This Pumpkin Mousse Parfait is a fun treat! Layered with creamy pumpkin mousse and crunchy granola, it feels like fall in every bite. It’s sweet, fluffy, and just the right amount of spice!
I love making this for gatherings—it’s pretty and easy to serve. Plus, who can resist that pumpkin flavor? I often find myself sneaking spoonfuls right from the bowl! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Canned Pumpkin Puree: This is the star of the show! Make sure to use pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) for the best flavor. If you want a fresh taste, you can roast and purée sugar pumpkins as a substitute.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Chill the cream for better whipping! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative. It gives a slightly different flavor but can be delicious!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness. I prefer full-fat for creaminess, but you can use a low-fat version if you’re aiming for lighter mousse. Just keep in mind it might change the texture a bit.
Gingersnap Cookies: These add great crunch and flavor. If you can’t find gingersnaps, you can use graham crackers or cinnamon cookies. To give a spicy kick, add some ground ginger to the layers.
How Do I Make Sure My Mousse is Light and Fluffy?
The key to a light and airy mousse lies in the incorporation of whipped cream. Here’s how to do it right:
- Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form—this helps add air.
- When you fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mix, do it gently. Use a spatula, and fold from the bottom up without deflating the cream.
- Don’t mix too much; just combine until you see no streaks of white. This preserves the fluffiness!
With these steps, your mousse will have the perfect texture, making your parfaits delightful!
Delicious Pumpkin Mousse Parfait Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup crushed gingersnap cookies (plus a few whole for garnish)
- Whipped cream for topping (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Mousse Parfait takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll need an additional hour to let it chill in the fridge. Total time is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes—a tasty dessert that’s still super quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whip the Cream:
Start by taking your chilled heavy whipping cream and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip—it should be thick but still smooth! Once done, set it aside.
2. Beat the Cream Cheese:
In a separate large bowl, take the softened cream cheese and add the powdered sugar. Beat them together with the hand mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You want to avoid any lumps, so take your time with this step.
3. Mix in the Pumpkin:
Add the canned pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well combined—this should smell amazing!
4. Fold the Whipped Cream:
Now it’s time to gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture! Do this in 2-3 additions. Use a spatula and gently fold, lifting from the bottom to keep the mixture light and airy. This is what makes the mousse fluffy!
5. Layer the Parfaits:
Grab your serving glasses! Start by adding a layer of crushed gingersnap cookies at the bottom of each glass. Next, add a generous layer of pumpkin mousse on top of the cookies, and if you like, a layer of whipped cream (or save it for the top!).
6. Repeat the Layers:
Continue to layer: add another layer of crushed cookies, followed by more pumpkin mousse. Finish with a dollop of whipped cream on top. This is your chance to get creative with layers—make them as tall as you like!
7. Final Touches:
To make it look extra special, garnish with some crushed gingersnap crumbs and a couple of whole gingersnap cookies placed upright on top. It’ll look so inviting!
8. Chill and Serve:
Be sure to cover the parfaits and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together and lets the mousse set perfectly.
Now, dig in and enjoy your creamy, spiced pumpkin mousse parfait—it’s a delightful treat for fall gatherings or any festive occasion!
Can I Use Fresh Pumpkin Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! You can roast and puree a sugar pumpkin for a fresh option. Just make sure to remove excess moisture to achieve the right consistency. One cup of canned pumpkin is approximately equivalent to one small sugar pumpkin.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover parfaits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The layers may settle slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Parfait Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. This will keep the mousse creamy while being dairy-free!
How Can I Make This Parfait Gluten-Free?
To make the parfait gluten-free, simply use gluten-free gingersnap cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers for the layers. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
