Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse – Easy No-Bake Fall Dessert Recipe

When the leaves start to change and there’s a crispness in the air, pumpkin spice season takes center stage. From lattes to pies, the unmistakable blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves signals the start of cozy autumn traditions. But while pumpkin pie may be the classic fall dessert, sometimes you crave something lighter, creamier, and a little more unexpected. That’s where Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse shines.

This no-bake dessert combines the richness of cheesecake with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the warmth of autumn spices. The texture is light and airy, almost cloud-like, yet it has all the decadent flavor of a classic pumpkin cheesecake. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare and can be made in advance, making it the perfect dessert for everything from casual family dinners to elegant holiday gatherings.

I first made this cheesecake mousse recipe on a whim when I wanted a fall dessert without the work of rolling out pie crusts or baking a cheesecake. To my surprise, it was such a hit at the table that it became a seasonal tradition. Friends and family now ask for it by name every autumn, and I love serving it in individual glasses topped with whipped cream and crunchy gingersnap crumbs. It looks sophisticated but takes just minutes to put together.

If you’re looking for a fall dessert that feels indulgent without the fuss, this Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse is about to become your new seasonal favorite.

Why Make This Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse?

There are plenty of pumpkin desserts out there, but this mousse stands out for several reasons:

1. Quick and Effortless: Unlike traditional pumpkin pie or cheesecake, this recipe requires no oven, no water baths, and no hours of baking and cooling. Just mix, whip, and chill.

2. Elegant Presentation: Served in individual jars, glasses, or even small bowls, this mousse looks like something from a bakery. Perfect for entertaining guests.

3. Light but Satisfying: It’s rich and creamy, but thanks to its whipped texture, it doesn’t feel heavy. You can enjoy dessert without that overly full feeling.

4. Customizable: This recipe adapts beautifully to dietary needs—whether you’re making it low-carb, gluten-free, or even dairy-free.

5. Seasonal and Nostalgic: Every spoonful delivers the cozy, comforting flavors of autumn in a way that feels both familiar and refreshing.

If you enjoy recipes that use wholesome, powerful ingredients like pumpkin, cinnamon, and ginger—not only for their flavors but also their nutritional benefits—you’ll love the resourcefulness and depth of The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.

Ingredients List

To make the best pumpkin spice cheesecake mousse, gather these ingredients:

• 1 cup pumpkin puree (make sure it’s 100% pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled

• ½ cup powdered sugar (or a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol for low-carb)

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

• Pinch of salt

• Optional toppings: whipped cream, crushed gingersnap cookies, graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, caramel drizzle, or shaved chocolate

Read More: Bakery-Style Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your mousse comes out light, fluffy, and flavorful every time:

1. Prepare the Whipping Cream

   • Place your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping. This helps the cream whip faster and hold its peaks.

   • Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the beaters, the cream should stand tall without collapsing. Set aside.

2. Blend the Cream Cheese Base

   • In a separate large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using the same mixer (no need to wash it yet), beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes.

   • Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Beat again until everything is well combined and the mixture is smooth with no lumps.

3. Incorporate Pumpkin Puree

   • Add the pumpkin puree into the cream cheese mixture. Beat until fully blended. The mixture should be silky, orange-hued, and infused with spice.

4. Fold in the Whipped Cream

   • Switch to a spatula. Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture to lighten it.

   • Carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream in two more additions, using sweeping motions to avoid deflating the air you’ve whipped into the cream. The final texture should be light, fluffy, and mousse-like.

5. Assemble and Chill

   • Spoon the mousse into individual dessert glasses, bowls, or jars. Smooth the tops.

   • Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to firm up slightly.

6. Garnish and Serve

   • Just before serving, top with whipped cream, cookie crumbs, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel for extra indulgence.

If you’re looking for even more guidance on substitutions and ingredient swaps to suit various dietary needs, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods is an incredible resource.

Tips and Substitutions

Making this mousse is straightforward, but these tips will help you perfect it and adapt it to your needs:

• Use Room-Temperature Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese won’t blend smoothly and can leave lumps. Take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before starting.

• Sweetener Alternatives: Powdered sugar provides smooth sweetness, but you can use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar for a natural option. For a sugar-free version, try powdered monk fruit or erythritol.

