This Easy Pumpkin Mousse Is Perfectly Spiced Rich And Creamy Recipe

Introduction

What if you could make a dessert that tastes like it took hours of effort, but actually comes together in under 20 minutes? Many people assume a truly decadent, restaurant-quality mousse requires complex techniques, but this easy Pumpkin Mousse is perfectly spiced rich and creamy with a velvety texture that is irresistible, proving that simplicity can yield spectacular results.

The secret lies in the balance of high-quality canned pumpkin puree and warm autumn spices, which deliver that classic flavor without any baking. By using chilled heavy cream as the base, the dessert sets up beautifully in the refrigerator, creating an airy, light consistency that melts in your mouth.

It’s the ultimate make-ahead treat for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply satisfying a seasonal sweet craving. Serve it in elegant glasses for a fancy presentation or enjoy it straight from the bowl—it’s guaranteed to become an instant favorite.

Ingredients

This easy Pumpkin Mousse is perfectly spiced, rich and creamy with a velvety texture that is irresistible. The combination of pumpkin, warm spices, and whipped cream creates a decadent dessert that feels both light and indulgent.

• 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 (29-ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 2 cups light brown sugar, lightly packed
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 6 extra-large egg yolks
• 2 packages (4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
• 2 ripe bananas, finely mashed
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, plus more for garnish, optional
• 2 cups cold heavy cream
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	15 minutes (plus chilling)

Context: This easy Pumpkin Mousse recipe comes together in about half the time of traditional baked pumpkin desserts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin, ensure all your ingredients are measured and at the correct temperature. Using room temperature cream cheese and chilled heavy cream will help you achieve the perfect consistency for your mousse.

Tip: For the best flavor, use pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugars and spices.

Step 2 — Whip the Heavy Cream

In a clean, chilled bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means the cream will hold its shape when the beaters are lifted. Be careful not to over-whip, or the cream will become grainy.

Tip: Chilling your bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10-15 minutes beforehand helps the cream whip faster and increases volume.

Step 3 — Combine Pumpkin and Spices

In a separate, larger bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese until it is smooth and free of lumps. Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and your pumpkin pie spices (like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg). Beat until everything is well combined and the mixture is perfectly spiced.

Step 4 — Gently Fold in the Cream

This is the key step for a light and airy texture. Add about one-third of the whipped cream to the pumpkin mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula. This lightens the base. Then, carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until no white streaks remain.

Tip: Fold gently by cutting through the center and turning the bowl to preserve the air bubbles in the cream. Overmixing will deflate the mousse.

Step 5 — Taste and Adjust

Before dividing the mousse into serving dishes, taste it. You can adjust the sweetness or add a pinch more spice to suit your preference. Remember, flavors will meld and intensify slightly as the mousse chills.

Step 6 — Chill to Set

Spoon or pipe the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the mousse to set fully, resulting in that rich and creamy, velvety texture that is simply irresistible.

Tip: For an elegant touch, you can garnish with additional whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or crushed gingersnap cookies just before serving.

Nutritional Information

Calories	285
Protein	4g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	21g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	85mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek Yogurt for Heavy Cream — Use plain Greek yogurt to create a high-protein, tangy version of this easy pumpkin mousse while maintaining a rich and creamy texture.
• Monk Fruit Sweetener for Sugar — Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb, diabetic-friendly dessert that is still perfectly spiced.
• Coconut Cream for Dairy — For a dairy-free and vegan alternative, use chilled full-fat coconut cream to achieve that same irresistible velvety texture.
• Aquafaba for Eggs — Replace raw eggs with whipped aquafaba (chickpea water) for an egg-free, gluten-free mousse that is light and airy.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend — Make your own blend from cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to control the sodium content, ensuring a low-sodium option.
• Avocado for a Nutrient Boost — Blend in ripe avocado for added healthy fats and fiber, contributing to an even creamier, velvety texture.
• Almond Milk for Regular Milk — Use unsweetened almond milk to make the recipe dairy-free and lower in calories while keeping it light.
• Vanilla Protein Powder — Incorporate a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost the protein content, enhancing the rich and creamy profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this easy Pumpkin Mousse with a crisp ginger snap cookie or a delicate shortbread biscuit for a delightful textural contrast.
• Serve it in elegant glasses or small mason jars for a beautiful, layered parfait effect, perfect for dinner parties.
• This perfectly spiced, rich, and creamy mousse makes an ideal Thanksgiving dessert or a festive treat for any autumn gathering.
• For a simple yet elegant presentation, top each serving with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Turn it into a show-stopping dessert by using it as a filling for a pre-baked pie crust or a graham cracker crust.
• Enjoy a small portion as a light, velvety finish to a hearty fall meal.

This easy Pumpkin Mousse, with its irresistible velvety texture, is incredibly versatile and sure to impress your guests.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pure pumpkin puree. Fix: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree to control the sweetness and spice level yourself.
• Mistake: Not chilling the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping the cream. Fix: Chill your equipment for 15-20 minutes to ensure the cream whips up to stiff, stable peaks.
• Mistake: Overmixing the mousse after folding in the whipped cream. Fix: Gently fold just until no white streaks remain to maintain the light, airy texture.
• Mistake: Adding the spices directly to the cold mixture. Fix: Whisk the spices into the pumpkin puree base first; this helps “bloom” their flavor for a richer taste.
• Mistake: Skipping the taste test before folding in the cream. Fix: Always taste the pumpkin base and adjust spices or sweetness, as flavors mellow once chilled.
• Mistake: Using warm pumpkin puree straight from the can. Fix: Let the puree come to room temperature to prevent it from seizing or making the mousse grainy.
• Mistake: Not allowing enough chilling time before serving. Fix: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, for the flavors to meld and the texture to set perfectly.
• Mistake: Substituting granulated sugar for confectioners’ sugar. Fix: Use confectioners’ sugar, as it dissolves easily and helps create a smoother, velvety mousse.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store this easy pumpkin mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it is covered to maintain its creamy, velvety texture.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: This dessert is best served chilled and is not recommended for reheating. For food safety, always keep it refrigerated below 40°F (4°C).

Following these simple steps will help preserve the perfectly spiced, rich flavor and irresistible texture of your pumpkin mousse.

Conclusion

This easy Pumpkin Mousse is the perfect no-bake dessert for fall, delivering a rich and creamy texture with warm spices. If you love pumpkin treats, you should also try our Cream Cheese Pumpkin Pie Crescent Rolls Recipe or our Autumn Pumpkin Spice Crumble Cake. We hope you love this velvety mousse! Please rate the recipe and leave a comment below.

Print

FAQs

Can I make this easy Pumpkin Mousse ahead of time?

Yes, this easy Pumpkin Mousse is an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator to maintain its rich and creamy, velvety texture.

What is the secret to getting a light and airy texture?

The key is to whip the cream until it holds stiff peaks and to fold it gently into the pumpkin mixture. This technique incorporates air, creating the irresistibly light and velvety texture that makes this easy Pumpkin Mousse so delightful.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

You can use homemade pumpkin puree, but ensure it is thick and has a similar consistency to canned puree. Using canned puree is recommended for this recipe as it guarantees the perfectly spiced, rich, and creamy consistency every time.