If you’re searching for the ultimate autumn-inspired dessert, look no further than Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake. This elegant, decadent treat is a showstopper: a tender chocolate cake base layered with pumpkin-infused cinnamon, butterscotch, and salted caramel mousses, then crowned with a silky ganache. Each forkful is pure bliss, bursting with cozy spices and rich chocolate that will have your guests swooning and asking for seconds!

Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake brings something essential to the party. Together they create a perfect balance of flavor and texture, from warm spiced mousse to the deep chocolate base—plus the toppings that take it over the top!

Unsalted butter: Gives the chocolate cake a tender crumb and rich flavor, so make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping with structure and moisture.
Brown sugar: Brings a touch of caramel depth and extra softness to the cake layer.
Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors in both the cake and mousse layers.
Buttermilk: Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
All-purpose flour: The backbone of your cake’s structure—use the right amount for the perfect crumb!
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep, chocolaty base.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise up soft and airy.
Salt: Enhances and balances all the sweetness and spice throughout the layers.
Cinnamon chips: The secret to a mousse with real cinnamon warmth—look for them near baking chips or specialty stores.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess and structure to every mousse and ganache.
Canned pumpkin puree: For naturally sweet, autumn flavor and vibrant color.
Unflavored powdered gelatin: Allows each mousse layer to set just right, so your cake is beautifully sliceable.
Water: Needed to bloom the gelatin effectively; just a couple of spoonfuls per mousse.
Ground cinnamon: Deepens the spice flavor in the cinnamon mousse.
Butterscotch chips: For a rich, golden mousse layer with nostalgic sweetness.
Salted caramel chips or white chocolate chips: Either choice delivers a decadent, buttery note to the salted caramel mousse.
Thick salted caramel sauce: Blends into the caramel mousse for that irresistible sweet-salty finish.
Semi-sweet chocolate: Finely chopped, it melts into a glossy ganache topping.
Whipped cream: For a cloud-like finishing touch—homemade is best if you have the time!
Ground cinnamon: A final dash brings lovely warmth and color to your presentation.
Pumpkin shaped truffles or festive candy: These make your Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake truly pop for parties or special occasions!

How to Make Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake

Step 1: Bake the Chocolate Cake Base

Start by preheating your oven and preparing a springform pan. Cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla. Alternately add the dry ingredients with buttermilk, mixing just until smooth. Spread the batter into your pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely—this sets the stage for those dreamy mousse layers to come!

Step 2: Prepare the Cinnamon Pumpkin Mousse

To create the cinnamon pumpkin mousse, gently melt cinnamon chips with half the cream, then whisk in pumpkin puree and a pinch of salt. Bloom gelatin in water, dissolve it, and stir into the cinnamon mixture. Whip the rest of the cream to soft peaks and then fold it all together. Pour this over your cooled cake layer, smoothing it out for an even base. Refrigerate until set before moving to the next flavor.

Step 3: Make the Butterscotch Pumpkin Mousse Layer

Next, repeat a similar process with the butterscotch chips. Melt them together with cream, add the pumpkin, salt, and bloomed gelatin, then fold that into whipped cream. Once your cinnamon mousse layer is firm, spread this butterscotch mousse evenly over the top, and refrigerate again so it sets up beautifully.

Step 4: Craft the Salted Caramel Mousse

For the final mousse layer, melt salted caramel chips (or white chocolate chips, if you prefer), blend with salted caramel sauce and cream, dissolve the gelatin, and fold everything gently into freshly whipped cream for that irresistible cloud-like texture. Pour and smooth this final mousse layer and chill the cake until completely firm—patience is key for those perfect, clean layers!

Step 5: Top with Chocolate Ganache

Warm the heavy cream just until steaming, then pour it over the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Allow a minute for the chocolate to melt, then whisk until glossy and smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it over the chilled mousse cake. Use a spatula to gently spread it edge to edge for a stunning finish.

Step 6: Decorate and Serve

Once the ganache has set, release your cake from the pan and transfer to a serving plate. Dollop or pipe whipped cream around the edges, dust with extra ground cinnamon, and finish with pumpkin-shaped truffles or your favorite candies for a cake worthy of any celebration.

How to Serve Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake

Garnishes

A sprinkle of ground cinnamon, clouds of whipped cream, and a few festive truffles instantly transform your Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake into a holiday masterpiece. Candied nuts or chocolate shavings also add the perfect crunch or flair—play with colors and shapes to fit your occasion!

Side Dishes

Because this cake is so rich and flavorful, keep side dishes simple. Offer coffee, a bold black tea, or a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness. For extra flair, serve alongside berries or pears for a fresh, fruity contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake is a showstopper by itself, but you can turn slices into individual plated desserts with dollops of whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel. Or, use mini springform pans to create adorable personal Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cakes—perfect for parties or gifting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Storage is a breeze! Cover your Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake with plastic wrap or a cake dome, and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to four days—the mousse stays dreamy and the cake remains moist.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this cake! After it is completely chilled and set, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil. Store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture.

Reheating

No reheating is necessary—Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake is best served chilled or just slightly cool. If you want to soften the texture, let slices sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pumpkin puree instead of canned?

Absolutely! Just be sure to drain it well and blend until very smooth, since homemade puree is sometimes more watery and fibrous than canned. The flavor is fresher and even more vibrant.

What can I use instead of cinnamon, butterscotch, or caramel chips?

If you can’t find these specialty chips, substitute white chocolate chips and add an extra dash of the coordinating spice or flavor extract to mimic the effect. The texture will remain velvety and delicious.

Can I make Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake gluten-free?

You sure can! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in the cake layer. Everything else in the recipe is gluten-free as written.

How do I get perfectly clean layers when slicing?

The secret is to chill the cake thoroughly and to dip a sharp knife in hot water, wiping it dry before each cut. This helps the knife glide through the mousse and ganache for those Instagram-worthy slices!

What if I want to make Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake in advance?

This cake is actually ideal for making ahead. Prepare it one or even two days before your big event; the flavors meld beautifully and the texture improves as it sits. Just wait to add whipped cream and garnishes until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try your hand at Pumpkin Chocolate Mousse Cake! It’s a labor of love, but every bite is pure happiness—especially when shared with those you love most. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to this truly unforgettable dessert. Enjoy every creamy slice!