This Pumpkin Mousse Parfait is a fun and tasty treat! Layers of creamy pumpkin mousse and fluffy whipped cream create a perfect fall dessert that’s both light and satisfying.
I love how pretty it looks in a glass, too! It’s great for impressing guests or just enjoying on a cozy night in. Plus, it’s super easy to make—just whip, layer, and chill!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned pumpkin puree for convenience or make your own by cooking fresh pumpkin. Just roast the pumpkin, scoop out the flesh, and blend until smooth. Both options work well for great flavor.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is key for fluffiness! If you’re looking for a lighter version, you might try coconut cream, which has a lovely taste and texture when whipped.
Cream Cheese: This gives structure to the mousse. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a cream cheese alternative made from nuts, or silken tofu blended until smooth for a similar texture.
Gingersnap or Graham Crackers: I love gingersnap cookies for their spiciness, but you can substitute with crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers if you prefer something milder.
How Do You Make Pumpkin Mousse Light and Airy?
The key to achieving a fluffy and light mousse lies in your whipping technique. First, ensure your cream is chilled, as cold cream whips better. After whipping the first half of the cream with sugar and vanilla, carefully fold it into the pumpkin mixture. This way, you keep as much air in the mixture as possible.
- Use a spatula to gently lift and fold the cream into the pumpkin mix, turning the bowl as you go.
- Be gentle! Overs mixing can deflate the mousse, making it dense.
How to Make Pumpkin Mousse Parfait
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pumpkin Mousse:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh cooked)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, divided
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
For the Cookie Layer:
- 1 cup crushed gingersnap or graham cracker cookies (plus some whole cookies for garnish)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pumpkin Mousse Parfait takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll want to allow at least 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’re looking at 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pumpkin Mousse:
Start by whipping 1/2 cup of the heavy cream in a large bowl along with 1/3 cup granulated sugar and the vanilla extract. Beat this mixture until soft peaks form, and then set it aside for later. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Next, add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice into the cream cheese mix, stirring until everything is well combined. Now, gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture, taking care to keep it airy. This is your fluffy pumpkin mousse!
2. Make the Whipped Cream Layer:
In another bowl, whip the remaining 1/2 cup of heavy cream until it reaches stiff peaks. This will be the light and fluffy layer to complement your pumpkin mousse.
3. Layering the Parfaits:
Now it’s time to assemble your parfaits! Begin by adding a layer of the crushed cookies to the bottom of each glass. Follow this up by spooning a generous layer of pumpkin mousse over the cookie crumbs. Now, add a layer of whipped cream over the mousse. You can repeat the layering with more pumpkin mousse and whipped cream as desired until your glasses are filled!
4. Finish and Chill:
To finish off, top each parfait with a swirl of whipped cream, a sprinkle of crushed cookies, and a whole cookie for a lovely garnish. If you like, add a fresh mint leaf to brighten up the look. Now, cover and chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Enjoy your rich, creamy, and beautifully layered Pumpkin Mousse Parfait! It’s perfect for any fall gathering or a delightful treat for yourself.
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned Puree?
Absolutely! If using fresh pumpkin, just roast and cook it until tender, then blend until smooth. Make sure it’s fully cooled before incorporating it into your mixture.
Can I Make This Parfait Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or silken tofu blended until smooth. For the whipped cream, use coconut cream from a chilled can of coconut milk whipped until fluffy.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Parfaits?
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The layers might soften a bit, but they will still taste delicious!
Can I Prepare the Pumpkin Mousse Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can make the pumpkin mousse and whipped cream layers a day in advance. Just layer the parfaits just before serving to keep the cookies crunchy and fresh.
