipped cream with beautiful stiff peaks.
• Stir constantly while cooking to prevent burning and achieve smooth, glossy caramel with deep golden color.
• Prepare individual components separately and assemble just before serving to keep layers distinct and textures crisp.

Creative Pumpkin Trifle Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for safe consumption.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap dairy ingredients with coconut cream, tofu cream cheese, and plant-based milk. Use maple syrup instead of caramel and replace eggs with flax eggs.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Remove pecans completely and replace with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Use seed brittle as a crunchy topping for texture contrast.

Pumpkin Trifle Serving Ideas

• Rustic Autumn Gathering: Serve these mini trifles on a wooden board with scattered autumn leaves and cinnamon sticks for a cozy farmhouse feel.
• Dessert Wine Pairing: Complement the sweet caramel and pumpkin flavors with a glass of late harvest Riesling or moscato, enhancing the dessert's richness.
• Holiday Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning display by arranging trifles on tiered cake stands, garnishing with extra whole pecans and small edible flowers for elegant presentation.
• Brunch Dessert Twist: Offer these mini trifles as a decadent finale to a weekend brunch, allowing guests to enjoy individual portions of this delightful fall-inspired treat.

Pumpkin Trifle Storage Advice

• Seal trifles in airtight containers, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days. Place plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent air exposure and potential flavor absorption.
• Carefully pack individual trifles in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing freezer burn.
• Thaw refrigerated trifles in the fridge for 2-3 hours before serving. Gently warm at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to restore optimal texture and flavor.
• Always add fresh caramel drizzle and crisp pecan pieces just before enjoying to maintain the delightful crunch and visual appeal of the dessert.

FAQs

• Are the ingredients hard to find?

Most ingredients are common pantry staples like flour, sugar, cream cheese, and pumpkin puree. You can find pecans and whipping cream easily at any grocery store. The only slightly unique ingredient is pumpkin pie spice, which can be made at home or purchased pre-mixed.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The recipe’s structure will remain the same, and the taste should be very similar to the original version.

• How difficult is this recipe for a beginner baker?

This recipe is moderately easy. While it involves multiple steps like making cake, caramel sauce, and cheesecake filling, each component is straightforward. The layering process is simple and doesn’t require advanced baking skills.

Mini Caramel Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifles – Perfect for Fall Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Seasonal mini caramel pecan pumpkin cheesecake trifles blend rich autumn flavors in elegant layered desserts. Creamy pumpkin cheesecake, caramel drizzle, and toasted pecans create a delightful finale you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 (15 ounces) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 3 eggs
• 4 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 (8 ounces) block cream cheese

Nuts:

• 3/4 cup pecan pieces
• 16 pecan halves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pumpkin cake by combining dry ingredients like flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice in a mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, pumpkin, oil, milk, and eggs until smooth.
2. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until fully incorporated. Pour batter into a greased 9×9 inch pan and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
3. Allow cake to cool completely, then slice into small, uniform bite-sized cubes for layering.
4. Create caramel sauce by melting butter, brown sugar, and whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until mixture reaches a boil, then cook for one additional minute.
5. Remove caramel from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and let cool slightly before transferring to a storage container.
6. Toast pecans on a baking sheet at 350°F for approximately 7 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. Allow nuts to cool and become crisp.
7. Prepare cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese and sugar until silky. Incorporate heavy whipping cream and vanilla, whipping until stiff peaks form.
8. Begin assembling trifles by placing a teaspoon of caramel sauce at the bottom of each serving dish.
9. Layer ingredients carefully: start with pumpkin cake cubes, then add cheesecake filling, sprinkle pecan pieces, and drizzle additional caramel.
10. Repeat layering process, finishing with a decorative caramel drizzle and a few whole pecan halves on top.
11. Serve immediately or refrigerate without final caramel and pecan garnish. Add toppings just before presenting to maintain texture and freshness.

Notes

• Customize cake texture by adjusting flour blend for gluten-free needs, using almond or coconut flour alternatives.
• Enhance flavor complexity by toasting pecans longer, which deepens their nutty richness and creates a more intense caramelized profile.
• Control sweetness levels by reducing brown sugar in caramel sauce or substituting with honey or maple syrup for a more subtle, natural sweetness.
• Make preparation easier by preparing components ahead of time: cake can be baked 2-3 days early, caramel sauce keeps refrigerated for a week, and cheesecake filling stays fresh for 48 hours.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 36 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg