Description
This Pumpkin Mousse is a light, airy, and creamy dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a seasonal treat. Made with whipped heavy cream, maple syrup, pumpkin puree, and Greek yogurt, it’s flavored with warm pumpkin pie spice and vanilla, resulting in a smooth and delightful dessert that requires no baking. Serve chilled with your favorite toppings for an elegant and festive dish.
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 preferred, such as 5% Fage)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (can substitute 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 the Cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream and maple syrup on high speed using a hand mixer until medium peaks form. You should end up with about 1½ to 1¾ cups of whipped cream total.
- Prepare Pumpkin Mixture: In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the canned pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Fold Whipped Cream into Pumpkin Mixture: Gently fold about ¾ of the whipped cream (approximately 1 cup) into the pumpkin mixture using a rubber spatula. Reserve the remaining whipped cream (about ½ cup) for topping. Stir carefully to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Portion the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into individual serving containers such as glass jars, sundae dishes, or compostable cups. Alternatively, place it in a large bowl if serving family-style.
- Add Toppings and Cover: Add a dollop of the reserved whipped cream and toppings of your choice on each mousse serving. Cover with lids or plastic wrap carefully to avoid squashing the delicate whipped cream and toppings. If eating the mousse within a few hours, you can add toppings before refrigerating. For longer storage, cover without toppings and add them just before serving.
- Chill: Transfer the covered mousse to the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to set and allow flavors to meld. If whipped cream/toppings were not added before chilling, add a spoonful of reserved whipped cream and toppings just before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy, seasonal dessert. Optionally, use a piping bag or a makeshift zip-top bag to create a decorative swirl for a professional look.
Notes
- Topping ideas include crushed graham crackers, gingersnaps, pretzels, various chocolate forms (chips, shavings, cacao nibs), caramel or chocolate syrup, candy corn, candied ginger, granola, nuts, or pumpkin seeds.
- Without toppings, the mousse keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days, best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days.
- Do not freeze the mousse as freezing alters its texture adversely upon thawing.
- For a decorative presentation, consider using a piping bag or a large zip-top plastic bag with a cut corner to pipe the mousse or whipped cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
