Chocolate Mousse Pumpkin Parfaits
These Chocolate Mousse Pumpkin Parfaits are a luscious, layered fall dessert combining rich dark chocolate mousse, spiced pumpkin, and crunchy graham crackers.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips at least 60% cocoa
- 1 cup heavy cream whipped, reserve 1/4 cup for topping
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- whipped cream for topping, fresh or store-bought
- chocolate shavings for garnish
- crushed graham crackers for layering
Instructions
- Place dark chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Pour heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl. Whip with an electric mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form. Reserve about 1/4 cup for topping.
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
- Slowly fold the spiced pumpkin mixture into the melted chocolate, combining gently to avoid deflating.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate-pumpkin mixture in batches, using a gentle folding motion to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Layer crushed graham crackers in the bottom of serving glasses, then add a generous layer of chocolate pumpkin mousse. Repeat layers, ending with mousse on top.
- Top each parfait with reserved whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings and additional crushed graham crackers if desired.
- Refrigerate parfaits for at least 2 hours to set and meld flavors. Serve chilled.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Spoons and spatulas
- Serving glasses or parfait cups
- Grater or peeler (optional)
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate chips with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor.
- Be gentle when folding ingredients to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Chill parfaits for at least 2 hours to achieve the perfect texture.
- Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate chips for a dairy-free version.
- Prepare parfaits a day ahead but add whipped cream and chocolate shavings right before serving.
