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Make this amazing Pumpkin Mousse recipe in just 10 minutes with 9 ingredients. This pumpkin dessert is fluffy, rich, impossibly creamy and just melts-in-your mouth! Plus, it’s bursting with plenty of real pumpkin flavor and cozy, warming spices! Serve this no-bake dessert various ways (in a graham cracker crust, a trifle dish, individual glasses, etc) for a simple, yet impressive treat perfect for every occasion – from weeknight snacking to Thanksgiving dessert.

You can easily customize this no-bake pumpkin dessert with your favorite toppings, such as chocolate curls, gingersnaps, sprinkles, Oreos and more. Continue to read on for expert tips and tricks for preparing the best pumpkin fluff recipe. And, don’t miss the comprehensive step-by-step photographs showing you exactly how easy it is to this recipe at home!

Angled photo of pumpkin mousse topped with whipped cream, chocolate curls and gold flakes in a short dessert glass.

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 recipe

If you love pumpkin desserts, you are going to love this no-bake pumpkin mousse recipe! This soft and airy dessert is the perfect combination of no-bake cheesecake meets fluffy mousse. It has everything you love about cheesecake and mousse – airy, fluffy texture and rich, luscious taste – with none of the hassle and absolutely zero fuss. Plus, this melt-in-your-mouth mousse is bursting with cozy fall flavors, such as silky, sweet pumpkin puree, rich brown sugar, inviting vanilla and warming pumpkin pie spice!

This mousse recipe is so insanely simple to prepare too – it only requires 10 minutes and 9 simple ingredients you probably have hanging around your kitchen. And, it’s 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.

Oh, and did I mention this recipe for pumpkin dessert is totally stress and cooking-free – that’s right, there’s no baking or stirring over a hot stove! Plus, 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, Amazing Banana Pudding, Yogurt Cups with Fruitand Cream Cheese Cookie Dip

Why you’ll love this pumpkin pie in a cup

  • So delicious: This pumpkin mousse is decadently rich and bursting with your favorite warming, cozy fall flavors along with plenty of pumpkin spice!
  • Amazing texture: This mousse is super smooth, creamy, light and airy with a marvelous melt-in-your-mouth texture! It tastes like a cross between a lighter version of your favorite no-bake cheesecake and a fluffy mousse. Essentially, it’s heaven!
  • Affordable staple ingredients: You only need 9 simple ingredients, plus whatever toppings or garnishes you love!
  • Amazingly easy: This pumpkin dessert is simple and fuss free! There’s no cooking, no baking and absolutely zero hassle!
  • 10-minute recipe: You can make this pumpkin fluff recipe – from prep to finish – in 10 minutes!
  • Customizable: This homemade cheesecake mousse recipe is so versatile – there’s limitless flavor and topping combinations you can try!
  • Make ahead: You can easily make this soft pumpkin dessert ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator!
  • Perfect for every occasion: Mousse is perfect for any and every occasion – from dessert with your family or last-minute entertaining to elegant holiday gatherings!
  • Everyone loves it: Everyone (even picky kids) go crazy for this no-bake fall dessert!

Overhead photo of all the ingredients to make pumpkin cheesecake mousse neatly organized into individual ingredients on a white surface.

What is mousse?

Mousse is a type of soft dessert with a rich, yet incredibly light and airy consistency. At its most basic, mousse is made by folding whipped cream into a flavored base, such as melted chocolate, fruit curd, custard, or pumpkin puree.

What is pumpkin mousse?

Pumpkin mousse is an easy, no-bake soft dessert made with whipped cream, pumpkin puree, sugar, and warming spices. It has an airy, melt in your mouth texture with a consistency between no-bake cheesecake and traditional mousse.

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

  • Pudding requires cooking on the stovetop, while mousse does not.
  • Mousse is much lighter and fluffier than pudding.
  • Both pudding and mousse can be enjoyed cold; however, only mousse can be frozen while only pudding can be served warm.

Overhead photo of cream cheese mixed with pumpkin puree in a large glass bowl with a whisk inserted into the bowl.

What’s in this no bake pumpkin 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!

