Pumpkin Mousse Pie – Light, Creamy, and Perfectly Spiced
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, airy, and bursting with cozy fall flavors, this Pumpkin Mousse Pie is exactly what you need. Smooth pumpkin mousse sits atop a buttery crust, spiced just right with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a light yet indulgent dessert that’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you crave pumpkin goodness.
Unlike heavier pumpkin pies, this mousse version is fluffy, silky, and melts in your mouth. It’s elegant enough to impress guests but simple enough to make any day feel special.
With minimal ingredients, no complicated steps, and an optional make-ahead feature, this pie will become your go-to pumpkin dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Mousse Pie
1. Light and airy texture
Fluffy pumpkin mousse makes each bite smooth and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
2. Quick and easy to prepare
No baking the filling — just whip, chill, and serve.
3. Perfectly spiced
Classic pumpkin pie spices give it that warm, cozy flavor without being overpowering.
4. Versatile presentation
Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of caramel for a stunning dessert.
5. Make-ahead friendly
Prepare the pie a day in advance — the mousse firms up beautifully in the fridge.
6. Gluten-free option
Use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or almond crust for a naturally gluten-free dessert.
What You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Pumpkin Mousse Filling:
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream
- Cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
- Caramel drizzle or chocolate shavings
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until all crumbs are coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust.
Chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the mousse, or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes for a firmer crust. Let it cool completely before filling.
Step 2: Make the Pumpkin Mousse
In a medium bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and evenly spiced.
In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar using a hand or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture using a spatula. Do this in batches, carefully folding to preserve the light and airy texture.
Tip: Don’t overmix — you want to keep the mousse fluffy.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Spoon the pumpkin mousse into the prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Cover lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the mousse to firm up.
Step 4: Add Toppings
Before serving, top the pie with freshly whipped cream. Sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, or drizzle caramel or chocolate for a decadent touch.
Slice carefully with a sharp knife for clean, elegant pieces.
Tips for the Perfect Pumpkin Mousse Pie
- Use cold heavy cream.
Cold cream whips better and creates a more stable mousse. - Fold gently.
Maintain the airy texture by carefully folding the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture. - Chill thoroughly.
Allow the pie to set in the fridge for at least 4 hours; overnight is best. - Adjust sweetness.
Taste the pumpkin mixture before folding in whipped cream and adjust sugar as desired. - Make-ahead friendly.
Prepare the pie a day in advance — flavors meld beautifully and the texture firms perfectly.
Flavor Variations
Once you have the basic pumpkin mousse pie down, you can experiment with these variations:
Spiced Variations
- Maple Pumpkin Mousse: Add 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Chai-Spiced Pie: Add a pinch of cardamom and a little extra ginger for a chai-inspired twist.
Topping Ideas
- Pecan Crunch: Top with toasted pecans for added texture.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt a few ounces of chocolate and swirl it gently into the mousse before chilling.
- Ginger Snap Crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed ginger snap cookies for extra spice.
Serving Suggestions
This pie pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
- Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free option
- Caramel sauce drizzle for a decadent touch
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert pairing
- Coffee, tea, or a warm spiced latte to enhance the fall flavors
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator:
Store the pie covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The mousse keeps its creamy texture without drying out.
Freezer:
You can freeze the pie (without whipped cream topping) for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Tip: Add whipped cream or toppings after thawing for the best presentation.
Make-Ahead Option
Pumpkin mousse pie is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare the crust and mousse in advance, assemble, and chill overnight. This saves time on the day of your event while giving the flavors a chance to meld beautifully.
Troubleshooting
Mousse too runny:
Fold whipped cream gently; overmixing can deflate it. Ensure heavy cream is properly whipped.
Crust soggy:
Pre-bake the crust or use a cookie crumb that holds well, like graham crackers or ginger snaps.
Pie doesn’t slice cleanly:
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water before slicing. Wipe between cuts for clean slices.
Too sweet or bland:
Adjust sugar and spices to taste — pumpkin varies in sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned pumpkin?
Yes! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and keeps the texture smooth.
Is this pie gluten-free?
It can be — just use a gluten-free crust like gluten-free graham crackers or almond crust.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Use coconut cream whipped topping and a dairy-free butter alternative for the crust.
Can I bake the filling?
No need — this is a no-bake mousse pie. Baking would change the airy texture.
Can I make mini pies?
Absolutely! Use a muffin tin or mini tart pans to create individual servings — perfect for parties or kids.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per slice, 1/8 pie)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
Values may vary depending on crust and toppings.
Why This Recipe Works
This Pumpkin Mousse Pie is a lighter alternative to traditional pumpkin pie while retaining all the flavors we love about fall desserts. The key is the combination of spiced pumpkin puree and fluffy whipped cream, which creates a smooth, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
The crust adds a subtle crunch and buttery flavor, perfectly balancing the creamy filling. Making it ahead allows the mousse to set, making slicing and serving easy while enhancing the flavor.
Whether for Thanksgiving, a fall gathering, or just a cozy weeknight treat, this pie delivers a stunning dessert with minimal effort.
Tips for Customizing Your Pumpkin Dessert
- Top with seasonal fruits:
Sliced pears, candied pecans, or fresh cranberries make it festive. - Layer flavors:
Add a layer of chocolate ganache between crust and mousse for a decadent twist. - Play with spices:
Experiment with allspice, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice blends. - Serve chilled or slightly frozen:
A slightly frozen slice gives an ice-cream-like texture perfect for summer or warmer climates. - Mini pies for parties:
Create bite-sized servings using tart pans or muffin liners for easy entertaining.
Final Thoughts
This Pumpkin Mousse Pie proves that fall desserts can be elegant, light, and absolutely delicious. With creamy, spiced pumpkin filling, a buttery crust, and endless topping possibilities, it’s a dessert that will impress guests or make any meal feel special.
It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for making ahead — a simple yet stunning addition to your holiday table or everyday dessert rotation.
Soft, airy, and rich in flavor, this pumpkin mousse pie is the ultimate cozy dessert for pumpkin lovers everywhere.
Homemade pumpkin dessert has never been easier — or more irresistible.