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Cozy Spiced Pear and Pumpkin Trifle Cups: Easy 15-Min Dessert

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Quick and easy no-bake dessert cups with layers of spiced pumpkin cream, cinnamon-kissed pears, and crunchy ginger snaps. Perfect for cozy nights and last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (100% pure, not pie filling)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
  • 2 large ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou), peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 cup ginger snap cookies, crushed
  • Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon, crushed pecans

Instructions

  1. Prepare the spiced pears: Peel and dice pears into 1/2-inch cubes. Heat butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add pears, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pears are soft but still hold their shape. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  2. Make the spiced pumpkin cream: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined and smooth.
  3. In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  4. Crush the ginger snaps: Place cookies in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin into coarse crumbs (mix of fine crumbs and small chunks).
  5. Assemble the trifle cups: In serving glasses or jars, layer crushed ginger snaps, spiced pumpkin cream, and cooked pears. Repeat layers 2-3 times, finishing with a dollop of pumpkin cream on top.
  6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving (optional but recommended). Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or crushed pecans if desired.

Notes

For best results, let cream cheese soften at room temperature for 30 minutes. Use cold heavy cream for whipping. Don’t overcook pears—they should be tender but still hold their shape. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and coconut cream. For gluten-free, use gluten-free ginger snaps. Trifle cups can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Keywords: trifle cups, pumpkin dessert, pear dessert, no-bake dessert, easy dessert, fall dessert, spiced pumpkin cream, ginger snap dessert

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/cozy-spiced-pear-and-pumpkin-trifle-cups-easy-15-min-dessert/