Ingredients in pumpkin mousse

  • Cream cheese: You need an 8-ounce block of full fat cream cheese for this recipe. The cream cheese gives this mousse a deliciously rich texture while providing a 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!
  • 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 mousse! (Please scroll down for the best toppings for canned pumpkin mousse!)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe for pumpkin fluff 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 Puree: You can absolutely make your own pumpkin puree if you would like! Just make sure the recipe only calls for pumpkin, and no additional sweeteners or seasonings!
  • Extract: If you are looking to add even more cozy flavor, you can use a combination of both vanilla and maple extracts in this recipe (use 1 teaspoon of each)!
  • Pumpkin Pie Seasoning: if you don’t have pumpkin pie spice mix, you can make your own. It’s essentially just a combination of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice and cloves.
  • Whipped Topping: You can absolutely make your own homemade whipped cream if you prefer! Just make sure your bowls and beaters are cold before whipping your heavy cream! (I’ve included how to make whipped cream in the notes section of the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page!)
  • Orange: Pumpkin and oranges pair together beautifully! Feel free to add a bit of fresh orange zest for a subtle touch of bright, citrusy flavor! (Add the orange zest in step 3 of the recipe, along with the other flavoring ingredients.)

What kitchen tools do I need?

This easy mousse recipe requires very minimal, basic kitchen equipment!

  • Stand mixer or a large bowl and an electric mixer
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serveware (glasses, cups, martini glasses, etc.)

How to make the best pumpkin mousse?

This pumpkin dessert recipe is incredibly easy to make and only requires 10 minutes – from prep to finish!

  1.    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 very smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
  2. Add pumpkin + sugars: Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar and confectioner’s sugar to the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until well combined.
  3. Add flavorings: Add the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt to the bowl. Beat on medium-high until creamy and smooth; making sure no lumps of cream cheese remain – if so, continue beating!
  4. Fold in whipped cream: Add 2 cups of the whipped topping to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture until well combined. Make sure you fold gently so you don’t deflate the whipped topping! Gently fold until the topping in completely combined and no streaks of cream remain.
  5. Serve or Store: Either transfer the mousse to a piping bag or gently scoop the mousse into serving cups, glasses or a trifle dish. Top pumpkin fluff with remaining whipped topping, crushed cookies, cinnamon and chocolate shavings if using. Serve immediately and enjoy! Storage: Alternately, you can cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for several days.

How to make this recipe for pumpkin dessert: step by step photos

(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.

Serving this pumpkin dessert

Are you looking for delicious ways to serve your cheesecake pumpkin mousse? Below are some delectable serving suggestions for this creamy no-bake dessert!

How to serve mousse?

Pumpkin mousse tastes best served cold or chilled. However, beyond that, there are infinite ways you can serve homemade mousse, depending upon how plain, fancy, or creative you want to get!

Expert tip: To easily transfer mousse into a serving vessel, use a piping bag with a 1M tip or a resealable bag with the tip cut off. Alternatively, you can simply use a spoon to divvy up the mousse if you prefer!

10 creative ways to serve cream cheese pumpkin dessert

  • Juice glasses or short cups: Small juice glasses or short, wide glass cups are an easy, yet beautiful serving option for mousse.
  • Individual serving bowls or ramekins: Ramekins or small serving bowls are a quick and fuss-free way to serve this pumpkin fluff recipe.
  • Martini or champagne glasses: If you are hosting a party, martini glasses or champagne flutes are a beautiful, fancy way to serve your mousse.
  • Appetizer serving spoons: Porcelain appetizer spoons (or Asian wonton soup spoons) are perfect for serving bite-size portions of mousse.
  • Parfait glasses: Use pumpkin mousse to create a layered parfait-style dessert! Alternate thin layers of crushed cookies or graham crackers with mousse and finish it off with a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Mason jars: Old-fashioned mason jars are a fun option if you are looking to serve generous portions of mousse.
  • Espresso cups: If you’re serving mousse with coffee, play up the after-dinner theme by serving it in little espresso cups.
  • Pie plate: You can easily transform this pumpkin dessert into a no-bake mousse pie!! Use a graham cracker or Oreo pie crust and gently spread the mousse into the crust. Make sure you thoroughly chill the pie before serving. (If you are baking a pie crust, you must thoroughly cool the crust before filling it with the mousse!)
  • Trifle bowl: If you are serving a large crowd you can create a parfait-style dessert in a large trifle bowl versus individual parfait glasses.
  • Waffle cone or cup: Thin and crispy waffle cones or cups are a fun, edible serving vessel for pumpkin fluff.

