Easy Pecan Pie Trifle Recipe for Holiday Dessert
Introduction
Looking for an unforgettable holiday dessert that’s impressive, simple to assemble, and utterly delicious? This Easy Pecan Pie Trifle combines all the classic, beloved flavors of pecan pie with the creamy goodness of vanilla pudding and fluffy whipped cream. It’s a layered dessert that delivers visual wow-factor and a rich, buttery crunch in every spoonful—perfect for festive gatherings when you want to please a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why This Pecan Pie Trifle Stands Out
Trifles are the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor, but this one goes a step further by bringing together caramelized pecans, soft cubes of pound cake, and a silky pudding base that captures all the appeal of pecan pie in a no-fuss format. Every bite features a little bit of everything—crunchy nuts, tender cake, a hit of caramel, and smooth cream. The best part? You can make it ahead, and there’s no pastry rolling required!
Building the Perfect Pecan Pie Trifle Layers
For the best flavor and texture, use store-bought or homemade pound cake—cubed to soak up all the decadent layers. The pecan filling can be made quickly on the stovetop, combining brown sugar, butter, and chopped pecans for a sticky-sweet crunch reminiscent of classic pecan pie. Whipped cream and vanilla pudding add moisture and creaminess, balancing the richness beautifully.
Simple Assembly for a Showstopping Dessert
Layer the ingredients in a large glass trifle dish or in individual cups for a modern presentation. Begin with pound cake cubes, top with pecan pie filling, pour over creamy vanilla pudding, and finish with whipped cream. Repeat the layers until your dish is filled, garnish with whole or chopped pecans, and a final drizzle of caramel for that irresistible finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Crowd
This trifle shines as a centerpiece—just grab a big serving spoon and let guests help themselves. For a festive flourish, add a dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg, and serve with hot coffee or cider. Its rich flavors and creamy textures make it a universal hit, whether as a finale to a Thanksgiving feast or a sweet holiday party treat.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 10–12 generous servings. Each serving typically contains about 350–400 calories, depending on your choice of pound cake and toppings. With its layered indulgence, a little goes a long way—perfect for satisfying a holiday sweet tooth!
Pecan Pie Trifle Recap
This easy pecan pie trifle recipe embraces everything you love about the iconic holiday pie, but with the added appeal of creamy, fluffy textures and simple, no-bake prep. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that saves you time and delivers on festive flavor.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient holiday shopping and streamlined meal planning.
Instructions
- Start by preparing the pecan pie filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened. Stir in pecans and vanilla extract, remove from heat, and let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the vanilla pudding: In a bowl, whisk the pudding mix and cold milk together for about 2 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes until thickened.
- Whip the cream (if not using prepared whipped topping) until soft peaks form.
- Begin assembling your trifle: Layer 1/3 of the pound cake cubes in the bottom of a trifle dish. Spoon 1/3 of the pecan filling over the cake. Top with 1/3 of the vanilla pudding and 1/3 of the whipped cream. Repeat for 2 more layers, finishing with whipped cream.
- Garnish with the reserved pecans and a drizzle of caramel sauce if desired. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra festive touch.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (up to overnight) before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Weekly Meal Planning
This trifle is fantastic for make-ahead holiday meal planning. Save and schedule this recipe in your weekly meal plan to automatically generate a smart shopping list and optimize your holiday meal prep.
Planning Benefits:
- Aggregates ingredients across your planned holiday menu
- Sorts ingredients by grocery store aisle for faster shopping
- Avoids missing or duplicate purchases
- Keeps holiday menu and prep stress-free
Pro tip: When prepping a week of holiday meals, schedule your desserts and mains together to consolidate common ingredients—like butter or cream—saving you money and reducing waste!
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for pecan filling)
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
