Name: Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 4 h 20 min
Yield: 10
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; 1 can pumpkin; 2 pkgs JELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 2 cups Cool Whip Whipped Topping; ½ cup PLANTERS Pecans; 1 tbsp butter; ⅓ cup light brown sugar

Indulge in the delightful fusion of autumn flavors with this Praline Pumpkin Mousse. A deliciously creamy mousse made from pumpkin and vanilla pudding, elevated by the addition of rich pecan praline. This dessert not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also adds a touch of elegance to any dining table.

Photos of Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

The main ingredients of this recipe are quite common, but you might need to check for a couple of them. The first one is pumpkin pie spice, a warm blend of spices that gives pumpkin dishes their signature flavor. It’s available in most major supermarkets, but if you can't find it, you can substitute it with a mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice. The second ingredient is Jell-O vanilla flavor instant pudding. It contributes to the creaminess of the mousse and can be found in the baking aisle.

Ingredients for Praline Pumpkin Mousse

Milk: A key ingredient that keeps the mousse light and creamy.

Pumpkin: Gives the mousse its bold, autumnal flavor.

Jell-O vanilla flavor instant pudding: Adds a creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor to the mousse.

Pumpkin pie spice: Enhances the pumpkin flavor with a mix of warming spices.

Cool Whip whipped topping: Lightens the mousse and gives it a fluffy texture.

Planters pecans: These will be used to make the praline topping, adding a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Butter: Used to roast the pecans, giving them a richer flavor.

Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness to the praline and helps it to caramelize.

One reader, Beniamino Aranda says:

This praline pumpkin mousse recipe is a game-changer! The creamy pumpkin flavor combined with the crunchy praline topping is a match made in dessert heaven. It's easy to make and always impresses my guests. I love how the flavors blend together perfectly. Highly recommended for a delightful fall treat!

Beniamino Aranda

Techniques Required for Praline Pumpkin Mousse

How to prepare the mousse: Whisk together the milk, pumpkin, vanilla pudding, and pumpkin pie spice until well combined. Gently fold in the cool whip until smooth and creamy. Spoon or pipe the mixture into dessert cups and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.

How to make praline topping: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the pecans and brown sugar, stirring constantly until the sugar is melted and the pecans are coated. Spread the pecans on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Sprinkle the praline topping over the chilled mousse just before serving.

How To Make Praline Pumpkin Mousse

Here’s a holiday treat made with pumpkin pie spice and chopped pecan nuts. Indulge yourself in this sweet and savory Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Chill Time: 4 hours

Total: 4 hours 20 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1cupmilkcold
1canpumpkin
2pkgsJELL-O Vanilla Flavor Instant Pudding
1tsppumpkin pie spice
2cupsCool Whip Whipped Toppingthawed
½cupPLANTERS Pecanschopped
1tbspbutter
⅓cuplight brown sugar

Instructions

To a large mixing bowl add milk, pumpkin, pudding and pumpkin pie spice and whisk 2 minutes. Stir in cool whip. Spoon or pipe into dessert cups. Chill in refrigerator 4 hours.
Meanwhile, toss pecans with butter and sugar. Sprinkle pecans over chilled mousse just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 233.68kcal
Fat: 8.73g
Saturated Fat: 3.46g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 3.37g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.29g
Carbohydrates: 38.50g
Fiber: 4.76g
Sugar: 30.34g
Protein: 3.25g
Cholesterol: 14.61mg
Sodium: 305.72mg
Calcium: 89.26mg
Potassium: 383.24mg
Iron: 2.25mg
Vitamin A: 1187.53µg
Vitamin C: 6.27mg

Technique Tip for Perfect Praline Pumpkin Mousse

When making the praline pumpkin mousse, ensure that you whisk the milk, pumpkin, pudding, and pumpkin pie spice together thoroughly. This will help to fully incorporate all the ingredients and create a smooth, creamy texture. Additionally, when adding the cool whip, fold it in gently to maintain its light, airy texture. This will result in a mousse that is both rich and fluffy.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

Prep ahead: Prepare the praline topping and pumpkin mousse a day in advance to save time on the day of serving.

