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Halloween Spooky Trifle

This layered Halloween trifle combines moist chocolate cake, pumpkin-spiced mascarpone pudding, and crunchy ginger cookies for a messy, bold dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat. Its chaotic layers of sweet, spicy, and smoky flavors create a striking centerpiece perfect for any spooky gathering. The final dish boasts a creamy, textured appearance with contrasting crunchy toppings and glossy drizzles.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Chocolate cake mix for baking the cake
  • 1 cup Pumpkin purée earthy, slightly sweet
  • 1 cup Mascarpone cheese smooth, tangy
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon adds warmth
  • 2 tablespoons Caramel sauce for layering
  • 1 packet Ginger cookies crushed for topping
  • 100g dark chocolate Dark chocolate shimmering topping

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula
  • 20cm (8-inch) square pan
  • Sharp knife
  • Trifle dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare the chocolate cake batter according to package instructions and pour into a greased 20cm (8-inch) square pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely, then cut into spooky shapes like bats or ghosts for visual fun.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mascarpone cheese, pumpkin purée, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined. This creates a creamy, spiced pumpkin pudding with a rich aroma.
  3. Spread a thin layer of caramel sauce at the bottom of your trifle dish, then add a layer of cake shapes on top. Drizzle with a little more caramel for extra sweetness and sticky texture.
  4. Spread a generous layer of the pumpkin-spiced mascarpone pudding over the cake. Repeat the layers—cake, caramel, pudding—until you've used all your ingredients, ending with a pudding layer on top.
  5. Cover the assembled trifle and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and layers to set.
  6. Just before serving, crush the ginger cookies and sprinkle generously over the top for crunch. Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle it over the dessert in a glossy, spooky pattern.
  7. Serve your Halloween spook-trifle with a spooky grin and enjoy the chaotic, flavorful layers that dance on your palate!

Notes

Ensure the cake is completely cooled before cutting into shapes to prevent crumbling. Chill the assembled trifle long enough for the layers to set properly. Feel free to adjust spices to your taste for a more or less spicy kick.