Pumpkin Mousse is the dreamy, creamy fall dessert you’ll find yourself craving all year long. Imagine all the best flavors of pumpkin pie, but lighter, fluffier, and ready in a snap with no oven required! Each spoonful is silky and spiced just right, perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself after a long day. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving or a cozy weeknight treat, Pumpkin Mousse is a delightful way to savor pumpkin season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Mousse recipe plays a starring role, creating that signature cloud-like texture and deep, spiced flavor. The best part? You probably have most of these on hand, and each one adds something special to the finished dessert.

1 cup canned pumpkin purée: The heart of the mousse, bringing natural sweetness and a gorgeous orange hue.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds warmth and a subtle caramel note, perfectly complementing the pumpkin.
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that classic, cozy aroma and depth to every bite.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg goes a long way for authentic fall flavor.
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle zing and balances the sweetness.
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves: Just enough to add complexity without overwhelming the mousse.
1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything from tasting flat.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely roundness and brings all the spices together.
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream: Whipped into fluffy peaks, this gives the mousse its signature lightness.
4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Ensures a creamy, stable base with just the right tang.

How to Make Pumpkin Mousse

Step 1: Mix the Pumpkin and Spices

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and adding your pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and the sugar starts to dissolve. This step is all about building that deep, aromatic flavor base that sets a great Pumpkin Mousse apart.

Step 2: Cream the Cream Cheese

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s creamy and lump-free. This is key for a mousse that feels luscious on your tongue, without any bits of cream cheese hiding in the mix.

Step 3: Combine Pumpkin and Cream Cheese

Add your spiced pumpkin mixture to the bowl of creamed cheese. Beat them together until the mixture is completely smooth and unified. This ensures every bite of Pumpkin Mousse is perfectly balanced, rich, and delightfully spiced.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a fresh, chilled bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream. Beat until stiff peaks form, taking care not to over-whip (you want clouds, not butter!). This is what gives Pumpkin Mousse its airy, decadent texture.

Step 5: Fold Everything Together

Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin-cream cheese mixture in two additions. Use a light hand—think soft, sweeping motions—to keep as much air in the mousse as possible. The result will be irresistibly fluffy and light.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Spoon your finished mousse into individual serving dishes or pretty glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours so the flavors can meld and the mousse can set. This patience pays off with a dessert that feels just as special as it tastes.

How to Serve Pumpkin Mousse

Garnishes

When it comes to Pumpkin Mousse, the right garnish can take things from delightful to downright unforgettable. Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a shower of crushed gingersnap cookies for texture. A few toasted pecans or pumpkin seeds add crunch and a nutty aroma, while candied ginger makes for a spicy-sweet surprise.

Side Dishes

Because Pumpkin Mousse is rich but not heavy, it pairs wonderfully after a hearty autumn meal. Serve it alongside spiced poached pears, a crisp apple salad, or even a tray of buttery shortbread cookies. For a festive occasion, offer coffee or chai tea to sip alongside each creamy spoonful.

Creative Ways to Present

Pumpkin Mousse looks stunning in clear glasses or jars, showing off its golden color. For a playful touch, pipe it into chocolate cups or layer it with crumbled cookies in parfait glasses. Mini mason jars make it ideal for picnics or parties, and a family-style bowl lets everyone dig in together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Mousse will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover each dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to keep it from absorbing fridge odors and to maintain that plush texture. It’s a make-ahead dream for busy hosts and sweet cravings alike.

Freezing

While Pumpkin Mousse is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month. Spoon it into airtight containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator—just note that the texture may be a bit less airy after freezing, but still delicious.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Pumpkin Mousse, as it’s meant to be enjoyed chilled. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw fully in the fridge before serving. Give it a gentle stir to restore the creamy consistency, then garnish and serve as usual.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! If you have homemade pumpkin purée, just make sure it’s thick and well-drained (not watery). This helps keep your Pumpkin Mousse nice and fluffy, without any extra moisture weighing it down.

Is it possible to make Pumpkin Mousse dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream. The result will be slightly different in flavor and texture but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying.

Can I make this mousse in advance for a party?

Definitely! Pumpkin Mousse is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it a day in advance, cover, and chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. Add garnishes just before serving for the freshest presentation.

What can I substitute for brown sugar?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can use granulated sugar with a teaspoon of molasses mixed in. Coconut sugar also works for a slightly different flavor profile but will still blend beautifully with the pumpkin and spices.

Why didn’t my mousse set properly?

If your Pumpkin Mousse didn’t set, it could be due to under-whipping the cream or excess moisture in your pumpkin purée. Always whip the cream to stiff peaks, and if using homemade purée, strain out extra liquid before mixing.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a dessert that’s as easy as it is elegant, and Pumpkin Mousse is just that. With its irresistible blend of pumpkin, spice, and fluffy cream, it’s sure to become a new favorite on your fall dessert table. Give it a try and let this cozy treat win you over—one dreamy spoonful at a time!

Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy and fluffy Pumpkin Mousse is a perfect no-bake fall dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin and warm spices with a smooth, airy texture. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, it’s an ideal treat for Thanksgiving or any autumn gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 cup canned pumpkin purée
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dairy Components

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

Mix Pumpkin and Spices: In a medium bowl, combine the canned pumpkin purée, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir the mixture until smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated.
Cream the Cream Cheese: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until creamy and free of lumps, creating a smooth base for the mousse.
Combine Pumpkin Mixture and Cream Cheese: Add the pumpkin-spice mixture to the beaten cream cheese and beat together until fully combined and smooth, producing a rich, unified filling.
Whip the Heavy Cream: In another clean bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This will give the mousse its light and airy texture.
Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin and cream cheese mixture in two separate additions, taking care to retain as much air as possible for a light mousse.
Chill the Mousse: Spoon the finished mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and chill before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Top the mousse with extra whipped cream, a light sprinkle of cinnamon, or crushed gingersnap cookies for added texture and enhanced flavor.
This mousse can be prepared a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator to save time.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American