Use store-bought: Consider using store-bought whipped topping and pumpkin pie spice to cut down on preparation time.

Double the batch: Make a larger batch and store the extra mousse in the refrigerator for a quick and easy dessert option throughout the week.

Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather all the ingredients and kitchen tools needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.

Chill efficiently: Place the mousse in the freezer for 1-2 hours to speed up the chilling process, ensuring it sets properly before serving.

Pecan prep: Purchase pre-chopped pecans to skip the step of chopping and save time in the recipe preparation.

Substitute Ingredients For Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe

milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative, and it adds a subtle nutty flavor to the mousse.
cool whip whipped topping - Substitute with coconut whipped cream: Coconut whipped cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, and it adds a hint of tropical flavor to the mousse.
planters pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts can be used as a substitute for pecans, providing a similar nutty flavor and texture to the mousse.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative, and it adds a hint of coconut flavor to the mousse.
light brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar, adding a slightly caramel-like flavor to the mousse.

Presenting Your Praline Pumpkin Mousse

Elevate the plating: When presenting the praline pumpkin mousse, focus on creating an elegant and refined presentation. Use edible flowers and gold leaf to add a touch of sophistication to the dessert.
Incorporate texture: Add a contrast in texture by incorporating a crunchy element. Sprinkle a fine dusting of candied pecans over the mousse to provide a delightful crunch with each spoonful.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the precision of each component. Use a piping bag to carefully layer the mousse in the dessert cups, ensuring a visually appealing and professional presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the praline pumpkin mousse to take center stage. This will create a visually striking presentation that highlights the dessert's allure.
Consider color contrast: Introduce a pop of color to the presentation by incorporating a drizzle of caramel sauce around the edge of the dessert cups, creating an enticing visual contrast against the creamy mousse.
Incorporate height: Create visual interest by adding height to the presentation. Consider using a delicate sugar tuile or a slender cinnamon stick as a vertical element to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal.
Focus on balance: Ensure that the presentation strikes a harmonious balance between the various elements. Each component should complement the others, creating a visually stunning and well-balanced dessert presentation.

Essential Tools for Making Praline Pumpkin Mousse

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for blending, chopping, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's great for making smooth pumpkin puree or blending the praline mixture.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the pumpkin, milk, pudding, and spices to create the mousse. It's also used for folding in the whipped topping.
Whisk: A whisk is used to thoroughly mix the ingredients for the pumpkin mousse, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
Dessert cups: Dessert cups are used for serving the praline pumpkin mousse. They can be glass, ceramic, or disposable plastic cups.
Skillet: A skillet is used to toast the pecans with butter and sugar to create the praline topping for the mousse.

Storing and Freezing Praline Pumpkin Mousse

This pumpkin mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the dessert cups tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the mousse to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other flavors and odors in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the praline pumpkin mousse, prepare the mousse as directed but do not add the praline pecans topping. Place the mousse in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then label it with the date. The mousse can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To thaw the frozen pumpkin mousse, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, give the mousse a quick stir to restore its creamy texture. Top with freshly prepared praline pecans just before serving.
If you have leftover praline pecans, store them separately in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This will help maintain their crunch and prevent them from becoming soggy when stored with the mousse.

Random Fact About Praline Pumpkin Mousse

Praline pumpkin mousse is a delightful dessert that combines the rich flavors of pumpkin with the sweet crunch of praline pecans.

Is Making Praline Pumpkin Mousse at Home Economical?

The praline pumpkin mousse recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found and reasonably priced. The use of canned pumpkin and instant pudding keeps the cost low, while still delivering a delicious dessert. The addition of pecans adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe rates a solid 8 for its affordability and flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10, making it a budget-friendly option for a delightful treat.

Is Praline Pumpkin Mousse Healthy or Unhealthy?

