Ingredients
- 8 ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese (– softened to room temperature (block-style))
- 8 Ounces Pumpkin Puree (– (about 1 cup) (DO NOT use pumpkin pie filling))
- ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar (– packed)
- ¼ cup Confectioner’s Sugar
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- 3 Cups Cool Whip (– DIVIDED & Thawed (8-ounce tub))
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Gingersnap Cookies or Graham Crackers – finely crushed; Chocolate Shavings
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a large bowl and a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it's very smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula before proceeding to the next step.
- Add Pumpkin Puree and Sugars: Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and confectioner’s sugar to the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until everything is well combined, about 3 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Add the vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt to the bowl. Beat on medium-high until creamy and smooth; beating until there are no lumps of cream cheese and the mixture is very smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Add 2 cups of the whipped topping to the bowl.Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture until it's well combined. Make sure you are gentle when folding so you don’t deflate the whipped topping! Gently fold until the topping in completely combined and no streaks of cream remain.
- Optional - Chill Mousse: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight so the flavors can meld and the mousse can set.
- Serve Pumpkin Mousse: Either transfer the mousse to a piping bag or gently scoop the mousse into serving cups, glasses, or a bowl. Top with remaining whipped topping and whatever dessert garnishes you love! Serve immediately and enjoy!
Full Article
Fluffy, rich, and impossibly creamy with a melt-in-your mouth texture, this Pumpkin Mousse recipe is the perfect simple, yet impressive fall treat ideal for any occasion – from weeknights to holiday dessert spreads! Made with pumpkin puree, cozy warming spices, and a graham cracker or ginger snap crust, this no cook pumpkin dessert only requires 9 easy-to-find ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation.
“Made this recipe for our Canadian thanksgiving and it disappeared so fast I could hardly believe it. The best part for me besides the taste is it can be mad a day ahead! Brilliant recipe and easy. Thank you. Made it again today for Halloween and added 1/2 oz molasses which gave it a gingerbread taste. Keeper recipe.”
-Milka
Straight on photo of a no cook pumpkin mousse with gingersnap crust in a glass dessert bowl.
Update: This recipe for pumpkin dessert was originally published in September 2021. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making pumpkin mousse at home.
About this pumpkin mousse
If you love pumpkin desserts, you are going to love this no-bake pumpkin mousse recipe! Soft, silky, and airy, this dessert tastes like a fusion between cheesecake and mousse – an impossibly fluffy, creamy texture and a rich, luscious taste. But, there’s absolutely none of the hassle and zero fuss for this simple recipe. Plus, this melt-in-your-mouth mousse is bursting with cozy fall flavors, think: sweet pumpkin puree, rich brown sugar, inviting vanilla, and warming pumpkin pie spice!
Oh, and did I mention it’s also totally customizable, so you can have fun with different toppings and garnishes, such as Oreos, toffee bits, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce to name a few! Moreover, you can serve it up in a multitude of ways – from individual serving glasses, shot glasses and waffle cones to a large trifle bowl if you are serving a large crowd.
And, this mousse recipe is so simple and stress-free to prepare too – it only requires 10 minutes and 9 simple ingredients you probably have hanging around your kitchen. Plus, there’s absolutely no cooking – that’s right, there’s no baking or stirring over a hot stove! And, you can easily make this mousse in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. It’s the perfect quick and easy pumpkin dessert for every occasion – from Thanksgiving dinner and football parties to after dinner dessert with your family!
If you’re looking for more no-bake desserts, try these delicious fan-favorites next: No Bake Cheesecake Key Lime, Trifle Tiramisu, Banana Cream Banana Pudding, Yogurt Cups with Fruit, Overnight Chia Pudding with Oats,Sweet Dip with Cream Cheese, and recipe for Chocolate Hummus.
Why you’ll love this recipe
TL;DR? No worries, here’s the recipe highlights:
- Seasonal Flavor Profile. This pumpkin mousse is infused with warming, cozy spices like cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice, capturing the essence of the fall and autumn season.
- Luscious Texture. The unique blend of smooth creaminess and airy lightness creates a velvety, melt-in-your-mouth mousse that elevates the typical pumpkin dessert experience.
