Pumpkin Mousse is the ultimate autumn dessert, boasting a silky-smooth texture and rich pumpkin flavor that dances with notes of spice and cream. This luxurious treat is as festive as it is effortless, blending cozy fall vibes with an irresistible lightness. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want to treat yourself to something special, this Pumpkin Mousse feels like a big, cozy sweater in dessert form—sure to win rave reviews from everyone at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easily just a few well-chosen ingredients come together to create a mousse that’s both luscious and airy. Each component adds something unique to the table—from texture and body to gentle sweetness and a signature splash of autumnal flavor.

Unflavored Gelatin: The secret to that perfectly set yet pillowy mousse—don’t skip it or your Pumpkin Mousse won’t hold its dreamy shape.
Milk: Acts as the base for blooming the gelatin and adds creaminess; you can use any kind you like here.
Granulated Sugar: Gives the Pumpkin Mousse just the right amount of sweetness, so every bite is perfectly balanced.
Pumpkin Puree: The star of the show—make sure you’re using pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for that fresh earthy flavor.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: Brings in those warm, cozy notes we crave in fall desserts, like cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger.
Sour Cream: Adds a tangy richness and keeps the mousse ultra-lush without being heavy.
Whipped Topping: Folded in at the end for that light-as-air finish, it helps the mousse hold its shape while staying spoonably soft.
Ground Cinnamon (for garnish): Adds a pretty dusting on top and just a little extra pop of spice.
Heavy Whipping Cream: For the homemade rum whipped cream—it’s rich, fresh, and so much better than the canned stuff.
Powdered Sugar: Gives the whipped cream a bit of structure and sweetness, melting in beautifully.
Dark or Golden Rum (or Vanilla Extract): The perfect touch of warmth; rum gives the whipped cream an extra layer of depth, but vanilla is a delicious (and kid-friendly) alternative.

How to Make Pumpkin Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture

Start by combining the gelatin and milk in a small saucepan. Heat them gently over medium heat, whisking continuously to ensure the gelatin dissolves fully—watch for steam, but don’t let it boil! Once dissolved, take it off the heat and let the mixture cool for about fifteen minutes. This simple step ensures that the Pumpkin Mousse sets up with that wonderfully airy-yet-firm texture that makes it irresistible.

Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Mousse Base

Next, bring your mixer out and combine the sugar, sour cream, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice. Whip these ingredients together until there’s not a streak in sight—this is where the flavor magic happens. Then, add the thawed whipped topping and keep mixing just until everything is silky smooth. You’ll start to notice it getting lighter and fluffier before your eyes!

Step 3: Incorporate the Gelatin

Now for the step that sets this dessert apart: With your mixer running on low, slowly drizzle in the cooled gelatin mixture. Take your time with this, so everything unites seamlessly. Immediately portion the mousse into individual serving cups or glasses—whatever’s calling to you! Slide them into the fridge for at least four hours (or overnight) to let your Pumpkin Mousse achieve its perfect, cloudlike set.

Step 4: Make the Rum Whipped Cream

While the mousse is chilling out, let’s whip together the ultimate finishing touch. In a clean bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on high speed until they reach fluffy, soft peaks—about two minutes should do the trick. Add the rum (or vanilla, if you prefer) and whip just until combined. You want soft, pillowy cream, not butter, so don’t overdo it!

Step 5: Serve

When you’re ready to serve, pipe or spoon a generous swirl of the rum whipped cream on top of each mousse cup, then finish with a gentle sprinkle of ground cinnamon. Each spoonful is creamy, spiced, and utterly seasonal—a showstopper every single time.

How to Serve Pumpkin Mousse

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes—they’re the crowning glory of your Pumpkin Mousse! A swirl of rum whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon add just the right amount of flair, while a few crunchy roasted pepitas or shaved chocolate give a fun twist to each serving.

Side Dishes

Pumpkin Mousse shines brightest when paired with coffee or a spiced chai latte, especially after a holiday meal. If you want a more elaborate spread, offer a plate of crisp biscotti, shortbread cookies, or caramel-dipped fruit to balance the mousse’s creamy texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Unleash your inner entertainer! Serve Pumpkin Mousse in elegant martini glasses for a dinner party, layer it with crushed gingersnaps and whipped cream in mini parfait jars for a picnic, or pipe it into hollowed pumpkins at Halloween for a playful, edible centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pumpkin Mousse holds up beautifully in the fridge. Just cover each cup with plastic wrap or pop them into airtight containers; they’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to three days. The texture remains cloudlike and the flavor even deepens as it sits!

Freezing

If you want to make your Pumpkin Mousse way in advance, freezing is an option. Freeze individual portions without toppings, wrapped tightly to prevent frostbite, for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, and add your whipped cream fresh before serving.

Reheating

Good news: there’s no reheating needed for Pumpkin Mousse! Just let frozen portions thaw in the fridge. If the mousse releases a bit of moisture after thawing, gently blot the top with a paper towel before adding your garnish.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Mousse without gelatin?

While the gelatin gives Pumpkin Mousse its signature airy set, you can try substituting with agar-agar for a vegetarian version, though the texture will be slightly different. Just be sure to follow the package directions for blooming and dissolving agar-agar.

What can I use instead of whipped topping?

If you want a less processed option, you can substitute freshly whipped heavy cream (sweetened to taste) in place of the whipped topping. Just be careful not to over-whip, as you don’t want stiff or grainy mousse.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Absolutely! All the core ingredients for Pumpkin Mousse are gluten free. Just make sure your whipped topping and any store-bought spices are certified gluten free if you’re serving someone with a gluten sensitivity.

Can I make this mousse with fresh pumpkin?

Yes, you can use homemade pumpkin puree as long as it’s very well-drained. Too much moisture can make your mousse runny, so pat the puree dry with paper towels or strain through a cheesecloth before adding.

Does the alcohol in the whipped cream make it inappropriate for kids?

The small amount of rum adds flavor but very little alcohol overall, especially per serving. If you prefer, simply use vanilla extract in the whipped cream for a 100 percent family-friendly treat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug and looks every bit as stunning as it tastes, you simply have to try making Pumpkin Mousse. It’s bound to become a new fall favorite—so gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to some spiced, creamy magic!

Pumpkin Mousse Recipe