Spider Trifle Recipe

If you’re looking for a Halloween dessert that’s both spooky and downright delicious, you’re going to love this Spider Trifle Recipe. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that looks fancy but comes together with surprisingly simple steps. Trust me, once you try this layered treat packed with pumpkin mousse and chocolate cake, you’ll want to make it every fall!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work beautifully together because they balance creamy, sweet, and spiced flavors with a chocolatey kick. When you shop, grab good-quality pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) and fresh cream cheese for the best results.

• Chocolate cake mix: Using a box mix keeps things quick, but any chocolate cake recipe works too.
• Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing and rich texture.
• Sugar: To sweeten the pumpkin mousse just right.
• Pumpkin puree: Use pure pumpkin, not pie filling, for the perfect flavor and consistency.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang to balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: A little flavor booster that brings it all together.
• Pumpkin spice: This adds the warm, cozy fall flavor to the mousse layer.
• Cool Whip: Divided — for folding into the mousse and topping the trifle.
• Oreos: Crushed; this adds a fun crunch and imitates “dirt” for the spider theme.
• Chocolate syrup: For making the spider web on top with a little artistic touch.
• Plastic spider (optional): For that spooky final detail!

Variations

I love how versatile this Spider Trifle Recipe is. You can swap or tweak ingredients to fit what you have on hand or any dietary needs—plus it makes each batch feel a little unique!

• Dairy-Free Variation: I once made it with coconut cream instead of Cool Whip and dairy-free cream cheese, and it was just as creamy and delicious.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg along with the pumpkin spice.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add some mini chocolate chips between the layers for extra chocolate goodness.
• Adult Twist: Drizzle a little coffee liqueur or bourbon in the pumpkin mousse layer for grown-up flavor.

How to Make Spider Trifle Recipe

Step 1: Bake and Crumble the Cake

Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9″x13″ baking pan. Preparing the chocolate cake mix according to the box directions is my go-to shortcut here. Bake it until a toothpick comes out clean—usually about 25 minutes. Once cooled, crumble the cake into bite-sized pieces. I like to keep these chunks a bit large to give nice texture contrast in the trifle.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pumpkin Mousse

While the cake is cooling, start the mousse. Beat together softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth—this helps avoid any lumps. Then add your pumpkin puree, sour cream, vanilla, and pumpkin spice, mixing again until silky. Finally, gently fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip to keep the mousse light and airy. Be careful not to overmix or you’ll lose that fluffiness I love about this part.

Step 3: Assemble the Trifle

Now the fun part! Start by spreading a layer of the crumbled chocolate cake in the bottom of your trifle dish, followed by a generous layer of pumpkin mousse. Sprinkle on a layer of crushed Oreos—my family’s favorite bit for the “spooky dirt” effect—and then cover with a layer of Cool Whip. Repeat these layers until your dish is full, making sure the top finishes with a smooth spread of Cool Whip.

Step 4: Create the Spider Web

Drizzle chocolate syrup in a spiral starting from the center outwards on the top of your final Cool Whip layer. Then, with a toothpick, drag lines from the center to the edges to form a spider web pattern. I discovered this technique one Halloween, and it’s such an easy way to make your trifle look professionally spooky. Pop a plastic spider right in the center for the full effect!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate your trifle for at least 2 hours—or even better, overnight. This resting time lets all the flavors meld and the mousse set perfectly. When you’re ready, scoop out big servings and watch everyone’s eyes light up. I swear, the longer it chills, the better it tastes!

How to Serve Spider Trifle Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the plastic spider on top because the chocolate syrup web looks so cool on its own. But if you want to up the wow factor, a sprinkle of crushed Oreos or a dusting of cocoa powder around the edges adds a fun touch. Fresh mint leaves can add a surprising pop of color if you want to contrast all that dark chocolate.

Side Dishes

I like to serve this Spider Trifle Recipe alongside lighter treats like fruit salad or candied nuts so the richness doesn’t feel too heavy. It’s also the perfect finish to cozy fall dinners—think roasted turkey or pork tenderloin.

Creative Ways to Present

For Halloween parties, I’ve tried layering the trifle in individual clear cups so guests can enjoy their own spooky dessert (and it’s easier to serve). Another fun idea is to add gummy worms peeking out between layers for an extra creepy crawlies effect that’s a hit with kids.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap or an airtight lid. It keeps well for 2-3 days, and honestly, the flavors seem to deepen the next day. Just give it a gentle stir if needed before serving.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite for this trifle because the texture of Cool Whip changes when thawed. If you do freeze it, try freezing the layers separately (cake and pumpkin mousse) and assemble fresh before serving for best results.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really needed. If you find it’s too firm straight from the fridge, just let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften up the mousse layers slightly.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Spider Trifle Recipe comes together—it’s festive, delicious, and a huge hit at our Halloween parties every year. The blend of creamy pumpkin mousse, chocolate cake, and crunchy Oreos makes it feel like an indulgence you can’t stop eating. I’m confident you’ll enjoy crafting and sharing this dessert as much as my family and I do. Give it a try, and trust me, it’ll be a Halloween hit in your kitchen too!

Print