- Affordable staple ingredients. You only need 9 simple ingredients, plus whatever toppings or garnishes you love to make this pumpkin puree dessert.
- No-Bake Convenience in 10 minutes. This recipe for pumpkin mousse requires no cooking or baking, making it quick and easy to prepare in 10 minutes.
- Versatile Serving Options. Whether you serve this fall dessert in mason jars, layered with crushed graham crackers in individual cups, or as a dessert tip with gingerbread cookies, this mousse adapts beautifully to any presentation.
- Crowd-Pleaser Appeal. for Any Occasion. With a beautifully rich flavor and eye-catching presentation, this mousse pumpkin always impresses guests. It’s the ideal standout dessert for any gathering or celebration. (And best of all, you can make it last minute!)
- Make Ahead Option. You can easily make this soft pumpkin dessert ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
Overhead photo of pumpkin puree, cream cheese, cool whip, ginger snaps, brown sugar, and spices neatly organized on a kitchen counter.
Ingredients for this pumpkin puree dessert
This ultra-smooth, luscious mousse is made with 9 simple ingredients, most of which are pantry staples! However, don’t let the basic ingredient list fool you, this no-bake mousse is unbelievably delicious!
- Cream cheese: You need an 8-ounce block of full fat cream cheese for a deliciously rich texture and mild tangy flavor that beautifully complements the pumpkin flavor. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature for the best fluffy texture.
- Pumpkin Puree: Make sure you use plain 100% natural pumpkin puree, and not pumpkin pie filling, to make this no-bake mousse recipe. Canned pumpkin puree is simply pumpkin that has been cooked and pureed. On the other hand, canned pumpkin pie filling is sweetened and flavored with various spices which will alter the recipe. (If you’ve got leftovers, put it to good use in this pumpkin brioche french toast.)
- Sugars: This no bake pumpkin dessert uses a combination of dark brown sugar and powdered sugar for sweetness. The dark brown sugar provides a robust, caramel-like flavor, while the confectioner’s sugar provides a super smooth texture.
- Vanilla: Pure vanilla extract adds a touch of welcoming flavor!
- Seasonings: A combination of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and kosher salt all provide cozy, warming and inviting flavor!
- Whipped Topping: Normally I would say homemade whipped cream is much better than store-bought. However, good ‘ole Cool Whip is thicker with a heftier texture that makes this mousse *super* light and airy. Plus, using the store-bought topping keeps this recipe super quick and hassle free!
- Toppings: While entirely optional, toppings are the perfect way to add flavor, texture and pizzaz to your pumpkin pie mousse! (Please scroll down for the best toppings for canned pumpkin mousse.)
Recipe variations
This recipe for pumpkin puree dessert is totally flexible! Feel free to get creative or simply substitute ingredients based upon your personal preference or what you have on hand in the kitchen.
- Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse: Either layer chocolate mousse with pumpkin mousse for a stunning fall dessert. Or drizzle a little chocolate sauce over the mousse for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Spiced Pumpkin Mousse: Enhance the autumn flavors with additional spices such as ginger, allspice, nutmeg, or clove for a more complex taste profile.
- Pumpkin Gingerbread Mousse: Use crushed gingerbread cookies as a crust at the bottom of the serving glass or dish for some holiday spirit.
- Nutty Mousse with Pumpkin: Fold finely chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a delightful crunch. You can also top the mousse with crushed nuts for extra sweetness.
- Dairy Free Pumpkin Mousse: Swap out the cool whip for coconut cream whip and cream cheese for plant-based cream cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Caramel Mousse Pumpkin: Swirl a little caramel sauce into the mousse for a decadent touch. Or opt to drizzle some on top before serving for a visually appealing finish.
- Pumpkin Latte Mousse Dessert: Incorporate espresso powder or coffee for a mocha flavor that combines the richness of pumpkin with a caffeine kick.
- Pumpkin Orange Mousse: Add a little bit of fresh orange zest for a subtle touch of bright, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with gourds.
Action photo of a rubber spatula folding pumpkin puree with cool whip in a large mixing bowl.
