Print

Pumpkin Spice Mousse Parfaits

Pumpkin Spice Mousse Parfaits - featured image

Spiced pumpkin mousse layered with crunchy granola or cookies and topped with whipped cream—these easy parfaits are the ultimate fall dessert. Creamy, light, and full of autumn flavors, they’re perfect for entertaining or a cozy treat at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend (or mix cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3/4 cup granola or crumbled spiced cookies (gingersnaps, vanilla wafers, or graham crackers)
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for topping)
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for topping)
  • Ground cinnamon or nutmeg, for garnish (optional)
  • Mini pumpkin candies or chocolate curls, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
  2. Chill mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping cream.
  3. In a large bowl, combine pumpkin puree, softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  4. Beat with an electric mixer (or whisk vigorously) until smooth, creamy, and lightly fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. In a separate chilled bowl, whip 1 cup heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (about 2-3 minutes).
  6. Reserve 1/2 cup whipped cream for topping.
  7. Gently fold the remaining whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined.
  8. Crumble granola or cookies and, if using, chop pecans or walnuts. Set aside.
  9. To assemble, layer a spoonful of granola/cookie mixture at the bottom of each glass, then add a layer of pumpkin mousse (about 1/3 cup per glass). Repeat layers, ending with mousse.
  10. Whip the reserved 1/2 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract until firm peaks form.
  11. Top each parfait with a dollop of whipped cream.
  12. Garnish with ground cinnamon or nutmeg, and add mini pumpkin candies or chocolate curls if desired.
  13. Chill parfaits for 1-2 hours before serving for a firmer mousse, or serve immediately.

Notes

For best texture, chill your bowl and beaters before whipping cream. Assemble parfaits just before serving to keep the crunchy layer crisp. You can make the mousse a day ahead and layer before serving. For gluten-free, use gluten-free granola or cookies. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and dairy-free cream cheese. Taste and adjust spices to your liking.

Nutrition

Keywords: pumpkin mousse, parfait, fall dessert, pumpkin spice, easy dessert, Thanksgiving, no bake, whipped cream, granola, layered dessert