Light, creamy, and irresistibly spiced, this Easy Pumpkin Mousse delivers all the cozy flavors of pumpkin pie in a fluffier, more elegant dessert. It’s a quick, make-ahead treat that’s perfect for fall gatherings, with velvety texture and a touch of sweetness in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Pumpkin Mousse is the perfect dessert for fall, offering all the rich, spiced flavor of pumpkin pie but in a lighter, fluffier form. With the combination of cheesecake pudding mix, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice, it’s a flavorful treat that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. The mousse is quick to prepare, making it a perfect make-ahead option for busy days, and the creamy whipped topping adds a lovely finish. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a casual family treat! Pumpkin Mousse

Ingredients

Two (3.4 oz) boxes cheesecake instant pudding mix (6.8 oz total)
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 cup half and half
15 oz pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
8 oz whipped topping, divided (or whipped cream)

Optional Garnish:

Pumpkin pie spice

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cheesecake pudding mix, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice until fully combined.
Add in the half and half and pumpkin purée. Beat using a hand or stand mixer until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
Gently fold in 2 cups of the whipped topping until fully incorporated.
Spoon the mousse into (8) 4-ounce ramekins, glasses, or bowls. Alternatively, use one large serving dish. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Before serving, top with the remaining whipped topping using a piping bag or spoon. Sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice and serve chilled.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: —
Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chill time)
Servings: 8 servings

Variations

Vegan version: Use dairy-free whipped topping and almond milk or coconut milk to make the mousse vegan-friendly.
Spicy twist: If you like a bit more spice, increase the amount of pumpkin pie spice or add a pinch of cinnamon and ginger.
Garnishes: For added flair, garnish with candied pecans, crushed graham crackers, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the mousse can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh as freezing may alter the texture of the whipped topping. If you do freeze it, thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary.

FAQs

1. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?

No, pumpkin pie filling contains added spices and sugar, which will alter the flavor and texture of the mousse. Use pure pumpkin purée for the best results.

2. Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Yes, homemade whipped cream will work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before folding it into the mousse.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this mousse is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, making it a great option for parties or holiday gatherings.

4. Can I use almond milk instead of half and half?

Yes, you can substitute almond milk or another dairy-free milk for the half and half to make this mousse dairy-free. Keep in mind that it may slightly change the texture.

5. How do I make the mousse more flavorful?

You can add a little extra pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon if you want a more intense flavor. A dash of vanilla extract can also complement the pumpkin flavor.

6. Can I use different pudding flavors?

While this recipe calls for cheesecake-flavored pudding mix, you could experiment with vanilla or even chocolate pudding mix, although the texture and flavor will change.

7. How long does the mousse need to chill?

The mousse should chill for at least 30 minutes, but it can be left in the fridge for up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld and the texture to set.

8. Can I make this mousse without the whipped topping?

You can make the mousse without whipped topping, but the texture will be denser. The whipped topping adds air and lightness to the mousse, giving it that fluffy, mousse-like consistency.

9. Can I use other spices instead of pumpkin pie spice?

Yes, you can use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in place of pumpkin pie spice for a customized flavor profile.

10. How do I serve this mousse?

This mousse is lovely served in individual ramekins or glasses, but you can also make it in one large dish for a family-style presentation.

Conclusion

Easy Pumpkin Mousse is the ultimate fall dessert—light, fluffy, and bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin and spice. It’s simple to make, perfect for entertaining, and can be prepared ahead of time for a hassle-free treat. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or simply enjoying it on a cozy evening, this mousse will satisfy your pumpkin cravings in the most delightful way.