If you’re searching for a light and creamy treat that absolutely sings with the cozy flavors of autumn, look no further than Pumpkin Mousse. Every spoonful is an invitation to savor pumpkin’s natural richness, the sweet warmth of spices, and the cloud-like texture of whipped cream. Pumpkin Mousse is not just a fall favorite, but a showstopper for any occasion when you want a dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of real, quality ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each one plays a distinct role, bringing out the signature taste, smooth texture, and dreamy color of our Pumpkin Mousse.

1 cup canned pumpkin purée: Make sure you use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, for authentic flavor and natural sweetness.
¾ cup heavy whipping cream: The secret to that irresistibly fluffy mousse texture—don’t skimp on quality here!
4 ounces cream cheese, softened: Adds luscious tang and helps to stabilize the mousse so it sets beautifully.
¼ cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and dissolves easily for a silky finish.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Lends a gentle molasses warmth that deepens the pumpkin flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and elevates the dessert’s aroma.
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: The true taste of fall—think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove all in one.
¼ teaspoon cinnamon: A little extra for that distinct, cozy spice note atop the blend.
Pinch of salt: Just enough to accentuate all those wonderful sweet and spicy flavors.

How to Make Pumpkin Mousse

Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese

Start by beating the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl until it’s completely smooth with no lumps remaining. This is an important step: a silky base is vital for the perfect Pumpkin Mousse. If the cream cheese isn’t quite at room temperature yet, give it a few extra minutes—your patience will be rewarded with a velvety dessert.

Step 2: Combine the Pumpkin Mixture

Add the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to the cream cheese. Beat everything together on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and evenly blended. You’ll notice those warm autumn aromas right away, and the color turns beautifully golden-orange.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate, chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until you reach stiff peaks. This means the cream will hold its shape when you lift the beaters—essential for a mousse that’s airy and light. The powdered sugar adds sweetness and helps the peaks form quickly.

Step 4: Fold It All Together

Gently fold the freshly whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture in two batches. Take care to use a gentle hand, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of cream. Overmixing can deflate that delicate fluffiness, so soft and steady is the way to go for perfect Pumpkin Mousse.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Spoon or pipe the mousse into individual serving cups or bowls, then refrigerate for at least one hour. This gives it time to set while all those dreamy flavors meld together. If you’re planning ahead, Pumpkin Mousse can chill overnight, making entertaining utterly stress-free.

How to Serve Pumpkin Mousse

Garnishes

Dress up each serving with a topper of extra whipped cream, a dusting of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a little crunch. These simple accents add both visual flair and a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, transforming Pumpkin Mousse into a festive, picture-perfect dessert.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Mousse pairs wonderfully with buttery shortbread cookies or gingersnaps on the side—just right for dipping. If you’re serving it as part of a holiday spread, consider pairing it with fruit compote, roasted pears, or even a light cranberry sauce for a fresh, tangy counterpoint to the earthy sweetness of the mousse.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Spoon Pumpkin Mousse into vintage teacups, wine glasses, or mini mason jars for an impressive, individualized touch. For a wow-worthy finish at parties, layer it with crushed cookies or caramel sauce for a parfait-style treat, or pipe it into chocolate cups for bite-sized elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pumpkin Mousse keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover each cup or bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container to prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in. The mousse stays fluffy and delicious, making it a fantastic option for prepping ahead.

Freezing

You can freeze Pumpkin Mousse, though the texture may become slightly less airy once thawed. For best results, portion it into individual containers before freezing, and let it thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can cause unpleasant weeping or texture changes.

Reheating

Good news—Pumpkin Mousse is a no-bake, chilled dessert that doesn’t require any reheating. Simply serve straight from the fridge and savor the creamy, cool perfection. If it’s been frozen, give it several hours to thaw in the fridge to return to its lovely soft consistency.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée will work wonderfully in this recipe—just be sure it’s thick and not too watery. If needed, strain extra moisture out with cheesecloth so your Pumpkin Mousse stays perfectly creamy.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free Pumpkin Mousse by swapping in coconut cream for the heavy cream and using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. The results will be just as lush and satisfying—perfect for guests with dietary needs.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. This recipe scales up easily. Just double all the ingredients and make sure you use a large enough bowl for mixing and folding. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and it’s so easy to prepare in advance!

What if I don’t have pumpkin pie spice?

If pumpkin pie spice isn’t on hand, you can make your own blend using cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of clove or allspice. Adjust the ratios to taste for that classic Pumpkin Mousse flavor.

How long does Pumpkin Mousse need to chill?

For best texture, let your Pumpkin Mousse set in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. Longer is even better—the flavors deepen and the mousse firms up perfectly if you make it the night before.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the creamy, spiced comfort of Pumpkin Mousse—it’s genuinely hard to resist. Give this recipe a try and let it bring a touch of autumn joy to your table, no matter the time of year. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and irresistible Pumpkin Mousse, a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for fall or holiday celebrations. This light and fluffy treat will surely impress your guests with its seasonal flavors and velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Mixture:

4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Whipped Cream:

¾ cup heavy whipping cream
¼ cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until combined and creamy.
Whipped Cream: In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture in two batches, being careful not to deflate. Mix until no streaks remain.
Chill: Spoon mousse into serving cups, chill for at least 1 hour to set.
Serve: Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, or crushed graham crackers if desired.