Pumpkin Mousse Pie
So you want a dessert that looks fancy, tastes incredible, and makes people think you worked way harder than you actually did? SAME.
Enter: Pumpkin Mousse Pie — a fluffy, creamy, no-stress masterpiece that’s basically fall in a pie dish. It’s like pumpkin pie went to therapy, healed its trauma, and came back soft, silky, and ready to impress. And yes, you get all the credit with none of the emotional baggage.
Why This Recipe Is Awesome
Let’s start with the obvious: there’s no baking involved. Zero. None. Your oven gets the night off.
Also, the texture? Ridiculously smooth — like clouds, but edible and pumpkin-flavored.
And the best part? It’s idiot-proof. Even I didn’t mess it up. You mix, chill, and boom: instant bragging rights.
Plus, every bite tastes like fall hugged your tastebuds. Honestly, you deserve this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust – because we don’t have time for complicated crust therapy.
- 1 cup pumpkin purée – the star of the show.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream – for that luscious, cloud-like fluff.
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened – don’t skip softening unless you’re trying to fight your mixer.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar – sweet and smooth, no gritty drama.
- 1 tbsp maple syrup – optional, but adds a cozy fall sweetness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – because vanilla makes everything feel fancier.
- 1 tsp cinnamon – fall spice level: essential.
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg – warm and whisper-y.
- 1/4 tsp ginger – just a little attitude.
- A pinch of salt – trust me, it matters.
- Whipped cream + cinnamon for topping – aka the glam squad.

Step-by-Step Instructions
- Whip your heavy cream in a mixing bowl until soft peaks form. Don’t over-whip it unless you want accidental pumpkin butter.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. If you skipped softening it, well… enjoy the arm workout.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, pumpkin, and spices. Mix until everything is creamy and beautiful.
- Fold in your whipped cream gently. Like, treat it as if it’s emotionally fragile — because it is.
- Taste it. Yes, this is a real step. Adjust sweetness or spices if needed. Chef’s privilege.
- Scoop the mousse into your graham cracker crust and spread it evenly, like you’re smoothing frosting onto a very deserving cake.
- Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight if you have the patience of a saint.
- Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.
- Slice. Serve. Accept compliments graciously. Or boast shamelessly — your choice.
Nutritional Facts
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 285 |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 19g |
| Sugar | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Pumpkin Mousse Pie may not be “diet food,” but it is happiness food — and happiness has value. You get vitamin A from the pumpkin, a little protein from the cream cheese, and a whole lot of joy from how silky-smooth and dreamy it tastes. IMO, that counts as wellness. Treat yourself responsibly… or irresponsibly, I won’t judge.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese. Unless you want a lumpy, sad mousse. Warm it up, friend.
- Over-whipping the cream. It turns into butter faster than you’d think.
- Skipping the chilling time. I get it. You’re impatient. But if you slice early, you’ll have pumpkin soup in a crust.
- Adding too much pumpkin. More pumpkin ≠ better. It’ll get watery and ruin the mousse vibes.
- Leaving the pie uncovered in the fridge. It will absorb every smell. Including last night’s garlic pasta. Don’t do it.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- No graham crust? Use Oreo, gingersnap, or vanilla cookie crust for ✨ dramatic gourmand energy ✨.
- No heavy cream? Whipped topping works, but lowers your culinary street cred a bit.
- Want it sweeter? Add maple syrup — but don’t go overboard or it becomes maple-flavored regret.
- Need it dairy-free? Use coconut cream + dairy-free cream cheese. It’s shockingly good.
- Want more spice? Add cloves. But gently. Cloves don’t understand subtlety.
FAQ
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This pie actually gets better after chilling overnight. Future you will thank past you.
2. Can I freeze it?
Yep, but freeze it without the whipped cream topping. Add that fresh when serving for maximum fluff.
3. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin purée?
You can, but it’s sweeter and already spiced. Adjust your sugar or accept chaos as a lifestyle.
4. Why is my mousse runny?
Probably because you didn’t chill it long enough or you overmixed the whipped cream. Happens to the best of us.
5. Can I make mini versions?
Absolutely! Use mini store-bought crusts for adorable little pies that scream “look how extra I am.”
6. Can I skip the crust?
Sure — serve it in cups like pumpkin mousse parfaits. Same vibe, fewer crumbs.
7. Do I really need to fold the whipped cream gently?
YES. Think of it like handling fragile ego energy. Be kind.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it — the dreamiest, fluffiest Pumpkin Mousse Pie ever. No baking, no drama, no “why-did-I-start-this-at-9PM” regrets. Just creamy pumpkin perfection waiting for you in the fridge.
Now go impress someone… or don’t. Honestly, eating it alone in sweatpants is a whole vibe. You’ve earned every velvety bite.
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