If you’re craving a fall dessert that’s as effortless as it is heavenly, Pumpkin Mousse is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine clouds of whipped cream folded into warmly spiced pumpkin purée, creating a silky, airy mousse that captures everything you love about autumn. This dish checks every box: easy, make-ahead, gluten-free, and a guaranteed hit at gatherings (or just for treating yourself). Whether you top it with crunchy pecans, gingersnaps, or a generous swirl of whipped cream, each spoonful delivers cozy nostalgia and flavor in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pumpkin Mousse requires just a handful of kitchen staples, but each one is crucial in building the flavor, texture, and luscious color of this dessert. With a few pantry favorites and a little whipping action, you’ll have everything you need to whip up something truly memorable!

Canned pumpkin purée: The creamy base that brings earthy sweetness and that iconic orange hue to the mousse.
Brown sugar (packed): Adds rich caramel notes and enhances the warmth of the spices.
Pumpkin pie spice: The magical blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves that gives Pumpkin Mousse its signature autumnal punch.
Ground cinnamon: Boosts the depth of flavor and creates an extra layer of coziness.
Salt: Just a pinch brings all the sweet and spicy notes into perfect balance.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor, adding a hint of mellow sophistication.
Heavy whipping cream, chilled: When whipped, this transforms the mousse into a light and fluffy wonder.
Optional toppings (whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps, chopped pecans): For extra flair, crunch, and indulgence on top.

How to Make Pumpkin Mousse

Step 1: Combine the Pumpkin Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. You want this mixture to be smooth and well-blended, so take a minute to ensure there are no streaks or lumps. This is where all the signature flavors come together to form the heart of your mousse.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a separate, clean bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the chilled heavy cream until stiff peaks form. The colder your cream (and even the bowl!), the better your whip will be. Stiff peaks mean the cream stands straight up when you lift the beaters, which is exactly what creates the dreamy texture in Pumpkin Mousse.

Step 3: Fold the Cream Into the Pumpkin Mixture

Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin base in batches, using a spatula and being careful not to deflate the airiness you’ve worked so hard to create. This folding step is what makes the mousse so luxuriously light. Take your time—patience pays off here!

Step 4: Spoon and Chill

Once everything is fully combined and fluffy, spoon the mousse into individual serving cups, glasses, or bowls. Transfer them to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and the mousse to set to that perfect, scoopable consistency.

Step 5: Top and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle your chosen garnishes over the Pumpkin Mousse. A dollop of whipped cream, crushed gingersnaps, or toasted pecans adds the perfect final flourish. Get creative and enjoy seeing your masterpiece come to life!

How to Serve Pumpkin Mousse

Garnishes

A great garnish can take Pumpkin Mousse from comforting to show-stopping. Try a swirl of whipped cream for extra decadence, a sprinkle of crushed gingersnaps for contrast and crunch, or a handful of toasted, chopped pecans for nutty richness. You can even add a dash of cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a picture-perfect finish.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Mousse is a star all on its own, but you can easily turn it into a plated dessert for dinner parties. Pair it with crisp shortbread cookies, a platter of seasonal fruit slices (think apples and pears), or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool and creamy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of standard bowls, serve Pumpkin Mousse in small mason jars, shot glasses, or elegant stemware for a touch of flair. Layer the mousse with crushed gingersnaps or crumbled cake for a parfait-style dessert, or even pipe it into tart shells for bite-sized party treats. It’s a dessert that loves to dress up for any occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pumpkin Mousse keeps beautifully! Simply cover your serving dishes with plastic wrap or transfer the mousse into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and fluffy for up to 2-3 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of busy events or holidays.

Freezing

While Pumpkin Mousse is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Spoon the mousse into airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. Just keep in mind that the texture may become a bit denser after thawing, but the flavor will still be delightful. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

No heat needed here! Pumpkin Mousse is served chilled, so all you have to do is transfer it from the fridge (or let it thaw if frozen) and it’s ready to enjoy. If it looks a little separated after storage, give it a gentle stir to restore its smooth, fluffy texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée instead of canned?

Absolutely! Homemade pumpkin purée works beautifully in Pumpkin Mousse. Just be sure your purée is smooth, well-drained, and not watery; excess liquid can affect the mousse’s consistency and fluffiness.

What can I substitute for heavy whipping cream?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a fantastic substitute. Chill the coconut cream until firm before whipping. This swap keeps the mousse light and adds a subtle tropical note that pairs deliciously with pumpkin.

Can I make Pumpkin Mousse ahead of time?

Yes, in fact it’s even better if you do! The flavors deepen overnight, so feel free to prepare the mousse a day in advance. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.

Is Pumpkin Mousse gluten-free?

The mousse itself is completely gluten-free, making it a great dessert for guests with gluten sensitivities. Just be mindful of your choice in toppings—use gluten-free gingersnaps or cookies for garnish if needed.

How can I make the mousse sweeter or more spiced?

Easily adjust the sweetness and spice level to taste! Add a bit more brown sugar for extra sweetness, or increase the pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if you love a bolder, spicier flavor. Customize it to make your perfect Pumpkin Mousse.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this irresistibly fluffy Pumpkin Mousse! It’s a swoon-worthy dessert that’s simple enough for any day, but special enough for your festive table. Give it a whirl—you just might find yourself making it all season long.

Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes chilling)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Pumpkin Mousse is a delightful and fluffy dessert perfect for the fall season. It’s a creamy blend of pumpkin, warm spices, and whipped cream, topped with your favorite toppings for a festive treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pumpkin Mousse:

1 cup canned pumpkin purée
½ cup brown sugar, packed
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream, chilled

Optional Toppings:

whipped cream
crushed gingersnaps
chopped pecans

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Instructions

Mix Pumpkin Mousse Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine pumpkin purée, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form using a hand or stand mixer.
Fold in Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture in batches to maintain the mousse’s fluffiness.
Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into serving cups, chill for at least 1 hour, and top with whipped cream, gingersnaps, or pecans before serving.