Preheat oven to 325F°. Line an 8x8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper. Allow at least two edges of overhang on the sides for easy grabbing later. In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add flour, water and molasses. Mix well, scraping sides as needed and prior to each new addition. Add egg, baking soda and spices. Mix just until combined. Pour batter into prepared baking pan.
Bake for 25-35 minutes. Test for doneness with a toothpick. When it comes out clean or only has a crumb or two clinging to it, the cake is done. Cool prior to removing from pan at least 30 minutes to an hour, more time is always acceptable.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat milk, egg yolks, sugar and gelatin. Stir constantly. Heat until sugar and gelatin dissolve and bubbles form.
Remove from heat, and transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in pumpkin, vanilla and spices. Cool 20 minutes in the fridge.
Fold cool whip into pumpkin mix. Cover with plastic wrap pressed against pumpkin mousse. Chill 5 hours or more.
When the mousse has thickened and chilled sufficiently you can begin making the trifle or trifles if you are opting for smaller individual portions. With the small trifle bowls I opted to cut out a circle from the gingerbread. You can use a cup of similar size or use a knife to cut a circle roughly the size you need.
I then cut that circle in half through the center, now making two circles. One circle will act as the base, the second will act as a middle layer to the trifle. If you are making a large trifle, simply cut the gingerbread into cubes with a serrated knife.
Layer the bottom with one circle or cubes of gingerbread. Top off gingerbread with a layer of pumpkin mousse, spoon in and spread out gently. If opting to add a cool whip layer, do so now. Repeat layers until you have filled your bowl or bowls.
Chill covered well with plastic wrap until ready to serve.
Notes
An original recipe from Baked by RachelServing size will vary depending on if individual servings are created or one large trifle. On average, this should serve 4-8.
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most accurate data, use your preferred nutrition calculator with the actual ingredients you used to make this recipe.
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