Fluffy Pumpkin Mousse Tarts
Elevate your dessert game with these delightful Fluffy Pumpkin Mousse Tarts. Unlike traditional pumpkin pie, which can be dense and overly sweet, this recipe utilizes fresh cooked pumpkin that delivers a lighter, airy texture reminiscent of a mousse. The tarts are perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness, making them a fantastic treat any time of the year. Canned pumpkin can be utilized if you prefer the convenience and classic flavor, but fresh pumpkin results in a much more vibrant dish. You can even freeze your fresh pumpkin puree to ensure you have the perfect ingredient on hand, regardless of the season. For a fun twist, consider baking just the mousse filling in custard cups or muffin tins, and serve topped with a scoop of creamy ice cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce. These tarts are a guaranteed hit at gatherings, providing a comforting taste of fall that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked pumpkin
1 cup (freshly cooked or canned)
sugar
3/4 cup (granulated)
milk
3/4 cup (preferably whole or 2%)
eggs
2 (large, beaten)
cinnamon
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
clove
1/8 teaspoon (ground)
tart shells
30 (pre-made or homemade)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pre-bake the tart shells for 5-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before filling.
2
While the tart shells are cooling, prepare the pumpkin filling. In a blender, combine the cooked pumpkin, sugar, milk, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove. Blend on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and frothy.
3
Carefully pour the pumpkin filling into the cooled tart shells, evenly distributing the mixture among all shells.
4
Return the tarts to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30 minutes or until the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Avoid overbaking to maintain the airy texture.
5
Once done, remove from the oven and allow the tarts to cool before serving. Optionally, serve them with ice cream and a drizzle of butterscotch for an added indulgence.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fluffy Pumpkin Mousse Tarts?
They are a lighter, airier alternative to traditional pumpkin pie that features a mousse-like texture and a balanced sweetness.
How many tart shells do I need for this recipe?
This recipe requires 30 pre-made or homemade tart shells.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long should I pre-bake the tart shells?
Pre-bake the shells for 5 to 10 minutes until they are lightly golden.
Can I use canned pumpkin for these tarts?
Yes, canned pumpkin can be used for convenience and classic flavor, though fresh pumpkin provides a more vibrant result.
Why is fresh cooked pumpkin recommended over canned?
Fresh pumpkin results in a more vibrant dish and contributes to the light, airy texture of the mousse.
Can I freeze fresh pumpkin puree for later use?
Yes, you can freeze fresh pumpkin puree to ensure you have it available regardless of the season.
How much cooked pumpkin is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of freshly cooked or canned pumpkin.
What amount of sugar is used in the filling?
You should use 3/4 cup of granulated sugar.
What type of milk works best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 3/4 cup of milk, preferably whole or 2%.
How many eggs are needed and how should they be prepared?
You need 2 large eggs that have been beaten.
What spices provide the flavor for these tarts?
The filling is flavored with ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
How long should the filling be blended?
Blend the pumpkin mixture on medium speed for 1 to 2 minutes until it is smooth and frothy.
What is the target texture for the filling after blending?
The mixture should become smooth and frothy, which helps create the fluffy mousse texture.
How do I bake the filled tarts?
Bake the filled tarts at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 30 minutes.
How do I know when the pumpkin tarts are done?
The tarts are done when the filling is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
Why should I avoid overbaking the tarts?
Avoiding overbaking is essential to maintain the light and airy mousse-like texture of the filling.
Should the tarts be served warm?
The tarts should be allowed to cool before serving, although they can be served with various warm toppings.
What are some recommended toppings for these tarts?
Optional toppings include a scoop of ice cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce.
Can I make this recipe without tart shells?
Yes, you can bake the mousse filling alone in custard cups or muffin tins for a crustless version.
What is a fun serving suggestion for the crustless mousse?
Serve the crustless mousse topped with ice cream and butterscotch sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gatherings?
Yes, these tarts are a guaranteed hit at gatherings and provide a comforting taste of fall.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe yields 30 individual tarts.
What makes the texture of these tarts different from standard pumpkin pie?
Unlike traditional dense pumpkin pie, this recipe produces a light, airy mousse texture.
What size eggs should be used?
The recipe specifies using large eggs.
What is the exact amount of cinnamon used?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What is the exact amount of nutmeg used?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
What is the exact amount of cloves used?
The recipe requires 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves.
Are these tarts overly sweet?
No, they are described as perfectly balanced with just the right amount of sweetness.
When is the best time of year to serve these?
While they are a fall favorite, they are a fantastic treat to enjoy any time of the year.