Pumpkin Mousse

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin Mousse offers the perfect balance of light and creamy, with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin and a gentle hint of spice. The mousse is incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making it an ideal dessert for entertaining. It’s a unique twist on traditional pumpkin pie, with a lighter, fluffier texture that feels indulgent without being overly heavy. Whether you serve it in individual cups, a large bowl, or layered with cake, Pumpkin Mousse is a delightful treat that captures all the cozy flavors of fall.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pumpkin Mousse:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (make sure it’s pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for whipping cream)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for whipping cream)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Whipped cream

• Ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice

• Chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)

Directions

Preparing the Pumpkin Mousse:

1. Mix the pumpkin base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well-combined. This is your pumpkin base for the mousse.

2. Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Add the vanilla extract and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.

3. Fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream—fold until smooth and fully combined, but still light and fluffy.

Chilling the Mousse:

4. Refrigerate the mousse: Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups, a large bowl, or a trifle dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, to allow the mousse to set and the flavors to meld together.

Serving:

5. Garnish and serve: Before serving, top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and some chopped nuts if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time: 2 hours (or overnight)

• Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chill time)

Variations

• Vegan Pumpkin Mousse: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping to make this mousse vegan. Swap the powdered sugar for a plant-based sweetener.

• Spiced Rum Pumpkin Mousse: Add a tablespoon of spiced rum to the pumpkin mixture for a festive twist.

• Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits: Layer the mousse with crushed ginger snap cookies or graham crackers for extra texture.

• Chilled Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse: Add 4 oz of softened cream cheese to the pumpkin base and blend it for a tangy, cheesecake-like texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mousse is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well for a short time.

• Freezing: While mousse can be frozen, the texture may change slightly once thawed. For best results, enjoy the mousse fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 1-2 months if necessary. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Yes! If you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast and puree it for this recipe. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, as the filling contains added spices and sugar.

Can I make this mousse without heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you can use whipped coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the mousse from being too sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet mousse, you can adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your taste. Start with less and add more as needed until you reach your desired level of sweetness.

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Yes! Pumpkin Mousse is perfect for making ahead of time. It actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors have time to meld.

How can I add more texture to this mousse?

To add texture, you can layer the mousse with crushed cookies, granola, or even a swirl of caramel or chocolate sauce.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Mousse is a deliciously light and creamy dessert that captures the warmth and comfort of pumpkin pie in a fluffy, airy form. With its sweet spices and velvety texture, it’s the perfect dessert for fall or any time you’re craving something indulgent but not too heavy. Quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser, this mousse will surely become a favorite at your holiday table or as a special treat for yourself. Enjoy the rich flavors of autumn in every bite!

---

Print