Pumpkin Mousse Trifle

Pumpkin Mousse Trifle is that irresistible dessert you didn’t know you needed until now! Imagine cozy evenings wrapped in warm blankets, the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg wafting through the house, and a deliciously layered dessert waiting for you at the end of your meal. It’s like autumn captured in a dish, bursting with creamy pumpkin goodness and a hint of spice. This treat combines fluffy pumpkin mousse with crunchy ginger cookies and topped with light whipped cream for a delightful contrast in texture.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

What’s even better? It’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it perfect for impressing your friends and family or treating yourself after a long day. Each layer of the Pumpkin Mousse Trifle not only delights the taste buds but also provides a pop of color and elegance for your fall table. Let’s get started on making this show-stopping dessert that’s sure to become a favorite at any gathering!

Why This Recipe Works

Pumpkin Mousse Trifle captures the essence of fall with its rich flavors and light textures. The combination of creamy pumpkin mousse, spiced ginger cookies, and fluffy whipped cream creates a delightful dessert that’s both visually appealing and indulgently delicious. The use of gelatin gives just the right structure to the mousse, ensuring it sets perfectly while maintaining a feather-light consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Pumpkin Mousse Trifle

This Pumpkin Mousse Trifle is a showstopper at any gathering. It’s easy to make yet impressive enough for special occasions, combining the warmth of pumpkin and spices with a refreshing lightness. Beyond being a treat for the taste buds, its stunning layers make it a feast for the eyes—a perfect dessert for fall celebrations, Thanksgiving, or any cozy gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 tsp unflavored gelatin
• 1/4 cup Galliano or other vanilla-flavored liqueur
• 1 ¾ cups pumpkin puree (canned or homemade)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup heavy cream (for mousse)
• 1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract (for mousse)
• 7-8 crumbled ginger cookies
• 1 cup heavy cream (for whipped topping)
• 4 tbsp icing sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for whipped topping)

Preparing the Pumpkin Mousse

Soften the Gelatin

To start, grab a small microwavable bowl. Pour in the Galliano and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let that sit for about 10 minutes to soften.

Mix Pumpkin Ingredients

In a larger bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, granulated sugar, egg yolks, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla extract, and salt until everything is well blended.

Dissolve the Gelatin

Next, pop the bowl with the Galliano and gelatin into the microwave. Heat it for 1 minute on high, or until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Then, stir this gelatin mixture into the pumpkin mixture until nicely blended.

Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold this whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture until everything is just combined.

Preparing the Whipped Topping

Whip the Cream for Topping

Now, let’s focus on the topping! In a medium bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream, icing sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip it using a hand mixer until soft peaks form.

Assembling the Trifle

Layer the Ingredients

Grab your serving dish or individual glasses and start layering! First, add a layer of pumpkin mousse. Next, sprinkle in a layer of crumbled ginger cookies, then followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat these layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing off with a final layer of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crumbled cookies on top.

Chill

To let the flavors meld together beautifully, refrigerate your assembled trifle for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you can wait. This also helps the dessert set perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Pumpkin Mousse Trifle chilled as a delightful end to any meal, or as a centerpiece for your fall dessert table. Pair it with a cup of warm spiced chai or a rich coffee to enhance the flavors.

Tips for Success

• First, make sure the cream is cold before you whip it for the best volume and texture.
• Allow the trifle to chill thoroughly; overnight chilling is highly recommended for optimal flavor development.
• Adjust the spices to your liking for a customized flavor profile; everyone’s palate is different!

Variations

• If you’re looking for a chocolate twist, try adding cocoa powder to the pumpkin mousse or using chocolate cookies in place of ginger cookies.
• Want to go vegan? Use a dairy-free alternative for cream to create a vegan-friendly dessert.
• Experiment with flavored liqueurs like spiced rum instead for a distinctive taste variation.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. Do keep in mind that while the texture may change slightly, the flavors will remain delicious!

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?
Absolutely, you can use fresh homemade pumpkin puree! Just make sure it’s well-cooked and blended to a smooth consistency.

2. How long does the trifle keep in the fridge?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

3. Can I make this trifle ahead of time?
Yes! It’s actually ideal to prepare it a day in advance, as that gives the flavors time to meld.

4. What’s a good substitute for Galliano?
You can use any vanilla-flavored liqueur, or even just vanilla extract, as a substitute.

5. How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
Simply swap out the traditional ginger cookies for gluten-free options to create a gluten-free version.

This Pumpkin Mousse Trifle is sure to delight your senses as it combines the quintessential flavors of fall in a light and creamy dessert. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in, this recipe is easy to follow and rewarding to eat. Make it your signature autumn dessert, and enjoy every sweet spoonful!

Print