This Pumpkin Mousse Parfait is a creamy, dreamy treat layered with fluffy pumpkin mousse and crunchy toppings. Perfect for fall, it brings together sweet pumpkin flavor and spices!
You’ll love how quick and easy it is to make. Just whip, layer, and chill—no baking needed! I like to enjoy mine with whipped cream on top and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pumpkin Puree: You can use canned or fresh pumpkin puree; both work well! If fresh, make sure to cook and puree your pumpkin until smooth. For a twist, try butternut squash puree instead.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is essential for a light and fluffy mousse. If you’re looking for lighter alternatives, you could use coconut cream or whipped topping, but the texture will differ a bit.
Cream Cheese: It adds richness to the mousse. If you want a dairy-free option, use a vegan cream cheese. Tofu can also work, blended until smooth.
Graham Crackers: These add a crunchy base. You can swap them out for crushed vanilla wafers or even oat-based cookies if you want a gluten-free option.
Spices: Pumpkin pie spice is a must, but you can mix your own with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
How Can I Make the Perfect Layers in My Parfait?
Layering your parfait can be fun and visually pleasing. Start with the graham cracker mixture at the bottom of the glass to create a sturdy base. Here’s how to get it right:
- Use a spoon or a small scoop to place even amounts of crumbs into the glasses.
- Next, add a layer of whipped cream. Use a piping bag for a fancy touch or simply spoon it in smoothly.
- Finally, carefully top it with pumpkin mousse. Use the back of a spoon to ensure it’s evenly spread.
- Repeat if using larger glasses, making sure your layers are distinct for a beautiful presentation!
Let the parfaits chill for at least two hours to help the flavors meld together and make the layers more cohesive. Enjoy the beautiful layers and delicious flavors!
How to Make Pumpkin Mousse Parfait
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs (for layering)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for graham cracker crumbs)
- Whipped cream for topping
- Optional: small ginger snap cookies or crumbled spiced cookies for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Mousse Parfait requires about 30 minutes of prep time. You’ll need to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, so plan for a total time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes before serving. Perfect for an appetizer or dessert at your next gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Cracker Mixture:
In a small bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs with cinnamon until well combined. Set this aside; it will create the delicious crunch in the parfait.
2. Whip the Heavy Cream:
In a medium bowl, pour in the cold heavy cream. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then use a hand mixer to whip until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream stands up on its own. Once done, set this bowl aside.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese:
In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until it’s smooth and creamy. This step ensures that there are no lumps and that the cream cheese combines well.
4. Combine Pumpkin with Cream Cheese:
Now, add the pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice to the cream cheese mixture. Stir this all together until it’s uniformly mixed and smooth—this will be the base of your mousse.
5. Fold in the Whipped Cream:
Gently fold the whipped cream you prepared earlier into the pumpkin mixture. Be careful to fold and not stir, as you want to keep the light and airy texture of the whipped cream!
6. Assemble the Parfaits:
Take your serving glasses and start layering! Begin with a spoonful of the cinnamon graham cracker mixture at the bottom of each glass. Follow with a layer of the whipped cream (you can set a little aside for topping later if you like). Next, add a thick layer of your pumpkin mousse.
7. Repeat Layers:
If your glasses are tall enough, feel free to repeat the layers starting from the graham cracker crumbs, followed by whipped cream, and topping it off with more pumpkin mousse, finishing with mousse on top.
8. Garnish and Chill:
On the very top, add a dollop of whipped cream. You can then sprinkle the remaining graham cracker crumbs and crumbled cookies if desired. Finish it off with a fresh mint leaf for a beautiful presentation. Now, cover the parfaits and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.
Enjoy this rich and creamy fall dessert that’s perfectly balanced between smooth pumpkin mousse and crunchy spiced crumbs! Perfect for any autumn celebration!
Can I Use Pre-made Pumpkin Puree?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree is perfectly suitable for this recipe and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, as the latter contains added sugars and spices.
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookies or crushed gluten-free graham crackers. You can also use crushed almonds or oats as a base!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover parfaits in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The layers may soften a bit, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Use a vegan cream cheese alternative, substitute coconut cream for the heavy whipping cream, and choose a dairy-free sweetener instead of granulated sugar. Adjust the spices as needed, and you’ll have a tasty vegan treat!
