If you’re looking for a dessert that’s light, creamy, and packed with cozy fall flavors, then you absolutely have to try my Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe. It’s one of those treats that feels fancy but comes together in no time, making it perfect for both weekday indulgences and holiday gatherings. I promise you’ll love its luscious texture and warm pumpkin spice notes!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy to Make: Even if dessert isn’t your usual jam, this mousse comes together quickly with simple mixing—no baking required.
Light and Creamy Texture: You’ll find it rich yet airy, a perfect way to enjoy pumpkin without feeling weighed down.
Perfect for Fall Gatherings: Its festive flavors and elegant look make it a star at any dinner party or holiday table.
Customizable Toppings: Chocolate chips, cinnamon, or candied pecans add delightful crunch and extra flavor—you choose!

The image shows three clear glasses filled with three layers: the bottom and middle layers are a smooth, light orange pumpkin mousse, topped with a layer of white whipped cream sprinkled with small dark chocolate chips. A woman's hand is holding a silver spoon above the closest glass, scooping a mix of the mousse and whipped cream with chocolate chips on top. The background is a clean white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse, pumpkin mousse dessert, fall pumpkin recipes, easy pumpkin desserts, creamy pumpkin mousse

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe come together to deliver that perfect balance of creamy richness and seasonal spice. When shopping, try to get the best quality pumpkin puree—it really makes a difference in flavor.

Flat lay of a block of softened cream cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with light brown sugar, a small white bowl containing vibrant orange pumpkin puree, a small white bowl with fine white sugar, a small white bowl holding golden candied pecans, a small white bowl with dark chocolate chips, a small white bowl with warm brown pumpkin pie spice, a small white bowl with reddish-brown ground cinnamon, a small white bowl filled with thick, freshly whipped cream, and two whole brown eggs arranged symmetrically around the ingredients, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse, pumpkin mousse dessert, fall pumpkin recipes, easy pumpkin desserts, creamy pumpkin mousse

Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easier whipping and a smooth mousse.
Brown Sugar: Adds a deep sweetness that complements pumpkin better than plain white sugar here.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: If you don’t have pre-mixed, blend cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves yourself.
100% Pumpkin Puree: Avoid pumpkin pie filling which is already sweetened; pure pumpkin gives you control over flavor.
Whipping Cream: Use fresh heavy cream for the best fluffy texture in your mousse.
White Sugar: Just a little to sweeten the whipped cream topping balance.
Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth to the whipped cream.
Chocolate Chips, Cinnamon, Candied Pecans: These are optional toppings that I love for added texture and flavor contrast.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

This Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe is a great base you can tweak to your taste or dietary needs. I’ve played around with a few fun variations that I wanna share so you can make it truly your own.

Vegan Version: I swapped cream cheese for vegan cream cheese and used coconut cream instead of whipping cream—still creamy and delicious!
Less Sweet: Sometimes I cut down on the sugars a bit when I’m serving it to friends who watch their sweets.
Spiced Up: Adding a touch more pumpkin pie spice or even a dash of espresso powder takes it to the next level in depth.
Nut-Free: Simply skip the candied pecans and maybe add crushed graham crackers for crunch.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture Until Fluffy

Start by beating the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, and pumpkin pie spice in a medium bowl until the mixture feels light and airy—about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer. Trust me, this step is where your mousse gets that smooth, dreamy texture. If you rush here, you risk lumps or a dense texture.

Step 2: Mix in the Pumpkin Puree

Next, add the pumpkin puree to your whipped cream cheese and stir well until everything’s combined and uniform in color. This blends the pumpkin’s earthy flavor right into the base, giving that classic fall vibe you crave.

Step 3: Whip Your Cream Topping

In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, white sugar, and vanilla extract until you get stiff peaks. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape—and that, my friend, is key to a fluffy mousse topping that won’t melt away.

Step 4: Fold and Combine

Gently fold about three-quarters of the whipped cream into the pumpkin cream cheese mixture. Use slow, deliberate folding motions so you keep all that fluffy air in the mousse. Overmixing will deflate it, and nobody wants a flat pudding.

Step 5: Assemble & Garnish

Divide the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Then, top each serving with the remaining whipped cream. Finish off with a sprinkle of chocolate chips, a dash of cinnamon, or some candied pecans for that extra special touch. I love how those toppings add crunch and contrast to the creamy base.

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Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

Softened Cream Cheese Matters: Patience with softening your cream cheese saves you from lumps and ensures smooth mousse.
Use Cold Bowls for Whipping: Chilling your mixing bowl helps the cream whip faster and hold its peaks longer—game changer!
Fold, Don’t Stir: Folding retains air and fluffiness; a mistake I once made was beating the cream out and ended with a heavy mousse.
Chill Before Serving: Let the mousse rest a couple of hours to let flavors meld and texture set perfectly.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

The image shows three clear glasses filled with smooth, light orange pumpkin mousse, each with visible soft swirls and layers inside. The mousse is topped with a dollop of white whipped cream and sprinkled with small dark chocolate chips. One glass is in the front and centered, with two others slightly blurred in the background. Around the glasses are scattered chocolate chips and a small jar tipped over spilling brown cinnamon powder. To the right, there is a white bowl filled with light brown sugar on a bright orange cloth with white check patterns. The setting rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse, pumpkin mousse dessert, fall pumpkin recipes, easy pumpkin desserts, creamy pumpkin mousse

Garnishes

I often go with a simple dusting of cinnamon and a few mini chocolate chips on top—it adds a bit of sparkle and texture without overwhelming the pumpkin flavor. Candied pecans are a great option if you want a little crunch and nuttiness; my family especially loves those on holiday evenings.

Side Dishes

This mousse pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea. If it’s a full meal, I like to serve it alongside a light salad or roasted veggies to balance the sweetness with savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, try layering the mousse with crushed ginger snaps or gingersnap crumbs inside clear glasses for a mini parfait effect. I once made this for a Thanksgiving potluck, and it was a showstopper when I topped each glass with whipped cream and a tiny cinnamon stick stirrer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mousse in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. When I do this, I usually keep the toppings separate so they stay crunchy and fresh.

Freezing

I experimented with freezing this mousse, and while the texture softens a bit after thawing, it’s still delicious. If you freeze it, I recommend freezing without toppings and thawing overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Since it’s a mousse, I don’t recommend reheating, but if you notice the mousse is too firm after chilling, just let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Stir gently to bring back some creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make this Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cream cheese for a vegan or dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream or another plant-based whipping cream. Keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How long should I chill the mousse before serving?

I recommend refrigerating the mousse for at least 2 hours so it sets up nicely and the flavors have time to meld. It’s hard to resist, but this wait makes a big difference!
What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon each of ground nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to get a close match.
Can this mousse be made ahead for a party?

Absolutely! I often prepare it the day before. Just keep it refrigerated and add the toppings right before serving for the best presentation.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe has become one of my go-to fall desserts because it’s both easy and impressively tasty. I love how guests always comment on how light and flavorful it is—plus, it feels like a little indulgence without being heavy. You really can’t go wrong giving this a try, and I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen too!