
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