• Pumpkin Puree Options: Homemade pumpkin puree works beautifully if you roast and blend fresh pumpkin. Just be sure to strain excess liquid so it doesn’t water down the mousse.

• Dairy-Free Adjustments: Swap cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and replace whipping cream with chilled coconut cream. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

• Texture Preferences: For an extra light mousse, whip the cream until soft peaks rather than stiff peaks. For a firmer mousse, refrigerate overnight.

• Toppings Matter: The garnish isn’t just decoration—it adds texture and flavor contrast. For crunch, use cookies or nuts. For sweetness, drizzle caramel or chocolate.

Read More: Moist Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

Recipe Variations

This mousse is versatile and can be reimagined in creative ways:

1. Pumpkin Spice Latte Mousse
   Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder or finely ground coffee to the cream cheese mixture before folding in the whipped cream. The coffee enhances the pumpkin spice flavor and gives it a café-inspired twist.

2. Chocolate Pumpkin Mousse
   Melt 2 ounces of dark chocolate and let it cool slightly before stirring it into the pumpkin mixture. The chocolate deepens the flavor and creates a richer, more decadent dessert.

3. Layered Parfait Style
   Alternate layers of mousse with crushed gingersnap cookies, graham cracker crumbs, or granola in a clear glass. The layers look stunning and add texture with every bite.

4. Mini Pie Cups
   Spoon mousse into pre-baked mini tart shells or graham cracker crusts. Top with whipped cream for a handheld, cheesecake-like treat.

5. Frozen Pumpkin Mousse Pops
   Spoon the mousse into popsicle molds, freeze overnight, and enjoy a refreshing frozen version of this fall dessert.

To learn more about how ingredients like pumpkin and spices contribute to overall wellness, The Encyclopedia of Power Foods offers a wealth of scientific insights and practical recipes.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: 285

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 23 g

• Carbohydrates: 14 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 10 g

• Vitamin A: 120% DV

• Calcium: 8% DV

Pumpkin is not only flavorful but nutrient-rich, loaded with vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants that support vision, heart health, and immunity. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves—are also packed with beneficial compounds that can help regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support digestion.

Read More: Best Pumpkin Bars Recipe with Frosting

Storage and Serving Suggestions

• Refrigeration: Store mousse in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.

• Avoid Freezing: Freezing changes the texture, making it grainy and less creamy. Enjoy it chilled for the best results.

• Presentation Ideas:

  • Serve in stemless wine glasses or mason jars for an elegant touch.

  • Top with cinnamon-dusted whipped cream for extra flavor.

  • Pair with spiced cider, chai tea, or coffee for the ultimate fall dessert experience.

If you’re inspired by how simple ingredients like pumpkin and spices can transform your cooking and your health, I highly recommend exploring The Encyclopedia of Power Foods.

Common Questions

1. Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, it’s perfect for making 1–2 days in advance. Just refrigerate until ready to serve and add toppings at the last minute.

2. Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of puree?
No. Pumpkin pie filling is pre-sweetened and spiced, which can make the dessert overly sweet and unbalanced. Always use pure pumpkin puree.

3. How can I lighten the recipe?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese, swap heavy cream with half-and-half whipped with stabilizers, and reduce the sugar or replace it with a low-calorie sweetener.

4. Is this mousse gluten-free?
Yes, the mousse itself is naturally gluten-free. Just skip cookie toppings or use gluten-free cookies if serving guests with gluten sensitivities.

5. How many people does this recipe serve?
It makes about 6 medium servings, but you can easily double the recipe for larger gatherings.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse is the ultimate fall dessert: easy to make, wonderfully creamy, and packed with seasonal flavor. It’s a lighter, more elegant alternative to pumpkin pie but still delivers all the warmth and nostalgia you crave during autumn. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, attending a fall potluck, or simply treating yourself, this mousse will impress without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Pumpkin, with its rich nutrients and antioxidants, proves that desserts can be both indulgent and nourishing. And when paired with spices like cinnamon and ginger, this mousse becomes more than just a sweet—it’s a celebration of seasonal wellness.

Bring the taste of autumn into your kitchen today with this Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse—and let the power of wholesome ingredients fuel both your celebrations and your well-being.