Description
This Pumpkin Mousse is a light, fluffy, and creamy dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a seasonal treat. Made with canned pumpkin puree, maple syrup, and whipped heavy cream, this mousse combines cozy pumpkin pie spice with rich Greek yogurt for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare with no cooking required, it’s an elegant make-ahead dessert that pairs wonderfully with various toppings like crushed gingersnaps, chocolate shavings, or caramel sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1.25 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¾ cup canned pumpkin puree
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat, preferably 5% fat like Fage)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (can substitute with cinnamon)
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Toppings (Optional)
- Crushed graham crackers, gingersnaps, or pretzels
- Chocolate chips, chocolate shavings, or cacao nibs
- Caramel sauce, maple syrup, or chocolate syrup
- Candy corn
- Candied ginger
- Granola
- Nuts
- Pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Whip Cream and Maple Syrup: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on high speed to whip together the heavy cream and maple syrup until medium peaks form. This will yield approximately 1½ to 1¾ cups of whipped cream total.
- Prepare Pumpkin Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, beat the canned pumpkin puree, plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until the mixture becomes fluffy and fully combined.
- Fold Whipped Cream into Pumpkin Mixture: Gently fold about ¾ of the whipped cream (around 1 cup) into the pumpkin mixture using a rubber spatula. Stir carefully until just combined, reserving the remaining whipped cream for topping.
- Portion Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving containers such as individual glass jars, sundae dishes, compostable cups, or a large serving bowl if preferred for scooping and sharing.
- Add Toppings and Cover: Add a dollop of the reserved whipped cream and toppings of choice on each serving. If consuming within a few hours, you may add toppings before refrigerating, ensuring containers can be covered without squishing. Otherwise, cover mousse tightly with lids or plastic wrap and add toppings just before serving.
- Chill: Place the covered mousse in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to set.
- Serve and Enjoy: If toppings were not added prior to chilling, spoon the remaining whipped cream and desired toppings onto each serving just before serving. Enjoy your creamy pumpkin mousse!
- Optional Presentation Tip: For a professional look, consider using a piping bag to fill and top the mousse. You can also create a makeshift piping bag by using a zip-top plastic bag with a cut corner.
Notes
- Toppings add texture and flavor variety; popular choices include crushed cookies, chocolate, caramel, nuts, and seeds.
- The mousse stores well without toppings for up to 3 to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator, best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days.
- Freezing is not recommended as it negatively affects the mousse’s texture upon thawing.
- Use piping bags or alternatives like plastic bags for neat presentation and topping application.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
