Light and Creamy Pumpkin Mousse Recipe with Biscoff Cookies

This creamy pumpkin mousse is like pumpkin pie in a glass. No time to make a pie crust? No problem! A light and fluffy mousse is layered with a creamy mascarpone or cream cheese layer with a Biscoff cookie crumble layer in the middle for the perfect crunch. This no-bake dessert can be made in just 20 minutes.

Skip the Pie Crust and Try a Pumpkin Pie Parfait

Pumpkin mousse parfaits are a sweet and creamy dessert with a little bit of crunch, not from a pie crust, but from a layer of Biscoff cookies. They’re a fun and unique twist on a traditional holiday dessert and much easier to make. You don’t even have to turn on the oven.

If you love pumpkin pie but want to try something a little different, these parfaits are an excellent choice. The sweet, spiced pumpkin layer has all of the traditional flavors of pumpkin pie without the hassle of baking or rolling out pie crust. The creamy, slightly tart layer of mascarpone cheese compliments the pumpkin beautifully and has more texture than simple whipped cream.

Biscoff cookie crumbles in the middle add a delightful spiced crunch. You only need ½ a package, so you’ll have some left over to nibble on!

This dessert recipe is low-maintenance and super easy to make. Pie is great, but we all know that making a pie crust from scratch takes a bit of time and needs to be baked. This pumpkin mousse recipe takes just 20 minutes to put together, and the parfaits are ready to enjoy right away.

Once they’re made, they can chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so but should be eaten soon after assembling as the cookie layer will get soft. Topped with whipped cream, these parfaits are a new and exciting take on a classic Thanksgiving dessert. If you would rather eat your pumpkin dessert with a fork, try a pumpkin cheesecake bar, still creamy and delicious.

Pumpkin parfaits are an excellent dessert for enjoying after a big holiday meal or just as a fun way to finish dinner with friends. They’re not as heavy as some desserts. Other than Thanksgiving, try serving them after a dinner of chicken and biscuits or bacon wrapped pork tenderloin.

What is the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling?

Grocery stores offer two pumpkin products in the baking aisle. Pumpkin puree is 100% pumpkin that is cooked (often by steaming) and packed into the can.  Pumpkin pie filling has lots of other ingredients like sugar, spices, and preservatives and is meant to be poured directly into a pie crust for a super quick pumpkin pie. For most pumpkin recipes, you’ll want pumpkin puree.

Why You’ll Love Pumpkin Mousse 

• Easy to make: Pumpkin parfait requires no special tools or skills. Everything just gets mixed together in a couple of mixing bowls and layered in glasses or ramekins. Think of it as a crustless pumpkin pie – all the flavor with much less work. 
• Quicker than pie: This no-bake dessert takes way less time than pie—no need to make a crust or bake a thing. 
• Pumpkin pie flavors: without a pie crust.

What is mascarpone cheese?

Mascarpone is a soft Italian cheese made by combining heavy cream and lemon juice. The acid in the lemon juice curdles the protein in the cream, thickening it and making it ultra creamy and spreadable. It’s perfect for this dish since its slight tartness helps balance the sweetness of the pumpkin layer. You can substitute it with cream cheese if you prefer for a similar flavor and texture. Most mainstream grocery stores carry it in the cheese department. 

Pumpkin Mousse Recipe Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree – 100% pumpkin puree is the base of the second layer of the parfait. 

• Biscoff cookies – Biscoff cookies are crunchy, sweet, and perfectly spiced. They complement the other flavors of the parfait perfectly. You can also use ginger snap cookies if you prefer.

• Heavy cream – Whipped cream gets folded into the pumpkin puree and the mascarpone layer for rich creaminess as well as bringing an amazing airy texture. You’ll also use it as the final topping for the whole parfait. 

• Mascarpone cheese – Tart, creamy mascarpone cheese makes the first layer of the parfait. You can also use cream cheese. 

• Powdered sugar – Powdered sugar dissolves easily and makes everything perfectly sweet.

• Vanilla extract – Vanilla brings a lovely aroma to the mascarpone layer. 

• Pumpkin pie spice – Pumpkin pie spice makes this dessert really taste like a pumpkin pie. You can use a store-bought mix or make your own.

• Cinnamon – Some extra cinnamon makes the pumpkin layer even more amazing.

What do Biscoff cookies taste like?

Biscoff cookies have a unique crunch along with a caramelized taste with hints of cinnamon and ginger.

Can I make my own pumpkin pie spice?

Pumpkin pie spice is a super convenient way to get lots of different spices into your pie without measuring them individually. Pumpkin pie spice usually contains cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice, but some blends also use cloves or cardamom. You can use a pre-made blend if you have one, but you can also make your own, here’s an easy recipe. Whatever blend of spices you use, these pumpkin parfaits will still be absolutely amazing. 

How To Make Sweet, Creamy Pumpkin Mousse

Step 1: Whip the cream. 

Using an electric hand mixer, whip the cream in a bowl until you reach soft peaks.

Step 2: Prepare the pumpkin layer.

In a mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar and spices. Then, fold in some of the whipped cream and set aside. 

Step 3: Prepare the mascarpone layer. 

In another bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, vanilla extract and some of the whipped cream.

Step 4: Crumble the Biscoff cookies. 

Use your hands to break the Biscoff cookies into small pieces.

Step 5: Assemble the parfaits. 

Use small glasses or wine glasses to assemble the parfaits. You can use a spoon to assemble them or to make things extra neat and elegant, you can load the parfait layers into piping bags. Layer the mascarpone first, followed by a generous sprinkle of cookie crumbs. Then, add a layer of pumpkin filling. Add a generous dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with pumpkin pie spice.

Grab a spoon and dig into a new and improved pumpkin dessert. 

Tips for Making Perfect Pumpkin Mousse

•  Be sure to whip your heavy cream until it forms soft peaks before adding.

• Ensure your mascarpone or cream cheese is softened to room temperature before blending – this ensures a silky smooth mascarpone layer.

How can I get clean layers for my parfaits?

The cleanest layers will come from using a piping bag for each layer and tapping the glass gently on the counter before adding the next layer. You can also get cleaner layers by refrigerating the fillings before piping them into the glasses. 

Pumpkin Mousse FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned?

It’s much more work, but you can use a fresh sugar pumpkin for this recipe. Be sure to roast and mash it before using it.

Can I use large glasses?

You can assemble the parfait in a trifle dish or large serving bowl and scoop it out if you prefer not to use individual glasses. 

Can I use a different type of cookie? 

Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, ginger snaps, or a shortbread cookie could be used instead of Biscoff cookies.

More Perfect Pumpkin Recipes to Love 

If you loved this recipe, give it a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating! Also, snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #butterandbaggage and tagging me @butterandbaggage.