Delicious No-Bake Allergy-Friendly Pumpkin Mousse Pie: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Vegan & So Easy!
Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional pumpkin pie! This no-bake, irresistibly creamy pumpkin mousse pie is a game-changer. Infused with warming spices and generously topped with dairy-free whipped cream, this lighter, fluffier version will make you wonder why you ever settled for the dense original. Built on a delicious graham cracker (or cookie!) crust, this simple yet spectacular pie is destined to become a staple in your Thanksgiving traditions. Plus, it’s incredibly allergy-friendly, making it suitable for all your guests. This Allergy-Friendly Pumpkin Mousse Pie is completely free of: gluten, dairy, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts. It’s also vegan and can easily be adapted to be top-8-free, ensuring a worry-free celebration for everyone.
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My Journey from Pumpkin Pie Skeptic to Mousse Pie Enthusiast
Let’s be honest, I’ve never been a fan of classic pumpkin pie. I know, I know – call me un-American! But its thick, dense texture and often bland flavor profile always left me wondering why it was such a beloved staple at a holiday celebrated for its incredible food. For years, I just couldn’t understand the hype.
My heart truly belongs to cream pies, like my delightful strawberry jello pie or the decadent chocolate cream pie. So, the challenge was clear: how could I incorporate the quintessential fall flavor of pumpkin into a pie that I would genuinely enjoy, instead of just preparing it for others? I wasn’t about to waste my precious holiday baking time on something I wouldn’t even touch.
The solution arrived in a moment of culinary inspiration: a pumpkin mousse pie! This would offer everything I craved – a creamy, soft, and much lighter texture, bursting with rich spices and authentic pumpkin flavor. And to make things even easier, I decided to ditch the traditional baked pie crust. No thank you! Tradition wouldn’t hold me back from convenience and deliciousness. I find most typical crusts taste like flaky shortening, and honestly, who has time for all that fuss during the holidays? Instead, I opted for a graham cracker or cookie crust, which is not only incredibly simple to make but also requires no baking whatsoever. And for an extra touch of autumnal warmth, I even add a hint of cinnamon to the crust. Pure genius, if I do say so myself!
Effortless Elegance: The Beauty of a No-Bake, Allergy-Friendly Pie
At its core, this pumpkin mousse pie is a celebration of all things delicious and easy. The majority of the ingredients are readily available at your local store, meaning your main tasks will be simple measuring, stirring, and assembling. This approach saves you precious time and oven space, which is especially invaluable during the busy holiday season when your oven is likely occupied with other Thanksgiving staples.
When it comes to specific ingredients, careful selection ensures this pie remains wonderfully allergy-friendly. If your family, like mine, can tolerate soy, Tofutti cream cheese is a fantastic and convenient option (you’ll find links in the recipe card below). It’s widely available at many grocery stores, including my local Walmart. For those who need to avoid soy, Daiya cream cheese is an excellent, equally delicious alternative. Speaking of convenience, have you explored Walmart’s online grocery shopping? If not, here’s a $10 off coupon for your first order – a little perk to make your shopping even easier!
Choosing the right graham crackers for the crust is crucial for ensuring the pie remains allergy-safe. For my son, Kinnikinick graham crackers are the only brand we’ve found that works well. However, it’s important to note that they carry a warning: “processed on the same equipment as eggs and soy.” If this warning makes you uncomfortable, or if you need a completely top-8-free option, I highly recommend using the cookie crust from my strawberry jello pie recipe instead. Both options create a deliciously simple base that perfectly complements the rich pumpkin filling. If you know of another trusted allergy-friendly graham cracker brand, please share it in the comments! It’s worth noting that I personally contacted Kinnikinick, and they assured me that their products containing eggs are produced on separate days, and they meticulously clean and test for cross-contamination. As always, for your unique circumstances, please do your own thorough research and ensure you feel completely safe with your ingredient choices.
A Pie for Everyone: Celebrating Inclusivity This Thanksgiving
The true magic of this allergy-friendly pumpkin mousse pie lies in its universal appeal. We recently served it to friends for dinner, and here’s the best part: NONE of them have food allergies! They all absolutely loved it. I also made sure to save a slice for a friend who temporarily needs to avoid dairy due to breastfeeding. This single, delicious pie was enjoyed by my son, who has severe allergies, our friends with no dietary restrictions, and a friend managing a temporary medical dietary need. It truly is a testament to how one amazing dessert can cater to a diverse crowd, ensuring everyone feels included and satisfied.
Thanksgiving is a holiday deeply rooted in gathering together and sharing delicious food. It’s a time for warmth, gratitude, and communal enjoyment. When planning your holiday menu, prioritizing inclusive desserts ensures that no one is left out. This pumpkin mousse pie allows everyone at your table to partake in the festive flavors, fostering a more joyful and united celebration. Make sure your Thanksgiving dessert spread reflects this spirit of togetherness.
