Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mousse is everything you want in a fall dessert—creamy, spiced, and lightly sweet—but without the guilt. It’s naturally sweetened with honey or maple syrup, high in protein thanks to cottage cheese, and incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a blender, you’ll have a delicious dessert that tastes indulgent but is actually nourishing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish
Directions
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In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Spoon the mousse into four serving glasses or bowls.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of chilling time. It’s perfect as a quick make-ahead dessert for guests or a healthy treat during the week.
Variations
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Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and coconut whipped cream.
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Extra Sweetness: Add an additional tablespoon of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dessert.
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More Spice: Increase the pumpkin pie spice to 1½ teaspoons for a bolder flavor.
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Greek Yogurt Swap: Replace half of the cottage cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
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Toppings: Add crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. Avoid freezing, as the texture may become watery once thawed.
FAQs
What type of cottage cheese should I use?
Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese for a creamy consistency. Avoid non-fat versions, which can be watery.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead dessert. Just blend it, portion it into serving glasses, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Is pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
No, pumpkin puree is 100% pure pumpkin without added sugar or spices. Pumpkin pie filling contains added ingredients and should not be used in this recipe.
Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, both work well. Just make sure to blend until completely smooth for the best texture.
Is this mousse healthy?
Yes, it’s a lighter dessert with protein from cottage cheese and natural sweeteners. It’s a great alternative to heavier pumpkin desserts.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Absolutely. Both work well and give slightly different flavor profiles. Maple syrup offers a deeper, richer sweetness.
What can I use instead of pumpkin pie spice?
You can make your own with a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Just make sure your blender or food processor can handle the increased volume.
How long will the mousse last in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can kids eat this dessert?
Definitely! It’s made with wholesome ingredients and is kid-friendly in both taste and nutrition.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Mousse is the ultimate fall treat—light, creamy, and full of comforting spice. Whether you’re looking for a healthy dessert or something festive to share, this mousse offers the perfect balance of flavor and nourishment. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious twist on traditional pumpkin desserts.
Print
Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Mousse
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Mousse is a light, creamy, protein-rich dessert that combines the comforting flavors of fall with healthy ingredients. It’s naturally sweetened, easy to make, and perfect for a quick dessert or festive treat.
Ingredients
2 cups cottage cheese
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped cream and cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine cottage cheese, pumpkin puree, honey (or maple syrup), pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Spoon the mousse into four serving glasses or bowls.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.
Notes
Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese for best texture.
Chill for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to develop and mousse to set.
Optional toppings include crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or caramel drizzle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing, as texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
