This Pumpkin Mousse Dip is a creamy treat that brings fall flavors to your snack time! Made with pumpkin puree, cream cheese, and spices, it’s light and fluffy.
I love serving it with crunchy graham crackers or fresh apple slices. It’s like enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie, but way easier to share and dip into! 🎃
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for this dip’s creamy texture. You can use a low-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option, or even a dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan-friendly choice.
Pumpkin Puree: Canned pumpkin is great for convenience, but if you have fresh pumpkin, you can roast it and blend it into a puree. Just make sure to avoid pumpkin pie filling, as it contains added sugar and spices.
Powdered Sugar: This sweetens the dip nicely without making it grainy. If you need a sugar alternative, you can use a sugar substitute, but be mindful of the different sweetness levels.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: This blend of spices gives that familiar fall flavor. If you don’t have this on hand, mix ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice to create your own blend.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This adds fluffiness to the dip. For a lighter version, you can substitute with whipped topping or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
How Do You Make Your Pumpkin Mousse Dip Light and Fluffy?
Creating a light and fluffy mousse dip is all about properly folding in the whipped cream at the right stage. Here’s how to get that perfect texture:
- Beat the cream cheese with the other ingredients until smooth. Don’t skip this step—it sets the foundation!
- Make sure your heavy cream is well chilled before whipping. Whip until stiff peaks form to achieve the fluffiest texture.
- When folding the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture, use a gentle hand. This helps keep the air in the whipped cream for that light texture.
- Serve the dip chilled—this helps it hold its shape and remain creamy.
By following these steps, your dip will be both delicious and delightful to eat!
Delicious Pumpkin Mousse Dip Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Fresh parsley and a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for garnish (optional)
- Crackers, apple slices, or cookies for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Pumpkin Mousse Dip takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus some time for chilling—at least 30 minutes in the fridge will help it set nicely. So, in just a bit of time, you’ll have a creamy and flavorful dip ready to impress your friends and family!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cream Cheese:
Start by taking your softened cream cheese and placing it in a large mixing bowl. Beat it with a mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This is important for a nice, fluffy texture.
2. Add the Pumpkin and Spices:
Now, it’s time to add the pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix all these ingredients together until everything is well blended and smooth. You’ll love that warm fall aroma!
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream with a hand mixer until you see stiff peaks. This means the cream holds its shape and is nice and fluffy. This step is essential for making the mousse light and airy!
4. Fold in the Whipped Cream:
Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture. You want to combine them gently so that you don’t deflate the whipped cream—this will keep your dip light and fluffy!
5. Chill and Garnish:
Transfer your delicious pumpkin mousse dip into a serving bowl. If you’d like, sprinkle some cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice on top along with fresh parsley for a pretty touch. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Pumpkin Mousse Dip is ready to go! Serve it with your favorite crackers, apple slices, or cookies. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Enjoy this creamy, seasonal treat at your next gathering or cozy night in!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Using low-fat cream cheese can help reduce the overall calories of the dip while still maintaining a creamy texture. Just be sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
How Long Does This Dip Last in the Fridge?
This Pumpkin Mousse Dip can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as it may thicken slightly over time.
Can I Make This Dip Vegan?
Yes! To make a vegan version, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and replace heavy whipping cream with coconut cream or a vegan whipped topping. The flavor will still be delicious!
What Can I Serve with Pumpkin Mousse Dip?
This dip pairs well with a variety of snacks! Serve it with graham crackers, apple slices, pretzels, or even ginger cookies for a delightful contrast in flavors.