Chef expert tips to ensure the most success!
- Use Quality Pumpkin. For the best flavor, opt for fresh pumpkin puree instead of canned. And, if using canned, be sure to select a brand that’s 100% pure pumpkin with no additives to ensure the best taste and texture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients. This may seem counter-intuitive, but ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature and the cool whip is thawed before whipping. This helps achieve a fluffier mousse, as room temperature products are easier to whip.
- Scrape the Bowl. Be sure to use a rubber spatula to scrape the bottom and the sides of the bowl for even mixing.
- Fold, Don’t Stir. When combining the whipped cream with the pumpkin mixture, gently fold to maintain the airiness of the mousse. This technique keeps the texture light and fluffy.
- Allow for Chilling Time. After assembling the autumn mousse, refrigerate it for at least a couple of hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to setup properly.
- Experiment with Sweetness. Depending on the sweetness of the pumpkin, adjust the sugar to your taste. Some pumpkins can be sweeter than others, so tasting as you go is crucial.
- Personalize the Recipe. Don’t hesitate to customize this mousse recipe with your own twist – whether it’s using a different spice blend or adding a unique topping. Personal touches are what make a dish your own!
- Garnish Creatively. You eat with your eyes first, so consider thoughtful garnishes like whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or crushed graham crackers. A visually appealing dessert can elevate the entire dessert experience.
- Entertaining? Make It Ahead. This mousse recipe can easily be made in advance. Preparing this pumpkin dessert ahead of time doesn’t just allow for the flavors to meld, it also makes for fuss-free entertaining.
Step-by-step photos: making this recipe at home
(Scroll down for the detailed measurements and instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.)
Overhead photo collage of how to make pumpkin mousse step by step with written instructions on each step.
FAQs: frequently asked questions
Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making this recipe. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!
Can I use canned pumpkin puree?
Absolutely. Canned pumpkin puree is actually what I typically use as it’s very convenient. Just make sure to use a quality brand and it’s 100% pumpkin puree with no additives. Alternatively, if you’re looking for the best pumpkin puree dessert, use homemade puree.
What’s the difference between mousse and pudding?
Both mousse and pudding are soft, fluffy desserts that don’t require any baking. However, pudding is made by cooking milk with sugar and adding cornstarch to thicken the mixture. Mousse, on the other hand, is made by folding whipped cream into a flavored sugar base. Essentially, while pudding is cooked, mousse is not. The folding, versus cooking, process gives mousse a lighter, more airy texture with a fluffier consistency. Additionally, mousse is typically served chilled or frozen, while pudding can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature or chilled.
Key differences between the two desserts
- Both pudding and mousse can be enjoyed cold; however, only mousse can be frozen while only pudding can be served warm.
- Pudding requires cooking on the stovetop, while mousse does not.
- Mousse is much lighter and fluffier than pudding.
How long should I chill the mousse?
While you can serve the mousse immediately, I recommend chilling the dessert for at least 1 hour, or ideally 8 hours.
Is pumpkin mousse safe for kids?
It sure is! Made with ingredients like pumpkin puree, brown sugar, cream cheese, and cool whip, this recipe for pumpkin mousse is generally considered safe for children. However, please be mindful of any dietary restrictions!
How do I serve pumpkin whip?
You can serve this 10-minute pumpkin mousse recipe any which way you like – as a dip, layered with whipped cream in mason jars, and more. It’s the perfect dessert to serve at various holiday parties because while it’s incredibly simple to make, it’s elegant looking – so it’s easy to fool people into thinking you went to a lot of effort. (Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me!)
Below are a few fun ways to serve this mousse dessert at your any holiday gathering:
- Halloween: The orange hue of this mousse makes it a natural addition to your Halloween menu! Try serving the pumpkin fluff in an Oreo pie crust or as a parfait with layers of Oreo crumbs! Make sure you use festive Halloween gummy worms as a topping for a touch of spooky fun!
- Thanksgiving: Forget fussing around with pumpkin pie and opt for elegant, yet easy pumpkin mousse instead! Crumble a few gingersnaps into individual serving glasses and add the mousse. Finish it off with whipped cream, chocolate shavings and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon!
