Pumpkin Mousse is one of those magical desserts that manages to strike a perfect balance between light-as-air elegance and all the cozy, heartwarming flavors of fall. With its creamy, fluffy texture and gentle spices, this treat will wow at any gathering, yet it’s so simple to whip up you might just keep making it all season long. Whether you’re searching for a no-bake showstopper for Thanksgiving or just want to indulge in the comfort of pumpkin spice, this is the recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of familiar ingredients transform into such an irresistible dessert. Each one brings something special to the table, ensuring your Pumpkin Mousse tastes rich, aromatic, and absolutely dreamy.

Pumpkin puree: The base of our mousse, it provides that beautiful orange hue and unmistakable seasonal flavor.
Heavy whipping cream: Adds volume and luxurious fluffiness that makes the mousse feel so light on your tongue.
Cream cheese (softened): Gives the mousse a subtle tang and velvety smoothness—don’t skip this for maximum creaminess!
Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, balancing out the earthy pumpkin flavors.
Brown sugar: Brings in caramel notes and a bit of depth for that autumnal warmth.
Vanilla extract: Just a dash, but it rounds out all the flavors and brings a touch of aromatic sweetness.
Pumpkin pie spice: The secret to that classic “pumpkin spice” kick we all crave!
Cinnamon: Enhances the spice mix and ties everything together with a gentle, sweet warmth.
Pinch of salt: A little bit goes a long way in highlighting all those rich flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Mousse

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese

Start by placing your softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat until it’s completely smooth and lump-free—this step ensures your Pumpkin Mousse will be perfectly creamy without any stubborn bits of cheese sneaking in.

Step 2: Blend in Pumpkin and Sweeteners

Next, add the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and that essential pinch of salt to the cream cheese. Mix everything together until the mixture is silky and uniform, with no visible streaks. The aroma alone at this stage will have your mouth watering!

Step 3: Whip the Heavy Cream

In a separate clean bowl, pour in the heavy cream. Using chilled beaters if you have them, beat the cream on high until it holds stiff peaks. This is the secret to keeping your Pumpkin Mousse airy and light!

Step 4: Fold It All Together

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture in two or three additions. Use a spatula and a gentle hand—think broad, sweeping motions rather than stirring. This keeps all those lovely air bubbles intact for the fluffiest possible mousse.

Step 5: Spoon and Chill

Divide the mousse into individual ramekins or pretty dessert glasses. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least two hours so the mousse can set and all the flavors meld beautifully. It’s well worth the wait!

How to Serve Pumpkin Mousse

Garnishes

To make your Pumpkin Mousse look truly irresistible, top each serving with a swirl of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. A few toasted pecans, chocolate shavings, or even a maple drizzle are the kind of finishing touches that take this dessert over the top.

Side Dishes

Since Pumpkin Mousse is so rich and creamy, consider pairing it with crisp biscotti, spice cookies, or a platter of fresh fruit for a balance of textures and flavors. It’s also lovely alongside a warm mug of chai or coffee for a cozy fall treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Pumpkin Mousse in jars with crumbled ginger snaps for a playful parfait, or pipe it into mini tart shells for elegant bite-sized desserts. You can even fill hollowed-out mini pumpkins or serve in vintage tea cups for extra charm at holiday parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Pumpkin Mousse tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container before refrigerating. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert option.

Freezing

While this mousse’s delicate texture is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in individual portions if needed. Wrap securely and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—the texture may become slightly denser but the flavor will still sing.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Pumpkin Mousse. This creamy treat is meant to be served chilled, straight from the fridge. Just give it a quick stir if needed to restore its fluffy consistency after storage.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have homemade pumpkin puree, just be sure it’s well-drained and smooth. Canned pumpkin is reliable for consistency, but fresh can add an extra layer of flavor in your Pumpkin Mousse.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Pumpkin Mousse is naturally gluten-free as written. Just double-check that your vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity in your household.

Can I make Pumpkin Mousse ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making it a day in advance gives the flavors even more time to develop and lets the mousse set perfectly. Just keep it chilled until ready to serve.

How can I make this mousse lighter?

For a lighter version of Pumpkin Mousse, you can substitute half or all of the heavy cream with a lighter whipped topping. The result will be fluffier and a bit less rich, but still packed with flavor!

What’s the best way to transport Pumpkin Mousse?

If you need to take this dessert to a gathering, assemble the mousse in jars or resealable containers with tight-fitting lids. Keep chilled in a cooler bag, and add the garnishes just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something indulgent, effortless, and absolutely loaded with comforting fall flavors, Pumpkin Mousse is about to become your new signature dessert. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy (and maybe a spoonful or two) with the people you love!

Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful delight of Pumpkin Mousse, a perfect no-bake dessert for the fall season.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Mousse Ingredients:

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 cup heavy whipping cream
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Mix Ingredients: Add pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Fold Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to set. Serve chilled, optionally topped with extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.