Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits

I can count on one hand the number of layered desserts I’ve made. I’m not usually a fan of this style of dessert simply because in a mass quantity they’re only reasonably pretty and presentable before anyone touches it. The moment someone spoons out a helping, all beauty is lost. Plus they can sometimes just generally be a pain in the butt to make.

This is why I adore personal sized servings. I tend to lean towards that a lot with certain dishes. Not only is it fun but then you don’t have someone requesting a smaller portion. Everyone gets the same amount and no one is allowed to complain. Not one.

Eat. Enjoy. And be done.

And you’ll absolutely enjoy this. It’s creamy but light and full of flavor and spice. The crushed gingersnap cookies give the perfect boost in spice and a wonderful contrast in texture.

This is a kid and adult approved dish by far. Spoons, beaters, and spatulas were licked clean. Definitely have a helping hand or two on hand … they’ll enjoy the cleanup.

Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits

Cook Time15 mins
Total Time2 hrs 15 mins
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pumpkin
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 3/4 C pumpkin puree
  • 2 1/4 C heavy cream divided
  • 1/4 C brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp water
  • 12 gingersnap cookies roughly broken

Instructions

  • In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine pumpkin 3/4 cup cream, brown sugar, maple syrup, spices, salt and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Cook, whisking constantly for 5 minutes.
  • In a small bowl, combine water and cornstarch. Add to pumpkin mixture and bring to a boil. Continue to cook, whisking constantly for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl. Press plastic wrap to the top of the pumpkin mixture and allow to cool to room temperature.
  • When ready to continue, in a medium bowl beat 1 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla until still peaks form. Fold in 1/3 of whipped cream into pumpkin mixture, followed my remaining whipped cream until no streaks remain.
  • Spoon a portion of the pumpkin mousse into the bottom of each of your serving cups or bowls, cover with more mousse, a second layer of cookies and a final layer of mousse. Chill 2-4 hours or overnight.
  • If desired, top off with fresh sweetened whipped cream.

Notes

An original recipe from Baked by Rachel
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13 Responses to “Pumpkin Mousse Parfaits”

  1. #
    1
    Liz @ The Lemon Bowl — October 12, 2012 at 7:46 am

    Oooo I love this idea for a Fall party!!! Pinning. :-)

  2. #
    2
    Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) — October 12, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    These look adorable! My daughter will flip over their cuteness and pumpkin flavor. Totally making them!

  3. #
    3
    nicole @ I am a Honey Bee — October 12, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    I’ll drive up from Boston for one of these. :-)

    Love the glasses too!

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    4
    natalie@thesweetslife — October 12, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    I love parfaits and don’t make them nearly enough!!

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    5
    amanda @ fake ginger — October 12, 2012 at 6:00 pm

    Too funny! I don’t make trifles for the same reason! So pretty in the big dish but look like crap on a plate! I love the individual servings though! They look perfect!

  6. #
    6
    Julie @ Table for Two — October 12, 2012 at 9:05 pm

    personal sized desserts are always my fav cause i hate sharing – haha just kidding. i love the pumpkin mousse! so soft and airy and fluffy!

  7. #
    7
    Rachael {Simply Fresh Cooking} — October 13, 2012 at 12:55 pm

    I’m always requesting different sized desserts! ;) Great recipe here!!!

  8. #
    8
    Erin @ Texanerin Baking — October 13, 2012 at 3:10 pm

    I think I’ve only tried making one layered dessert and it just looked… really messy. This one looks awesome and love that it’s not too sugary. :)

  9. #
    9
    Tracey — October 14, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    I love little personalized desserts, and these are so pretty! The combo of flavors sounds heavenly :)

  10. #
    10
    Elizabeth @Food Ramblings — October 14, 2012 at 8:25 pm

    I love these– what pretty desserts!

  11. #
    11
    Megan {Country Cleaver} — October 15, 2012 at 10:55 pm

    Layered desserts is where life starts. Oh these looks so good Rachel!

  12. #
    12
    Mackenzie {susiefreakinghomemaker} — October 16, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    pumpkin mousse? sold.

  13. #
    13
    amy @ fearless homemaker — October 17, 2012 at 8:49 am

    I’m a huge fan of individual-size desserts, too – pretty AND easy to prep before a dinner party, which is always a plus for me. These look absolutely wonderful – wish I could pull one out of the fridge for breakfast right now. =)

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