- Christmas: Deck out your holiday with beautiful mousse martinis! Crumble a few gingersnaps into martini glasses and top with mousse. Garnish the glass with whipped cream, sugared cranberries, and edible gold flakes!
- More pumpkin: If you’re a big fan of pumpkin, make it the star of your dinner party by serving Pumpkin Dinner Shells for dinner and pairing your mousse with Pumpkin Martinis for dessert!
Expert-tip: If you are going for a pretty aesthetic, make sure you use a pastry bag to pipe the pumpkin dessert into individual serving glasses.
What toppings for pumpkin mousse pie?
Toppings and garnishes are (arguably) the best part of any dessert! Plus, they are a great way to add your own personal flare and really customize this pumpkin mousse recipe.
If you are serving this pumpkin puree dessert at a party, t ry setting up a toppings bar so your guests can customize their dessert with their favorite combination of toppings. To set up a toppings bar, serve your mousse in small cups or glasses and arrange toppings in individual small bowls to the right of the mousse. Don’t forget to set out spoons and plenty of napkins at the end of the table so your guests can grab them before enjoying their personalized dessert! Below are some delicious topping ideas to help fancy up your pumpkin pie mousse.
Expert tip: There are two ways to crush cookies and crackers quickly and easily for toppings. First, you can use a food processor and pulse to the cookies/crackers until they resemble thick crumbs. Or you can place the cookies/crackers in a resealable bag and use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to crush them into crumbs!
12 toppings and garnishes
- Whipped cream: Fluffy whipped cream is a classic garnish for mousse. However, frosting made from cool whip or this healthier whipped yogurt topping work too.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkling of ground cinnamon is the perfect way to add a touch of cozy, warming flavor!
- Gingersnap cookies: Nothing say holiday mouse like warming, crunchy gingersnaps (crushed or whole)!
- Sprinkles and non-perils: Sprinkles are a fun way to add a pop of color to your no bake pumpkin dessert!
- Toffee bits: Chopped Heath bars or toffee bits are a great way to add a bit of nutty flavor and crunchy flavor to your creamy dessert!
- Oreos: Oreos (crushed or whole) make a delicious garnish for mousse! The black and orange combination is especially great for celebrating Halloween!
- Graham crackers: Subtly sweet and slightly nutty graham crackers (crushed or whole) are a perfect topping for this cozy cheesecake mousse!
- Wafers: Chocolate or vanilla wafers are a sweet and crisp garnish idea!
- Baking chips: Your favorite baking chip, such as chocolate, white chocolate, caramel, butterscotch, and cinnamon all work beautifully as a topping for mousse!
- Sugared Cranberries: Gem-like cranberries are the perfect garnish for the holidays! They offer a pleasant sweet and tart flavor that complements pumpkin beautifully!
- Nuts: Candied nuts are a fantastic way to add welcoming crunch along with a touch of sweet, nutty flavor!
- Granola: Crispy, crunchy granola is a great topping if you are looking for a slightly healthier alternative! (Chocolate granola is so good with pumpkin mousse!)
Can I make this pumpkin dessert recipe in advance?
Mousse pumpkin is the perfect fluffy, light, and deliciously rich make-ahead dessert or afternoon sweet snack! I personally recommend making this no bake pumpkin dessert a few hours in advance as it tastes best after the flavors have had time to develop and marry.
While this pumpkin fluff recipe will keep for several days in the refrigerator, it tastes best if made no more than 1 day in advance. After you prepare the mousse, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Do not add toppings or garnishes until just before serving. If you want to serve this dessert parfait-style, wait to layer the crushed cookies until just before serving to ensure they remain crunchy!
How long can no bake pumpkin mousse sit out?
Mousse is a delicate, perishable dessert made with dairy products; therefore, it should not remain at room temperature for more than 2 hours. While this pumpkin puree dessert will hold up at room temperature for a longer period, leaving mousse out of refrigeration for over 2 hours will caused bacteria to grow a level that can cause food-illness.
Close-up photo of mousse pumpkin in a small dessert glass.
