INTRODUCTION Pumpkin mousse is a delicious and light dessert that is perfect for fall or any occasion. Its creamy texture and pumpkin flavor will bring warmth and joy to your table. This dessert is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients. The best part is that it is no-bake, so you can whip it up in just a little bit of time. With its airy consistency and smooth richness, pumpkin mousse is sure to impress your guests. It's an easy recipe that anyone can make, whether you are an experienced cook or just starting in the kitchen. This mousse can be enjoyed at gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a sweet treat. ## WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE There are several reasons to love this easy pumpkin mousse recipe. First, it is quick and straightforward. You don't have to bake anything, making it ideal for those hot days when the oven is not your friend. Second, it uses canned pumpkin puree, which means you can enjoy this seasonal flavor all year round. The addition of pumpkin pie spice adds a comforting warmth that will remind you of chilly autumn days. Moreover, this recipe can easily serve a crowd. It can be made in individual servings or in one large bowl. You can also make it in advance, so you do not have to rush before your guests arrive. Once you serve it, it will surely become a favorite for both kids and adults. ## HOW TO MAKE Easy Pumpkin Mousse Making easy pumpkin mousse is an enjoyable and simple process. Follow the steps below to create this tasty dessert. ## EQUIPMENT NEEDED To make your pumpkin mousse, you will need: - A large mixing bowl or stand mixer - A whisk or electric mixer - A spatula - Ramekins, bowls, or glasses for serving - Plastic wrap for chilling - A piping bag (optional) for decoration ## Ingredients You’ll Need: - 6.8 ounces cheesecake instant pudding mix - 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed - 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice - 1 cup half and half - 15 ounces pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) - 8 ounces whipped topping, divided, or whipped cream - Optional Garnish: pumpkin pie spice ## STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS 1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. This will make the process smooth and efficient. 2. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cheesecake instant pudding mix, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice. 3. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This step is important to ensure that there are no clumps. 4. Next, add the half and half and pumpkin puree to the bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it is smooth and creamy. Make sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to get everything combined well. 5. Once the mixture is well blended, gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping. Be careful not to deflate the mixture; use a spatula to fold it in gently until fully incorporated. 6. Now, it’s time to transfer the mousse into serving dishes. You can use eight 4-ounce ramekins, bowls, or a large serving bowl. 7. After you've filled the dishes, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 8. Just before serving, decorate the mousse with the remaining whipped topping. You can use a piping bag with a star tip for a fancy look or simply add dollops with a spoon. 9. If desired, sprinkle a little pumpkin pie spice on top for that finishing touch. 10. Serve cold and enjoy the delightful flavors of your homemade pumpkin mousse! ## HOW TO SERVE Easy Pumpkin Mousse You can serve easy pumpkin mousse in a variety of ways. For individual servings, use ramekins or small glasses for a nice presentation. Place these on a dessert table for guests to pick up easily. If you go for a large serving bowl, provide spoons so guests can help themselves. Add extra whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice on top for a beautiful finish. This dessert pairs well with coffee or tea, making it a great end to a meal. For a nice touch, you can serve some ginger snap cookies or shortbread on the side for added crunch. ## STORAGE & FREEZING : Easy Pumpkin Mousse Pumpkin mousse is best stored in the refrigerator. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days before serving. Just remember to cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can prepare the mousse without the whipped topping and store it. Just add the topping just before serving. This helps keep the whipped topping light and fluffy. Freezing is not usually recommended, as the texture may change once thawed. However, if you must freeze it, store it without the topping in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then add fresh whipped cream when serving. ## SERVING SUGGESTIONS When serving your easy pumpkin mousse, consider adding some delightful touches: - **Garnish with nuts:** Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch and complement the mousse's creamy texture. - **Seasonal fruits:** Fresh slices of apples or pears can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mousse. - **Chocolate shavings:** If you enjoy chocolate, sprinkle some dark chocolate shavings on top for an indulgent twist. - **Cute labels:** If serving at a party, you can label each dessert with a small card to let people know they’re about to taste delicious pumpkin mousse. All these suggestions help create a beautiful and inviting dessert display that your guests will enjoy. ## VARIATIONS While this easy pumpkin mousse recipe is fantastic on its own, you can try several variations to mix things up: - **Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse:** Add melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the mixture for a chocolate twist on the classic pumpkin flavor. - **Maple Pumpkin Mousse:** Substitute half of the brown sugar with maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness. - **Spiced Pumpkin Mousse:** Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger to create your own unique flavor profile. - **Vegan Pumpkin Mousse:** Use a dairy-free pudding mix and coconut whipped cream to create a delicious vegan version of this dessert. Feel free to try these variations based on your taste preferences or dietary needs. ## FAQs **1. Can I use homemade pumpkin puree?** Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just make sure it is well-drained and not too watery. **2. Can I use a different pudding flavor?** Absolutely! While cheesecake flavor is recommended, you can use vanilla or even chocolate pudding for different tastes. **3. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?** Check that your pudding mix and whipped topping are gluten-free. Most brands, like Jell-O, are gluten-free. **4. How far in advance can I make this mousse?** You can make it a day or two in advance for the best results. Just store it in the refrigerator without the whipped topping until you're ready to serve. ## MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Pumpkin Mousse To save time, you can prepare your easy pumpkin mousse ahead of your event. Here are some tips: - **Prep the mousse base:** Mix together the pudding, spices, half and half, and pumpkin puree. You can store this mixture covered in the refrigerator for up to one day before serving. - **Assemble servings:** Portion the mousse into serving dishes, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to add the topping. This can be done a day in advance without losing quality. - **Topping preparation:** If you want fresh whipped cream, you can whip it just before serving. It only takes a few minutes and will remain fluffy. These tips will help you enjoy the process of making pumpkin mousse while having more time to spend with your guests.Print
Easy Pumpkin Mousse
A delicious and light no-bake pumpkin mousse dessert, perfect for fall or any occasion, combining pumpkin flavor with creamy richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6.8 ounces cheesecake instant pudding mix
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1 cup half and half
- 15 ounces pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 8 ounces whipped topping, divided, or whipped cream
- Optional Garnish: pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients and equipment for smooth preparation.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pudding mix, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Whisk dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add half and half and pumpkin puree; beat until smooth and creamy.
- Gently fold in 2 cups of whipped topping.
- Transfer the mousse into serving dishes.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Decorate with remaining whipped topping before serving.
- Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice on top if desired.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
Notes
This dessert can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pumpkin, mousse, dessert, no-bake, fall recipes
