This Pumpkin Orange Yogurt Mousse with Spiced Tea is a refreshing yet comforting dessert that beautifully combines seasonal pumpkin with a hint of orange, enhanced by the warmth of spices. The mousse, made with fresh pumpkin puree, creamy yogurt, and a hint of vanilla, is light, airy, and perfect for those looking for a dessert that’s not overly sweet but deeply flavorful. Paired with a homemade spiced tea that combines black tea with cardamom, ginger, clove, and anise, this dessert and drink duo is ideal for chilly autumn days when you want something cozy but not too heavy. Each bite and sip captures the warmth and colors of fall, making this a timeless recipe that’s perfect for gatherings or a quiet evening at home.

The recipe uses natural ingredients, like fresh pumpkin and orange zest, for a bright and natural flavor profile. A base of crushed chocolate cookies adds a rich, crumbly contrast to the smooth mousse. The homemade spiced tea, with its fragrant blend of spices, complements the mousse’s sweetness with a subtle warmth and depth. This recipe is simple to make and doesn’t require baking, which means you can prepare it in advance for easy serving.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pumpkin Orange Yogurt Mousse

• Pumpkin – 600 g, peeled, cooked, and pureed
• Orange – 1 (zest and juice)
• Vanilla Sugar – 5 g
• Sugar – 6 tablespoons
• Natural Yogurt – 400 g
• Gelatin – 2 tablespoons
• Water – 100 ml (for dissolving gelatin)
• Chocolate Cookies – 100–150 g, crushed

For the Spiced Tea

• Black Tea – 1 tablespoon
• Cardamom Pods – 2–3, lightly crushed
• Clove Spice – 2–3 cloves
• Star Anise – 1
• Ginger Root – 6–7 cm, sliced
• Orange Peel – A small strip
• Apple – 1, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pumpkin Puree

1. Cut the pumpkin into chunks and cook in a pot of boiling water for about 10–15 minutes, or until it is soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
2. Drain the pumpkin, then puree it in a blender until smooth. Allow it to cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Dissolve the Gelatin

1. In a small bowl, combine the gelatin with 100 ml of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
2. Once bloomed, gently heat the gelatin in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until fully dissolved. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Mousse Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pumpkin puree, yogurt, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Stir in the orange zest and juice, mixing until smooth.
2. Slowly pour in the dissolved gelatin, stirring continuously to ensure it’s well incorporated.
3. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Mousse

1. Take serving glasses or ramekins and add a layer of crushed chocolate cookies at the bottom of each.
2. Carefully pour the pumpkin yogurt mixture over the cookie base, filling each glass or ramekin nearly to the top.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2–3 hours, or until the mousse is set and firm.

Step 5: Make the Spiced Tea

1. In a medium pot, bring about 500 ml of water to a gentle boil. Add the black tea, cardamom pods, cloves, star anise, ginger, orange peel, and apple slices.
2. Reduce the heat and simmer the tea for 10–15 minutes to allow the spices to infuse fully.
3. Strain the tea and serve hot, garnished with a slice of apple or a sprinkle of orange zest if desired.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the chilled mousse from the fridge and serve with a warm glass of spiced tea on the side.
2. Garnish each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few chocolate shavings for added indulgence.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes (excluding chilling time)
• Chill Time: 2–3 hours
• Total Time: Approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 7g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 26g

Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients.

Servings

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Pumpkin Orange Yogurt Mousse with Spiced Tea captures the essence of fall flavors in a way that feels both contemporary and timeless. It’s rooted in traditional ingredients and flavors yet presented in a modern format that is versatile for any occasion. The combination of a chilled, creamy mousse and a warm spiced tea speaks to the contrasting textures and temperatures that are often cherished in autumn and winter cuisine. By using real pumpkin and yogurt, this recipe also aligns with a more health-conscious, whole-food approach, while the chocolate cookie base adds just the right amount of decadence. The spiced tea, with its aromatic blend, brings an element of warmth, making it a perfect pairing.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute the gelatin in this recipe? Yes, you can use agar-agar as a plant-based alternative to gelatin. Follow the package instructions for agar, as it usually requires boiling to activate.
2. What type of pumpkin is best for this recipe? Sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins are ideal for their sweet and smooth texture, but most types of pumpkin work well if pureed thoroughly.
3. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt? Absolutely! Greek yogurt will make the mousse slightly thicker and creamier. Adjust the sweetness as Greek yogurt is often tangier.
4. How can I make the spiced tea caffeine-free? Simply omit the black tea and simmer the spices in hot water, adding a bit of honey or apple juice for sweetness.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mousse

• Use Fresh Pumpkin: Freshly cooked and pureed pumpkin provides the best flavor and texture, though canned pumpkin puree works in a pinch.
• Chill for Best Results: The mousse sets best when given ample time to chill, so try to make it a few hours ahead of serving.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of the pumpkin and yogurt, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar.
• Choose High-Quality Spices: Fresh whole spices make the tea incredibly aromatic and flavorful, so try to avoid ground spices if possible.

Storage Tips

• Mousse: Store the mousse in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. It’s best eaten fresh but can be enjoyed within this timeframe.
• Spiced Tea: Store leftover tea in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze the mousse, as gelatin-based desserts can lose their texture when thawed.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Orange Yogurt Mousse with Spiced Tea is a delightful dessert and drink combination that brings the rich flavors of fall into each bite and sip. The cool, creamy mousse layered with crushed chocolate cookies offers a perfect balance of sweetness, tartness from the yogurt, and a hint of bitterness from the orange zest. Meanwhile, the spiced tea serves as a warm counterpoint, its aromatic spices mingling to create a cozy, soothing drink.

This dessert is ideal for sharing with friends and family around the dinner table, especially during autumn or winter holidays. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or enjoying a quiet treat, this mousse and tea duo offers a culinary experience that’s satisfying, unique, and grounded in the timeless appeal of seasonal ingredients. Let this recipe bring a sense of warmth and celebration to your kitchen, reminding you that even simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.