This praline pumpkin mousse recipe, while delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:

The recipe relies heavily on processed ingredients like instant pudding mix and cool whip, which are high in sugar and artificial additives. Pumpkin, although nutrient-dense, is overshadowed by the other less wholesome components. The addition of butter and brown sugar to the pecans further increases the calorie and sugar content of the dessert.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Replace the instant pudding mix with a homemade vanilla pudding using natural ingredients like milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and a small amount of sugar or a healthier alternative like maple syrup
Swap the cool whip for homemade whipped cream using heavy cream and a touch of vanilla extract
Reduce the amount of butter and brown sugar used for the praline pecans, or opt for a lighter topping like chopped, toasted pecans without the added sugar
Incorporate more pumpkin puree into the mousse to increase the nutritional value and fiber content
Serve the mousse in smaller portions to control calorie intake

By making these adjustments, you can create a more wholesome version of this praline pumpkin mousse that still satisfies your sweet tooth while providing some nutritional benefits from the pumpkin and pecans.

Editor's Thoughts on This Praline Pumpkin Mousse

This praline pumpkin mousse recipe is a delightful blend of creamy pumpkin mousse and crunchy praline pecans. The combination of pumpkin, vanilla pudding, and pumpkin pie spice creates a rich and flavorful mousse, while the praline pecans add a satisfying crunch and a touch of sweetness. The dessert cups can be beautifully garnished with the pecans just before serving, adding a visual and textural appeal. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful treat for any occasion.

Enhance Your Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Butternut Squash: Try serving the praline pumpkin mousse with a side of roasted butternut squash, seasoned with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for a perfect fall flavor.

Grilled Pineapple: For a tropical twist, pair the praline pumpkin mousse with some grilled pineapple slices, caramelized to perfection on the grill.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Add a touch of sophistication to your dessert with a side of balsamic glazed Brussels sprouts, offering a balance of sweet and savory flavors to complement the mousse.

Alternative Recipes Similar to Praline Pumpkin Mousse

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful filling using ground beef, rice, and a variety of seasonings, then stuff it into bell peppers and bake until tender.

Citrus Glazed Salmon: Whisk together a tangy citrus glaze and brush it over salmon fillets before baking or grilling for a delicious and healthy seafood dish.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Combine ripe mango, coconut milk, and chia seeds to make a creamy and tropical dessert that's perfect for a light and refreshing treat.

Appetizers and Main Courses to Complement Praline Pumpkin Mousse

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: These delectable mushrooms are filled with a savory mixture that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of flavors and textures will leave your guests wanting more.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy fritters are the perfect way to start off any meal. The crunch of the zucchini paired with the flavorful seasoning is sure to be a hit with your guests.

Main Courses:

Chicken Alfredo: Create a creamy and indulgent pasta dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful Alfredo sauce. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Beef Stroganoff: Whip up a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef strips in a creamy mushroom sauce. Pair it with fluffy egg noodles for a classic and delicious main course.

Why trust this Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, creating a luscious pumpkin mousse with a delightful crunch from the pecans. The use of vanilla instant pudding ensures a smooth and creamy consistency, while the addition of pumpkin pie spice infuses warm, aromatic notes. The incorporation of cool whip whipped topping adds a light and airy touch. The planters pecans are caramelized to perfection, providing a sweet and nutty contrast. Trust in the harmonious blend of these quality ingredients to deliver a delectable dessert experience.

Want to share your experience making this delectable Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe? Join the discussion in the Baking and Desserts forum and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of cool whip?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade whipped cream instead of cool whip. Just make sure to whip the cream until stiff peaks form, and then fold it gently into the pumpkin mixture.

Can I substitute the pecans with a different type of nut?

Absolutely! You can substitute the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts, depending on your preference. Just make sure to toast and sweeten them as directed in the recipe.

Can I use a different flavor of instant pudding?

Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of instant pudding to customize the mousse to your liking. Vanilla pudding complements the pumpkin flavor well, but you can try using butterscotch or caramel pudding for a unique twist.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the mousse ahead of time and keep it chilled in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the praline topping right before serving to maintain its crunchiness.

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

While canned pumpkin provides a consistent texture and flavor, you can use fresh pumpkin puree if you prefer. Just make sure to cook and puree the fresh pumpkin until smooth before incorporating it into the mousse.