Dairy Free Pumpkin Trifle (Gluten Free)
Indulge in the luscious layers of this Dairy Free Pumpkin Trifle, a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of autumn without any dairy or gluten. This no-bake treat features a creamy, spiced pumpkin 'cheesecake' filling, delicate gluten-free cookie crumbs, and a light, airy dairy-free whipped topping. It's an elegant, easy-to-make dessert that's perfect for any occasion, especially when catering to dietary sensitivities.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Indulgently creamy and perfectly spiced, offering a classic pumpkin flavor without any dairy.
- Effortlessly gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for those with sensitivities.
- A fantastic no-bake dessert that comes together quickly in just 20 minutes of prep time.
- Versatile for serving, from elegant individual glasses to party-ready shooter portions.
- Captures the cozy essence of autumn in a refreshing, chilled dessert.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (7 ounces) dairy-free cream cheese, softened (e.g., Violife brand)
- 60 grams (1/2 cup) powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- 80 grams (1/4 cup + 2 Tablespoons) canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 5 ml (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) pumpkin pie spice
- 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
- Pinch (dash) of fine sea salt
- 115 grams (1/2 cup or 4 ounces) dairy-free whipped topping (e.g., So Delicious Cocowhip)
- 80 grams (5 sheets) gluten-free graham crackers, finely crushed (or allergy-friendly gingerbread cookies)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, begin by beating the softened dairy-free cream cheese using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Continue to beat until the cream cheese is wonderfully smooth and light; this vital step ensures a lump-free, creamy texture for your pumpkin filling.
- To the softened cream cheese, add the powdered sugar, canned pumpkin puree, pure vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and a subtle dash of fine sea salt. Beat all these ingredients together on a medium speed until the mixture is entirely smooth, airy, and beautifully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Prepare your serving vessels. You can use two larger glasses for generous portions (which can be shared) or four smaller individual glass dishes. Create the first layer by evenly distributing a portion of the crushed gluten-free cookies at the bottom of each glass. Press them down gently to form a compact base.
- Carefully spoon or, for a neater presentation, pipe a layer of the prepared pumpkin cheesecake mixture over the cookie crumbs. Follow this with a generous dollop of dairy-free whipped topping. Repeat these layering steps, alternating between cookie crumbs, pumpkin mixture, and whipped topping, until each glass is nearly full.
- Ensure the uppermost layer of each trifle is dairy-free whipped topping. For an appealing finish and an extra touch of texture, sprinkle the remaining crushed cookie crumbs over the whipped topping on each dessert.
- These trifles are best when served immediately, allowing you to enjoy the fresh textures and vibrant flavors. Alternatively, they can be made a few hours in advance; simply cover each glass loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you are ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Keep in mind that the two larger glasses yield quite a rich dessert, often shared comfortably between four people. For individual portions, it's recommended to divide the ingredients into four smaller glasses, creating perfectly sized single servings.
- Should you wish to create miniature desserts for a party or special event, layer the trifle mixture into elegant shooter glasses. Using a piping bag fitted with a wide round tip will significantly simplify the process of dispensing the pumpkin cheesecake mixture into these smaller vessels, ensuring a clean and professional appearance.
- For optimal texture and flavor, bring the trifles out of the refrigerator about 10-15 minutes before serving, allowing them to slightly warm up and the flavors to become more pronounced.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer (or stand mixer with paddle attachment)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two to four small serving glasses or dishes
- Optional: Piping bag and wide round tip
Essential Success Tips
- Always ensure your dairy-free cream cheese is at room temperature before you start beating it; this prevents lumps and ensures the smoothest, most homogenous filling.
- Double-check that you are using pure canned pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added spices and sweeteners that can alter the dish's balance.
- When layering, gently press down the cookie crumbs at the bottom of the glass; this creates a stable foundation and prevents them from floating up into the creamy layers.
- For the cleanest layers, especially in smaller glasses, use a piping bag to dispense the pumpkin cheesecake mixture. This provides precision and minimizes mess.
- Allowing the trifle to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving not only helps the layers set but also gives the flavors a chance to meld and deepen beautifully.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To elevate the texture and flavor of your gluten-free graham crackers, lightly toast the crushed crumbs in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. This adds a delightful nuttiness.
- For an extra layer of gourmet flavor, consider stirring 1/4 teaspoon of finely grated orange zest into your dairy-free whipped topping before layering. The citrus brightens the pumpkin spice notes.
- If you desire a truly homemade touch, prepare your own whipped topping from a can of full-fat coconut cream that has been chilled overnight. Scoop out the thick cream, leaving the liquid behind, and whip it with a touch of powdered sugar and vanilla until fluffy.
Notes
- The trifles are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored covered in the refrigerator. While the cookie crumbs will soften over time, the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
- For a delightful seasonal twist, consider using allergy-friendly ginger snaps or Biscoff-style cookies (if gluten-free) instead of graham crackers, especially around the holidays.
- This recipe is highly adaptable. Feel free to scale the quantities up or down to suit your needs, maintaining the ingredient ratios for consistent delicious results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dairy-free pumpkin trifle ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! This trifle can be made a few hours in advance, or even the day before. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to deepen and the layers to set nicely. It's best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
What if I can't find specific brands of dairy-free cream cheese or whipped topping?
Many grocery stores now offer a variety of excellent dairy-free alternatives. Look for plant-based cream cheeses made from almonds, cashews, or soy, and whipped toppings based on coconut or oats. Always check product labels to ensure they are specifically labeled 'dairy-free' or 'vegan' and meet your allergy requirements.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?
While canned pumpkin puree is incredibly convenient and provides a consistent texture, you can certainly use fresh roasted and pureed pumpkin. Just ensure your fresh pumpkin is cooked until very tender, then pureed until completely smooth, and strained of any excess liquid to prevent the filling from becoming watery.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Approximate per serving (based on 4 servings): Calories: 320, Total Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 0mg, Sodium: 200mg, Total Carbohydrates: 30g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 18g, Protein: 2g.
Allergy Information
This dish is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, provided all chosen ingredients meet these specifications. It contains coconut (from the whipped topping) and may contain soy (depending on the dairy-free cream cheese brand). Always ensure all ingredients, especially graham crackers and dairy-free alternatives, are certified gluten-free and check individual product labels for specific allergen information to avoid cross-contamination.
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