Angled photo of mousse made with pumpkin puree and a gingersnap crust in a short glass.
Angled, close-up photo showing the texture of no bake pumpkin dessert.
If you’re looking for the perfect fluffy, fall-flavored dessert with pumpkin puree, look no further than this recipe for pumpkin mousse. It’s rich, decadent and will totally satisfy anyone’s (and everyone’s!) sweet-tooth!
Until next time, friends, cheers!
Cheyanne
Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!
More dessert recipes with pumpkin puree!
Love this recipe for pumpkin fluff? Open a can of pumpkin and try these yummy crowd-pleasing favorites next:
Pumpkin Mousse
5 from 1 vote
Author: Cheyanne Holzworth
Total Time: 10
Prep Time: 10
Servings: 12 servings
Fluffy, rich, and impossibly creamy with a melt-in-your mouth texture, this Pumpkin Mousse recipe is the perfect simple, yet impressive fall treat ideal for any occasion – from weeknights to holiday dessert spreads! Made with pumpkin puree, cozy warming spices, and a graham cracker or ginger snap crust, this no cook pumpkin dessert only requires 9 easy-to-find ingredients and 10 minutes of preparation.
Equipment
- 1 Stand mixer OR Hand Held mixer with bowl – for making the pumpkin mousse
- 1 Rubber Spatula – for folding ingredients
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese – softened to room temperature (block-style)
- 8 Ounces Pumpkin Puree – (about 1 cup) (DO NOT use pumpkin pie filling)
- ½ Cup Light Brown Sugar – packed
- ¼ cup Confectioner’s Sugar
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
- ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ¼ tsp Kosher Salt
- 3 Cups Cool Whip – DIVIDED & Thawed (8-ounce tub)
- Optional Serving Suggestions: Gingersnap Cookies or Graham Crackers – finely crushed; Chocolate Shavings (See post for full list of toppings!)
Prevent your screen from going dark
Instructions
- Beat Cream Cheese: Using a large bowl and a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it's very smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula before proceeding to the next step.
- Add Pumpkin Puree and Sugars: Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, and confectioner’s sugar to the bowl.
Beat on medium-high speed until everything is well combined, about 3 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Add the vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt to the bowl.
Beat on medium-high until creamy and smooth; beating until there are no lumps of cream cheese and the mixture is very smooth.
- Fold in Whipped Topping: Add 2 cups of the whipped topping to the bowl.
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture until it's well combined. Make sure you are gentle when folding so you don’t deflate the whipped topping! Gently fold until the topping in completely combined and no streaks of cream remain.
- Optional – Chill Mousse: Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight so the flavors can meld and the mousse can set.
- Serve Pumpkin Mousse: Either transfer the mousse to a piping bag or gently scoop the mousse into serving cups, glasses, or a bowl. Top with remaining whipped topping and whatever dessert garnishes you love! Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Homemade Whipped Cream Substitute for Cool Whip: You can make your own whipped cream if you prefer! Make sure your bowl and beaters are cold for the best results. In a COLD bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream and 3 TBS of confectioner’s sugar until firm peaks form. You should end up with 3 cups of homemade whipped cream.
- Serving Mousse: Please see the post for a full list of serving and topping ideas!
- Storage: Cover the bowl of mousse tightly with plastic wrap or transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Mousse will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Need to Scale the Recipe? Hover your mouse over the number of servings in the recipe card. You’ll see a sliding scale pop up, you can use that to scale the recipe up or down as needed.
- Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you ever run into an issue, have a question, or need any clarification – please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’m happy to help when I can!
- Recipe Serves: 10-12
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 12 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.
Nutrition
Calories: 147kcal Carbohydrates: 19g Protein: 2g Fat: 8g Saturated Fat: 4g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 22mg Sodium: 125mg Potassium: 99mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 16g Vitamin A: 3229IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 54mg Iron: 0.4mg
©No Spoon Necessary. All images and content under copyright protection. Please do not use any images without prior permission. Please do not publish this recipe without prior consent. To reference this recipe, please link directly to this post.
Close-up photo showcasing the creamy, luscious texture of a mousse dessert made with pumpkin puree.