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This viral Pecan Pie Trifle is a semi-homemade, incredibly delicious layered dessert that you can throw together in minutes using just six ingredients. The rich layers of bourbon whipped cream, paired with a delicious deconstructed store-bought pecan pie, guarantee a crowd-pleasing treat you’ll be proud to serve.
Viral Pecan Pie Trifle
You may have seen this viral semi-homemade dessert recipe floating around social media lately and it’s popular for good reason. Not only is it easy, but it’s absolutely delicious. There is a lot of texture from the sweet and chewy pecan filling, flaky and buttery pie crust, combined with whipped cream.
In my version, we are adding bourbon to the whipped cream which totally elevates this recipe and tastes like something you’d get from the Cheesecake Factory.
There are few things better than a stress-free dessert to bring to Thanksgiving. Easy solutions that can save you time and still bring a dish everyone will rave about long after you leave are ones worth keeping for years to come.
And I don’t know about you, but the busier and crazier life gets, time doesn’t always allow me hours to dedicate to one dish when I’m invited to a Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving gathering. There are also many other dishes to cook, such as Cajun Turkey, Scalloped Potatoes, Corn Casserole, or Macaroni and Cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need six ingredients in for this easy viral dessert recipe! Be sure to review the recipe card below for measurements.
Pecan Pie – yes, you heard that right, two pre-made pecan pies from the bakery or frozen section of the supermarket.
Heavy Whipping Cream – the main ingredient for our homemade whipped cream.
Mascarpone – this ingredient adds stability to the whipped cream, allowing it to withstand being left in the fridge for a few days without deflating. Additionally, it adds a creamier texture to the whipped cream, reminiscent of cheesecake.
Vanilla Extract – this adds
Powdered Sugar – just enough for a bit of sweetness without making it overly sweet.
Bourbon – truly the star of this recipe! We spike the whipped cream with bourbon, and it’s super delicious.
How to Make Pecan Pie Trifle
Start by preparing the whipped cream in a large mixing bowl. Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, bourbon, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer to blend until it forms stiff peaks. Set aside.
Remove the first pie from the disposable pie pan and dice it into 1-2 inch squares. Arrange them at the bottom of a 10-inch glass trifle dish.
Add half the whipped cream on top, smoothing it into an even layer. Repeat with the second pie, adding it on top of the whipped cream and finishing off with the remaining whipped cream.
Optionally, you can top with chopped pecans and chocolate shavings. Cover and refrigerate up to three days. It continues to improve as it sits in the fridge.
What’s the Correct Way to Layer a Trifle?
Once you have the whipped cream ready and the prepared pecan pies chopped up, it is time to assemble the pecan pie trifle. You may be wondering if there is a proper way to layer this dessert, and while you can’t go wrong with the taste, aesthetically this is best:
- Pecan pie
- Whipped cream
- Repeat
- If desired, topping it off with chopped pecans and shaved chocolate gives this dessert a beautiful appearance (and we all eat with our eyes first)
The Least Messy Way to Chop Pecan Pie
You may wonder how to slice this pecan pie for the viral trifle recipe without it turning into a sloppy mess. There are a few quick tips I found while making this dessert.
Cut the pie while it’s frozen or partially frozen. If you cut the pie from a super cold state rather than at room temperature, it will be much easier to get clean lines from the pie pieces.
I also use food handling gloves since pecan pie filling is sticky. So, to keep things sanitary, I find using gloves is best when preparing this trifle.
The Best Trifle Dishes
This pecan pie trifle is a deconstructed Thanksgiving dessert that feeds a crowd more easily than slicing up a pie! But choosing the correct trifle dish can be helpful. Here are my favorite recommendations:
Glass Trifle Bowl with a Lid – this one is perfect for transporting it since it already comes with a lid and you don’t have to fuss with plastic wrap.
Elegant Footed Glass Trifle Bowl – although this bowl doesn’t have a lid, it makes up for it in elegance. The footed stand makes this pecan pie a showstopper.
Looking for More Thanksgiving Recipes?
Scalloped Potatoes
Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese
Cheesy Jiffy Cornbread
Honey Butter Cornbread
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
The Best Mashed Potatoes
I hope you enjoy this viral recipe for Pecan Pie Trifle. Be sure to comment below with any questions or feedback!
If you make these or any other recipes, don’t forget to tag me on IG @BadBatchBaking to be featured on my story. Seeing your recreations makes my day!
Pecan Pie Trifle
Ingredients
- (2) 9" prepared pecan pies frozen or fresh from the bakery
- 3 cups heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces mascarpone or whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons bourbon depending on how pronounced you prefer
- 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
- optional: chopped pecans and/or chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Start by preparing the whipped cream in a large mixing bowl. Add the heavy cream, mascarpone (or whipped cream cheese), vanilla extract, bourbon, and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer to blend until it forms stiff peaks. Set aside.
- Remove the first pie from the disposable pie pan and dice it into 1-2 inch squares. Arrange them at the bottom of a 10-inch glass trifle dish.
- Add half the whipped cream on top, smoothing it into an even layer. Repeat with the second pie, adding it on top of the whipped cream and finishing off with the remaining whipped cream.
- Optionally, you can top with chopped pecans and chocolate shavings. Cover and refrigerate up to three days. It continues to improve as it sits in the fridge.
