Description
This carrot cake trifle is a delicious and elegant layered dessert featuring moist carrot cake, creamy cheesecake pudding, and luscious whipped cream. Whether you’re looking for a carrot cake trifle with cream cheese, a carrot cake trifle with pudding, or an Easter carrot cake trifle, this easy recipe is perfect for holidays and special occasions. Inspired by Pioneer Woman’s carrot cake trifle, this version is simple to make and full of warm, spiced flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Carrot Cake Layer:
- 1 box carrot cake mix (or homemade 9 carrot cake recipe)
- Ingredients required for the cake mix (eggs, oil, water)
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (carrot cake trifle with pineapple)
Cream Cheese Pudding Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 box (3.4 oz) cheesecake pudding mix (carrot cake trifle with cheesecake pudding)
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream Layer:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Toppings (Optional):
- Caramel drizzle (carrot cake trifle with caramel)
- Toasted pecans or walnuts
- Crushed ginger cookies
- Shredded coconut
Instructions
1. Bake the Carrot Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the carrot cake batter according to the package or use a 6 carrot cake recipe.
- Fold in the crushed pineapple for added moisture.
- Bake as directed, then let cool completely before crumbling.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Pudding:
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add the pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until thick and creamy.
3. Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
4. Assemble the Trifle:
- In a trifle bowl or carrot cake trifle cups, layer as follows:
- A layer of crumbled carrot cake.
- A layer of cream cheese pudding.
- A layer of whipped cream.
- Repeat layers until the bowl is full, finishing with whipped cream.
5. Garnish & Chill:
- Drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with nuts, crushed cookies, or shredded coconut.
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- For an easy carrot cake trifle, use store-bought carrot cake.
- Substitute cheesecake pudding with vanilla or butterscotch pudding for a twist.
- Try adding a layer of carrot cake trifle with jelly for extra flavor.
- Use individual carrot cake trifle cups for a cute, personal-sized dessert.
- Looking for a lighter version? Try a carrot cake for weight loss recipe with Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- chill time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Easter, American
