As autumn leaves begin to fall, the rich aroma of pumpkin fills my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. This keto pumpkin dessert is the perfect blend of indulgence and health, offering a delightful treat without the guilt. Creamy, spiced, and with just the right amount of sweetness, it’s a seasonal favorite that satisfies cravings while keeping things in check. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply love pumpkin, this dessert is a must-try.
Steps
- Combine cream cheese, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, sweetener, salt, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl. Use a stand or hand mixer to blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, pour in the heavy cream and whip it using an electric mixer until firm peaks form. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin cream cheese mixture until they are fully incorporated.
- Sample the mixture and adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences if necessary.
- Transfer the mousse into a piping bag and pipe it into serving glasses or jars. Optionally, garnish with cacao nibs or a low-carb brown sugar substitute.
- For optimal texture, refrigerate the mousse for about an hour to allow it to set and thicken. However, it can be enjoyed immediately if desired.
Ingredients
- Full-fat cream cheese
- Canned pure pumpkin
- Heavy cream
- Pumpkin pie spice (a mix of nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice)
- Vanilla extract
- Pumpkin-flavored liquid stevia or another low-carb sweetener of your choice
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3324kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 312g | Saturated Fat: 204g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 504mg | Sodium: 2064mg | Potassium: 1536mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 72288IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 588mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Is pumpkin suitable for a keto diet?
- Pumpkin isn’t the lowest-carb vegetable for a keto diet, but consuming it in small quantities can be part of your keto plan without disrupting ketosis. For instance, a cup of canned pumpkin puree contains 19.8 grams of carbs, but when divided into multiple servings, the carb content per serving is manageable.
- Can I make this pumpkin cheesecake mousse dairy-free?
- Yes, you can easily make this dessert dairy-free by substituting the cream cheese with a vegan version and replacing the heavy cream with Dairy-Free Whipped Cream made from canned coconut milk.
- What sweeteners can I use for this keto pumpkin mousse?
- Liquid low-carb sweeteners are ideal for this mousse to avoid a gritty texture. Options include Sweetleaf Pumpkin Stevia or Vanilla Stevia. Monk Fruit in liquid form can also be used as a substitute.
- Do I need a piping tool to serve the mousse?
- While not necessary, using a piping tool can enhance the presentation of the mousse in serving glasses. A Wilton Dessert Decorator is a useful gadget for this purpose, though a pastry bag can also be used if preferred.
- Can I transform this mousse into a pie?
- Absolutely, you can serve this mousse in a coconut flour pie crust to create a pie instead of individual servings. Top it with sugar-free whipped cream for added flavor.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pumpkin: When selecting canned pumpkin, ensure it’s pure pumpkin puree without any added sugars or spices. Avoid canned pumpkin pie filling, which is not suitable for a low-carb or keto diet.
- Whipping Technique: To achieve a fluffy texture, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form before folding it into the pumpkin mixture. This will help maintain the mousse’s light and airy consistency.
- Sweetener Selection: Opt for liquid low-carb sweeteners to avoid any gritty texture in the mousse. Liquid stevia or monk fruit sweeteners are excellent choices and can be adjusted to taste.
- Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use coconut milk-based whipped cream instead of heavy cream. This allows those with lactose intolerance to enjoy the dessert without compromising on flavor.
Equipment
- KitchenAid Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Electric Mixer
- Piping Bag or Tool (e.g., Wilton Dessert Decorator)
