Apples N Spice Cake Trifle Recipe

This decadent Apples N' Spice Cake Trifle is the perfect show-stopping dessert for your fall gatherings! Imagine layers of moist spice cake, creamy cinnamon-apple filling, and fluffy whipped pudding, all nestled in a beautiful trifle bowl. This surprisingly easy recipe uses convenient canned, boxed, and cartoned ingredients, making it perfect for even the busiest cooks. Inspired by a Taste of Home Magazine recipe (October/November 1999), this trifle is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser – even impressing the most discerning in-laws! Prep time is just one hour (excluding chilling).

Prep Time 60 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 337 kcal
Protein 9g
Rating 4.8 (11 Reviews)
Apples N Spice Cake Trifle

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Apples N Spice Cake Trifle

  • Spice Cake Mix
  • Cinnamon Applesauce
  • 2 large eggs
  • Vegetable Oil
  • 21 oz can apple pie filling
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • Ground Cinnamon
  • 2 cups milk
  • Vanilla Pudding Mix
  • Whipped Dessert Topping Mix
  • Whipped Topping
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • Toffee Pieces

How to Make Apples N Spice Cake Trifle

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, applesauce, eggs, and oil.
  3. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour batter into a greased 13x9 inch baking pan. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  5. Let the cake cool completely.
  6. While the cake is baking, in a medium saucepan, combine apple pie filling, butter, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter is melted and the mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and let cool.
  7. In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, pudding mix, whipped topping, and ½ tsp cinnamon.
  8. Beat on high speed until thick and fluffy (about 5 minutes). Let stand for 5 minutes to allow it to set further.
  9. Layer 1/3 of the cooled apple filling in the bottom of a trifle bowl.
  10. Cut the cooled cake into cubes and place half of the cubes over the apple filling.
  11. Top with half of the whipped pudding mixture and sprinkle with ¼ cup of the walnuts.
  12. Repeat layers: remaining apple filling, remaining cake cubes, remaining whipped pudding mixture, and remaining ¼ cup walnuts.
  13. Top with the chopped candy bar (if using).
  14. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to blend.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

12 g

Sugar

101g

Fat

30g

Carbs

14g