Description
This spooky and delicious Spider Trifle combines layers of rich chocolate cake, creamy pumpkin mousse, crushed Oreos, and whipped topping, all adorned with a chocolate spider web perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion. Easy to assemble and great for a crowd, this trifle offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Cake Layer
- 1 box chocolate cake mix, plus ingredients called for on box
Pumpkin Mousse
- 12 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. pumpkin spice
- 2 cups Cool Whip, for folding
Assembly & Topping
- 4 cups Cool Whip, divided (2 cups folded into mousse, 2 cups for layers and topping)
- 1 package Oreos, crushed
- Chocolate syrup, for decorating
- Plastic spider, optional for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9″ x 13″ baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Bake Chocolate Cake: Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to the package instructions. Pour into the prepared pan and bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Pumpkin Mousse: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Add in the pumpkin puree, sour cream, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice, then beat again until fully combined and smooth. Gently fold in 2 cups of Cool Whip to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Assemble the Trifle: In your trifle dish, start with a layer of crumbled chocolate cake. Spoon over a layer of the pumpkin mousse mixture, followed by a layer of crushed Oreos, and then a layer of Cool Whip. Repeat these layers until the dish is full, finishing with a layer of Cool Whip on top.
- Create the Spider Web Decoration: Drizzle chocolate syrup in a spiral pattern starting from the center and moving outward on top of the final Cool Whip layer. Use a toothpick to drag lines from the center to the edges to form a spider web design. Place a plastic spider in the center to complete the look if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the trifle for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the dessert to set. Serve chilled and enjoy this festive treat!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth mousse without lumps.
- Use fresh pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor.
- Chocolate syrup can be warmed slightly to make it easier to drizzle if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free chocolate cake mix and gluten-free Oreos or substitute with gluten-free cookies.
- The trifle can be assembled a day ahead; just cover tightly and refrigerate.
- Adjust pumpkin spice to your preference or substitute with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10 of trifle)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 31g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