Straight on photo of a parfait glass containing layers of crushed gingersnap cookies, pumpkin mousse and whipped cream.

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 fluff recipe!

If you are serving mousse at a party, try 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 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 mousse 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!)

How to serve pumpkin fluff at a holiday party?

This 10-minute pumpkin mousse recipe is the perfect dessert to serve at various holiday parties! It’s incredibly simple to make, yet elegant looking, so it’s easy to fool people into thinking you went to a lot of effort! Below are a few fun ways to serve this mousse dessert at your next 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.

Short dessert glass containing pumpkin mousse with a bite of mousse missing from the dessert.

Tips for storing pumpkin mousse

Food safety is of the utmost importance, especially when it comes to storing no-bake desserts! Please follow the simple tips below to ensure you are properly storing your homemade mousse!

Can I make this pumpkin dessert recipe in advance?

Mousse 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 the mousse 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.

How long does this pumpkin fluff recipe last?

Homemade pumpkin mousse stores great in the refrigerator! 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.

Can I freeze mousse with cream cheese?

While you technically can freeze pumpkin mousse, I don’t recommend it. This pumpkin dessert recipe contains cream cheese which tends to separate upon thawing. Plus, freezing changes the texture of mousse from light and fluffy to icy, hard ice cream. However, if you don’t mind the texture change, you can freeze mousse in freezer-safe resealable bags or airtight individual storage containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, either thaw the mousse in the refrigerator overnight or leave it at room temperature until softened.

Three short glasses of orange mousse topped with whipped cream and chocolate curls.

If you’re looking for the perfect fluffy, fall-flavored dessert, look no further than this recipe for pumpkin dessert! It’s rich, decadent and will totally satisfy anyone’s (and everyone’s!) sweet-tooth!

Until next time, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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Angled, close-up photo of pumpkin mousse with a bite missing in a short dessert glass.

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:

The best pumpkin mousse recipe👇

Pumpkin Mousse recipe

5 from 2 votes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 12
This incredibly easy, no-bake Pumpkin Mousse recipe is made with 9 simple pantry ingredients and ready - from prep to finish - in 10 minutes or less! This pumpkin dessert is fluffy, rich, impossibly creamy and just melts-in-your mouth! Plus, it's bursting with plenty of real pumpkin flavor and cozy, warming spices! You can serve this mousse in individual glasses, an elegant trifle dish, or as a no-bake mousse pie! This simple, yet impressive homemade mousse is perfect for every occasion - from weekday treats with the family to Thanksgiving dessert! 
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • Stand mixer OR Hand Held mixer with bowl
  • Large Bowl
  • Rubber Spatula

Ingredients 

  • 8 ounces Full-Fat Cream Cheese Block – softened to room temperature
  • 8 Ounces Pumpkin Puree – NOT Pumpkin Pie Filling (1 cup)
  • 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 Toppings: Gingersnap Cookies or Graham Crackers – finely crushed; Chocolate Shavings (See post for full list of toppings!)

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 very smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.
  • Add pumpkin + sugars: Add the pumpkin puree, brown sugar and confectioner’s sugar to the bowl. Beat on medium-high speed until well combined, about 3 minutes.
  • Add flavorings: Add the vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon and salt to the bowl. Beat on medium-high until creamy and smooth; making sure no lumps of cream cheese remain – if so, continue beating!
  • Fold in whipped cream: Add 2 cups of the whipped topping to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the whipped topping into the pumpkin mixture until well combined. Make sure you fold gently so you don’t deflate the whipped topping! Gently fold until the topping in completely combined and no streaks of cream remain.
  • Serve or Store: Either transfer the mousse to a piping bag or gently scoop the mousse into serving cups, glasses or a trifle dish. Top with remaining whipped topping and whatever toppings you love! Serve immediately and enjoy!
    Storage: Alternately, you can cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for several days.

Notes

  1. 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.
  2. Serving: Please see the post for a full list of serving and topping ideas!
  3. 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.
Recipe Serves: 10-12
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 12 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 146kcal    Carbohydrates: 19g    Protein: 2g    Fat: 7g    Saturated Fat: 4g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 2g    Cholesterol: 24mg    Sodium: 126mg    Potassium: 100mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 16g    Vitamin A: 3229IU    Vitamin C: 1mg    Calcium: 54mg    Iron: 1mg

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