Caramel Pumpkin Spice Trifle

As I made this the other day for a dinner

party, the house was filled with the most

delicious fall baking smells.  It is not

only beautiful, but absolutely delicious,

with the flavors that remind you of fall

and Thanksgiving.

This is the perfect dessert for your Thanksgiving

buffet.

Layers of pumpkin spice cake with easy microwave

homemade caramel sauce, and a creamy filling is

topped with whipped cream and toffee bits.  What 

is not to love?  

My taste buds have always leaned away from

pumpkin pie, even as a little girl, I would ask

my mom to make something else.  I love pumpkin

in things, just not pumpkin pie, so this is a perfect

dessert for me.

The microwave caramel sauce is a step

you don't want to skimp on.  This goes together

so quickly and really makes the dessert.

We served extra caramel on the side,

and of course everyone added additional

sauce.

Caramel Pumpkin Spice Trifle Recipe

1 box Spice Cake Mix

3/4 C. pumpkin puree

Make the cake according to the box

directions, adding in the pumpkin.  Bake in

a 9x13 inch pan until it springs back, about 25-30

minutes.  Let cool.

Meanwhile make caramel sauce.

1 C. melted butter

1 C. white corn syrup

1 can sweetened condensed milk

2 C. brown sugar

Mix everything in a microwave

safe bowl and microwave on high 

for one minute.  Remove bowl and

stir well.  Microwave one additional

minute and stir again.  Repeat this

for a third time and the caramel should

be ready.  Let cool.

Prepare creamy filling layer.

1 can sweetened condensed milk,

3 T. lemon juice

8 oz. Cool Whip

Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk

and the lemon juice.  It will begin to thicken

up.  Fold in the cool whip.

In a trifle bowl, or individual serving

dishes, begin by layering 1/3 of the

cake.  Crumble it and then top with

about 1/2 C. homemade caramel

sauce.  Gently spoon on 1/2 of the

creamy filling.  Repeat and end with cake

and caramel sauce.  Top with 2 C. sweetened

whip cream or 8 oz. Cool Whip.

Sprinkle 1/2 C. Heath Bits on top.

Cover and place in refrigerator for

several hours or overnight to firm up

and let flavors blend.

Serve with additional caramel sauce on the side.