Mason Jar Pumpkin Trifle 📚 – Effortless Make-Ahead Dessert for Autumn Nights
Layer spiced pumpkin mousse, graham crumbs, and whipped coconut cream in mason jars—ready to chill overnight. A portable, make-ahead dessert that pairs perfectly with a crisp autumn night. Pin for effortless Thanksgiving prep!
This Mason Jar Pumpkin Trifle is a game-changer for holiday desserts. No baking required, no messy assembly—just layer, chill, and serve. The spiced pumpkin mousse is rich yet light, the graham crumb base adds texture, and the whipped coconut cream brings a creamy finish. Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall gatherings, or cozy autumn nights!
Imagine serving a dessert that’s prepped the night before, stored in charming mason jars, and ready to grab as you head out for a pumpkin-spiced latte. This trifle is your solution to holiday dessert chaos. It’s portable, elegant, and tastes like a bakery-quality treat.
The best part? You can customize it! Add pecans, swap coconut cream for regular whipped cream, or sprinkle cinnamon on top. It’s also vegan-friendly with the right substitutions.
Whether you’re hosting a small dinner or bringing a dessert to a potluck, these jars are a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re visually stunning—perfect for Pinterest-worthy food photography.
Let’s dive into how to make this make-ahead magic happen!
Ingredients
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup for whipped cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract for whipped cream
- Pinch of salt for whipped cream
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, cinnamon dust, edible flowers
Instructions
- Step 1: Whisk pumpkin mousse ingredients. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2: Make whipped coconut cream. Open chilled coconut milk can—discard liquid. Whip solids with maple syrup, vanilla, and salt until fluffy. If too stiff, add 1 tsp water at a time.
- Step 3: Assemble jars. Layer 1 tbsp graham crumbs in each jar. Add 1/4 cup pumpkin mousse, 1 tbsp whipped cream, and repeat. Finish with a graham crumb layer and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Step 4: Chill for 4+ hours. Store covered in fridge until ready to serve. Garnish with pecans or cinnamon just before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Effortless Make-Ahead
Chill overnight—no last-minute rush. Perfect for holidays.
💰 Affordable Ingredients
Uses pantry staples like graham crackers and coconut milk.
👥 Portable & Individual
Self-contained jars for easy serving and transport.
🌟 Customizable
Swap coconut cream for dairy, add nuts, or spice variations.
Mason Jar Pumpkin Trifle
Effortless make-ahead dessert for holidays
🛒 Ingredients
- - 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- - 1/2 cup coconut milk
- - 1/2 cup maple syrup
- - 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
👨🍳 Instructions
Whisk Mousse: Mix pumpkin, coconut milk, maple syrup, spices, and salt until smooth.
💡 Use a hand mixer for smoother texture.
Whip Coconut Cream: Scoop solids from chilled coconut milk and whip with syrup, vanilla, and salt.
💡 Chill can overnight for best results.
Layer Jars: Start with graham crumbs, add mousse, whipped cream, and repeat.
💡 Use 4-oz jars for perfect portioning.
Chill: Refrigerate 4+ hours before serving.
💡 Garnish with pecans or cinnamon just before serving.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Coconut Milk
Use full-fat for creamy texture. Light coconut milk will make mousse too runny.
Substitution: Heavy cream or Greek yogurt for non-vegan version.
Graham Crackers
Provide crunchy base. Use vegan graham crackers if needed.
Substitution: Crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies.
Maple Syrup
Adds natural sweetness. Adjust to taste.
Substitution: Honey or agave nectar.
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Essential for autumn flavor. Make your own mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger if unavailable.
Substitution: 1 tsp ground cinnamon + 1/2 tsp nutmeg + 1/4 tsp ginger.
Pro Tips for Perfect Mason Jar Pumpkin Trifle
🍂 Layering Technique
Use a spoon to press layers firmly—prevents mixing. Add a small layer of whipped cream between mousse for visual contrast.
🧊 Chilling Tips
Chill overnight for best texture. Cover jars with plastic wrap to prevent condensation.
🌱 Vegan Version
Use vegan graham crackers and coconut milk-based whipped cream. Ensure maple syrup is vegan.
🎉 Presentation
Add edible flowers like pansies or mint leaves for a festive touch. Tie jars lids with twine for a rustic look.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Pecan Version
Add chopped toasted pecans to whipped cream layer. Sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra warmth.
Chocolate Drizzle
Melt dark chocolate with a touch of coconut oil and drizzle over mousse before chilling.
Mini Jars
Use 2-oz jars for bite-sized trifle. Great for parties or appetizer platters.
Savory Twist
Replace pumpkin mousse with spiced butternut squash puree and top with herbed whipped cream.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Roasted turkey or ham (pairs perfectly with pumpkin flavors)
- Autumn salad with apple, pecans, and cranberries (serves beautifully alongside)
- Warm spiced cider or mulled wine (completes the meal)
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Try with a buttery Chardonnay or a rich dessert wine like late harvest Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble jars up to 24 hours ahead. Chill thoroughly before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store covered in fridge for up to 3 days. Best when served within 24-48 hours.
Freezer Storage
Freeze unopened jars for up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating Instructions
No reheating needed—serve chilled. If desired, gently warm jar in microwave for 10-15 seconds (not recommended for coconut cream).
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Mousse is too runny?
A: Chill for an additional hour. If still too loose, refrigerate overnight.
Q: Coconut cream won’t whip?
A: Chill can longer—coconut milk needs to solidify completely. If still too soft, add 1 tsp arrowroot powder to stabilize.
Q: Layers are mixing?
A: Press layers firmly with spoon. Add a thin layer of whipped cream between mousse to act as a barrier.
Q: How to transport safely?
A: Place jars in a padded container. Wrap in paper towels to absorb any leaks.
Final Thoughts
This Mason Jar Pumpkin Trifle is your shortcut to holiday dessert success. With zero baking, minimal effort, and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe that will become a Thanksgiving tradition. Whether you’re serving it in charming jars or mini portions, it’s sure to impress. Pair it with roasted turkey and a crisp salad for a complete autumn meal.
For best Pinterest visibility, post this dessert pin as part of a complete meal series over 5-7 days: anchor main dish (turkey) first, followed by complementary sides (mashed potatoes, salad), finishing with this trifle completion pin.
