If you’re searching for a cozy, creamy dessert that screams fall in every spoonful, you’re going to absolutely adore this Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe. I first stumbled upon this recipe when I wanted something lighter than the usual pumpkin pie but just as flavorful—and let me tell you, it’s become a family favorite! This mousse is smooth, rich, and has just the right sweetness to keep everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, which makes it my go-to when I need an easy yet impressive seasonal treat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Elegant: You’ll impress guests with a dessert that looks fancy but requires minimal prep.
Perfect Pumpkin Flavor: The pumpkin pie spice mixed with cream cheese creates a comforting and balanced flavor.
Light yet Creamy Texture: The whipped cream adds airiness, so it never feels heavy or overdone.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily dress it up with various toppings to suit your mood or occasion.

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, easy fall pumpkin recipes, creamy pumpkin dessert, pumpkin mousse without gelatin

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that balances richness with brightness. I always recommend using a good-quality cream cheese and fresh pumpkin puree to get that deep autumnal flavor you want in your Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe.

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, easy fall pumpkin recipes, creamy pumpkin dessert, pumpkin mousse without gelatin

Cream Cheese: Make sure to soften it to room temperature so your mousse is ultra smooth without lumps.
Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel depth that perfectly complements pumpkin.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves — you can find this pre-mixed or make your own for a fresher taste.
Pumpkin Puree: Use 100% pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to control sweetness and texture.
Whipping Cream: Whip to stiff peaks for that airy, light consistency that lifts the mousse beautifully.
White Sugar: Helps stabilize the whipped cream and adds a subtle sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Brings out the warm flavors and rounds out the profile.
Chocolate Chips, Cinnamon, Candied Pecans: Optional toppings to add texture and extra flavor, but totally worth it!

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

One of the best parts about this Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. I often change it up depending on the season or what I have on hand—feel free to make it your own!

Dairy-Free Variation: I’ve experimented with coconut cream instead of whipping cream, and it adds a lovely tropical hint that pairs nicely with the pumpkin.
Spice It Up: Try adding extra ginger or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick—my friends loved the mildly spicy version!
Sweetener Swap: Using maple syrup instead of brown sugar gives a deeper sweetness that really elevates the flavor.
Add Texture: Fold in crushed gingersnaps or toasted nuts to bring some crunch into the mousse.

How to Make Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture

Start by beating softened cream cheese with brown sugar and pumpkin pie spice until it’s light, fluffy, and completely smooth. This is where you build that luscious, creamy base that makes the mousse so irresistible. Don’t rush this step — the smoother your cream cheese mix, the silkier your mousse will be!

Step 2: Stir in the Pumpkin Puree

Next, add your pumpkin puree and blend it in until fully combined. I usually give it a good scrape around the bowl to avoid any streaks of cream cheese—everything should be perfectly homogenous.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In another bowl, whip together your heavy cream, white sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This step takes a few minutes but it’s worth every second—the whipped cream gives the mousse its light, airy texture that makes it feel indulgent without being heavy.

Step 4: Fold Together and Assemble

Gently fold about three-quarters of the whipped cream into the pumpkin and cream cheese mixture. Folding, not stirring, keeps that fluffy texture intact. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups, then top each with a dollop of the remaining whipped cream. For the final touch, sprinkle with chocolate chips, cinnamon, or candied pecans to add a bit of texture and extra flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to prevent lumps and achieve a silky texture.
Don’t Overmix the Whipped Cream: Fold gently to keep the mousse light and airy instead of dense.
Chill Before Serving: I like to refrigerate for at least an hour to let flavors meld and the mousse firm up perfectly.
Customize Your Toppings: Mixing up your garnishes keeps this dessert feeling fresh for every occasion.

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, easy fall pumpkin recipes, creamy pumpkin dessert, pumpkin mousse without gelatin

Garnishes

When I serve this mousse, my go-to garnishes are a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of candied pecans, and a few mini chocolate chips. These toppings add just the right crunch and a little contrast in flavor, making every bite interesting. Plus, they make it look pretty enough to serve at a festive dinner or holiday gathering!

Side Dishes

This mousse pairs beautifully with lighter sides like fresh fruit or a crisp apple salad, especially if you’re serving it at a fall brunch or harvest dinner. I also like to pair it alongside warm spiced tea or a creamy latte to keep that cozy vibe flowing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving this mousse layered in clear glasses with crushed gingersnap cookies or granola between layers for extra texture. Another fun idea is to pipe the mousse into mini pumpkin-shaped molds or hollowed-out small pumpkins for an adorable presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The texture stays creamy, though the whipped cream topping will settle a bit, so you might want to fluff or replace it before serving the next day.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this mousse since the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture can separate when thawed, which changes the texture. If you do want to freeze it, try freezing only in airtight containers and thaw slowly in the fridge overnight—but expect some loss of that light mousse feel.

Reheating

This dessert is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you prefer it at room temperature, just let it sit out for about 15-20 minutes before serving—it softens up nicely without losing structure.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in this recipe?

It’s best to use 100% pure pumpkin puree rather than the pie filling, which is already sweetened and spiced. Using pie filling could make the mousse overly sweet and alter the texture, so sticking with plain pumpkin gives you full control over the flavor.
How long does the Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this mousse will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. I recommend eating it sooner to enjoy the best texture and freshness.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, I suggest preparing it a few hours ahead or even the night before, so it has time to set and the flavors meld beautifully. Just add the toppings right before serving to keep them fresh.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?

Yes, the flavor is mild and sweet, making it a hit with kids. You can even involve them in folding the whipped cream, which they often love to help with!
Can I substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta?

You can try mascarpone for a richer, creamier mousse, but ricotta might make it grainier. If you swap, adjust the sweetness slightly to balance the milder flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Pumpkin Mousse Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines everything I love about autumn — the warm spices, the creamy texture, and the ease of preparation. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a seasonal treat, this mousse is the perfect answer. Trust me, once you try this, it becomes one of those desserts that you can always rely on to bring smiles around the table. I can’t wait for you to give it a go and share it with your loved ones!