Fall is here so get ready for an onslaught of pumpkin recipes. First up is a simple trifle with layers of pumpkin and vanilla pudding with a praline crumble. Oh, yes, that’s a crumble made up of granola and kicked up with crushed pralines. Of course you can skip the praline crumble, but it provides a nice balance in flavor and gives the trifle a textural break with a bit of crunch.

I have to say, I love trifles, they are simple to make and can pack a lot of flavor and texture. Along with that it’s like an open canvas for mixing and matching desserts. The only thing about trifles is I have a real hard time with not being able to create perfectly even layers. But let’s not talk about my need for perfection.

Its pumpkin season, so expect to see a few more recipes, especially since I hate to waste and I had to work through a large can of pumpkin. So up next is a pumpkin pie cookie. Trust me when I say you don’t want to miss this one if you are a cookie and/or pumpkin fan.

A few notes:

For the praline crumble I used store bought granola and crushed it to a coarse crumb and then added some praline bits to it..

To keep the praline crumble crisp, do not assemble trifle more than 2 hours in advance.

For a step-by-step tutorial with pictures to making homemade pudding click here.

You can use store bought stir and serve vanilla pudding mixture then add ¾ cups of pumpkin pie filling to the pudding. But it doesn’t taste nearly as good. I found it overly sweet, but if you aren’t doing a head-to-head taste test like I did, you may not feel the same way about homemade pudding vs box pudding.

Pumpkin Praline Trifle

Instructions:



Pumpkin Pudding:

1/3 cup cornstarch

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/8 teaspoon cloves

Pinch of salt

3 cups cold whole milk

3/4 cups pumpkin pie filling

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Vanilla Pudding:

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch

½ cup granulated sugar

Pinch of salt

3 cups cold whole milk

2 tablespoon vanilla extract

Praline Crumble:

1/2 cups toffee bits

1/2 cups granola

Instructions:

Pumpkin Pudding:

Combine cornstarch, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt and milk in a blender or food processor and pulse until well blended. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously. Transfer mixture to a heat proof bowl and place over (not on) simmering water for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pudding is ready when mixture coats the back of the spoon. Add pumpkin pie and stir to combine. Add vanilla and stir to combine.

Vanilla Pudding:

Combine cornstarch, sugar, salt and milk in a blender or food processor and pulse until well blended. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously. Transfer mixture to a heat proof bowl and place over (not on) simmering water for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pudding is ready when mixture coats the back of the spoon. Add vanilla and stir to combine.

Praline Crumble:

Place toffee bits and granola in a bowl and mix to combine.

Assembly: