Dessert

Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse Recipe

Bylilan Sage July 27, 2025July 27, 2025

If you’re in the mood for a fall-inspired treat that’s every bit as indulgent as it is easy to make, you’re going to love Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse. This creamy, dreamy dessert captures everything you adore about pumpkin pie and classic cheesecake, but in an irresistibly fluffy mousse form. Imagine layers of spiced gingersnap crumbs, silky pumpkin mousse, and a ribbon of salted caramel all mingling in one perfect spoonful. The best part? The whole dessert comes together faster than you can say “second helping.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse is that every ingredient shines. Each one plays a special role in building flavor, texture, and that signature autumnal golden glow. Gather these simple staples and get ready for something unforgettable!

Gingersnap Cookie Crumbs: These crunchy, spiced crumbs form the base, adding texture and a cozy ginger kick.
Butter (melted): Mellows out the cookie crumbs and binds the crust, adding richness to each bite.
Sugar: Just a touch, to sweeten the crust and balance the spices.
Cinnamon: Enhances those classic fall flavors and deepens the warmth of the base.
Cream Cheese (whipped or very soft): The star of the mousse — provides that velvety, tangy cheesecake element.
Brown Sugar: Brings a lovely caramel note and adds extra depth to the pumpkin mixture.
White Sugar: Balances the tanginess and the earthiness for perfect sweetness.
Pumpkin Purée: Brings out the unmistakable taste and beautiful color of autumn!
Real Vanilla Extract: Threads everything together with a subtle, comforting fragrance.
Pumpkin Spice: Can’t skip this! It ties every flavor note together with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Folds airiness and luxurious volume into the mousse texture.
Salted Caramel (melted): Adds a sweet-salty finish and takes this dessert right over the top.

How to Make Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the Gingersnap Crust

Pop your gingersnaps into a food processor and blitz them until you have fine, sandy crumbs. Add the melted butter, a teaspoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of cinnamon, pulsing again to combine everything evenly. Spoon the mixture into your serving glasses and gently press it down to form a luscious crust. Drizzle each layer with salted caramel and let the glasses chill in the fridge while you whip up the mousse.

Step 2: Whip Up the Pumpkin-Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, brown sugar, white sugar, pumpkin purée, vanilla extract, and pumpkin spice. Use an electric mixer to blend everything together until it’s completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps — this is where all those cheesecake vibes start to come alive.

Step 3: Fold in Whipped Cream

Whip your heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form — it should hold its shape easily. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin-cheesecake mixture. Take your time and use a light touch so the mousse stays airy and light. The resulting texture is pure magic: rich but not dense, creamy but cloud-like.

Step 4: Pipe and Chill

Spoon the finished mousse into a piping bag if you want those elegant swirls, or simply use a spoon for a rustic look. Fill your chilled glasses with the luscious filling and refrigerate everything for at least an hour. This crucial step lets the flavors meld together, and the mousse “sets” into its signature, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse

Garnishes

The right finishing touches make Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse a visual and flavorful delight. Sprinkle with a touch of extra cinnamon or pumpkin spice, add a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle extra caramel, or even crown each glass with a gingersnap cookie for extra crunch.

Side Dishes

This dessert plays beautifully after a hearty autumn meal — think roasted chicken, butternut squash soup, or a classic pot roast. If you’re hosting, offer fresh fruit, spiced nuts, or a small coffee bar with cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off the pretty layers by serving your Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse in clear glasses, mini mason jars, or even vintage teacups. For a party, create a mousse parfait bar with a spread of various toppings, letting guests customize their own autumn treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have leftovers, simply cover the individual glasses with plastic wrap or transfer the mousse to airtight containers. Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse will keep its delightful texture in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

You can freeze this mousse for longer storage! Assemble the mousse in freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge — the texture will be a little firmer, but still delicious.

Reheating

Since Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse is meant to be served cold, there’s no need to reheat. If it was frozen, just allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving, and give it a gentle stir to restore its creamy consistency if needed.

FAQs

Can I make Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, letting the mousse rest overnight in the fridge deepens the flavors and firms up the texture, so it’s a fabulous make-ahead dessert for holidays and parties.

What if I don’t have gingersnap cookies?

No worries! Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even Biscoff cookies work well as alternatives for the crust. You can add extra cinnamon or ground ginger to boost the flavor if you like.

Is there a way to make it lighter?

You can substitute light cream cheese and use a light whipped topping (like Cool Whip) in place of homemade whipped cream for a slightly lighter version. The result is still creamy and delicious!

Can I use homemade pumpkin purée?

Absolutely! Just make sure your homemade purée is well-drained and thick to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the texture of the mousse.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free gingersnap cookies (many stores have them), and you’re set. All other ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to fall head over heels for a new autumn favorite, you owe it to yourself to try Pumpkin Cheesecake Mousse. It’s the easiest path to an elegant, crowd-pleasing dessert that tastes like the best of the season in every bite. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and dive into this swoon-worthy treat — there’s no turning back!