Flexible Preparation and Storage Tips
Another fantastic feature of this no-bake pie is its flexibility in preparation and storage, a huge benefit during the busy holiday season. This pie can be made well ahead of time and frozen, then simply thawed in the refrigerator before serving. If you prefer a firmer, almost ice-cream-like texture, you can even serve it directly from the freezer. I’ve enjoyed it both ways, and they’re equally delicious! Freezing also helps if your refrigerator is already overflowing with other Thanksgiving dishes and ingredients, freeing up valuable space.
Once thawed or chilled, ensure the pie remains in the refrigerator when not being served, or when you’re not sneaking a little bite for yourself! It helps maintain its creamy texture and freshness.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I have one more exciting Thanksgiving recipe coming your way soon – my absolute favorite, an easy slow cooker turkey. So, keep an eye out for that! And don’t forget to follow along on my Instagram stories; you won’t want to miss the spectacular mess I recently created in my kitchen while making my turkey and gravy. Hint: there might have been a blender explosion!
Common Questions & Easy Ingredient Swaps
What if I don’t need this pumpkin mousse pie to be gluten-free?
If you don’t have gluten or wheat sensitivities, making this pie suitable for your needs is incredibly simple. Just use regular graham crackers in the same specified amount for the crust. The pie will still be wonderfully dairy-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free. Depending on your choice of cream cheese (Tofutti vs. Daiya), it can also be soy-free.
What if I don’t need this pumpkin mousse pie to be dairy-free?
For those without dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, you can still easily enjoy this pie while keeping it gluten-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut-free (and potentially soy-free, based on your cream cheese choice). Simply swap the dairy-free cream cheese for regular cream cheese and use traditional Cool Whip instead of Coco Whip, maintaining the same measurements. If you prefer not to use coconut oil (a favorite for many who don’t need allergy-friendly options), you can substitute butter in the crust with the same amount.
Refined Coconut Oil: My Secret for a Neutral Flavor!
I must confess, I’m not a big fan of the strong taste of unrefined coconut oil. If you share my preference, then absolutely buy REFINED coconut oil. Refined coconut oil has only the slightest hint of coconut flavor, which becomes virtually undetectable amidst the rich blend of spices in this delicious pumpkin pie. It’s a game-changer for those sensitive to coconut flavor.
The Magic of Coco Whip: Your Dairy-Free Whipped Cream Solution
What is Coco Whip?
While this post isn’t sponsored, I cannot express enough gratitude for discovering Coco Whip. It has revolutionized my ability to create incredible dairy-free desserts. A huge thank you to the company So Delicious! If you’re accustomed to using Cool Whip, Coco Whip is the perfect dairy-free alternative. It comes in a convenient tub, just like Cool Whip, and is made from whipped coconut cream. It’s wonderfully light, frothy, incredibly delicious, and versatile – perfect for incorporating into recipes or simply using as a garnish.
Just like Cool Whip, you’ll need to thaw Coco Whip before use, as it’s too firm to stir or work with when frozen solid. I typically move it from the freezer to the refrigerator the day before I plan to use it, ensuring it’s perfectly soft and ready for mixing. It’s a fantastic replacement for vegans and anyone with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
However, for those with coconut allergies, I’m sorry to say that Coco Whip is indeed made from coconuts. I am still searching for another truly dairy-free whipped topping that offers similar results in terms of texture and versatility. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!
Where can I find Coco Whip?
I’ve had great success finding Coco Whip at most health food stores, including Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Good Earth. You might also find it on Amazon, though it can be a bit harder to purchase online since it requires refrigeration. Look for Coco Whip in the freezer section of your grocery store, typically near other frozen desserts or dairy alternatives.
Looking for More Delicious Dairy-Free Pies?
Yes, you’re in the right place! All the recipes on my website are completely dairy-free, a necessity due to my son’s severe dairy allergy. Most of my pies are also gluten-free. However, if gluten isn’t a concern for you, you can often simply swap out the gluten-free flour for regular flour in applicable recipes. Here are some of our favorite allergy-friendly pies that you absolutely must try:
- No-Bake Strawberry Jello Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free)
- Triple Chocolate Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
- Frozen Raspberry Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
- Lemon Cream Pie Bars (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
- Peach Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free)
- Strawberry Chocolate Galette (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free; Vegan)
- Cherry Cobbler (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free; Vegan)
- Pumpkin Crumble Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
- Mock Pecan Pie (Black Bottom Oatmeal Pie) (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
- Peppermint Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
Planning Your Allergy-Friendly Thanksgiving Feast? I Can Help!
Absolutely! I am passionate about food, and I believe everyone should fully enjoy holidays centered around delicious meals, regardless of dietary restrictions. That’s why I’ve created an ENTIRE THANKSGIVING MENU that is entirely allergy-friendly. From the main course, like turkey, to classic mashed potatoes, sweet potato dishes, a variety of sides, and, of course, a selection of delightful pies – I’ve got your holiday meal planning covered. My goal is to help you confidently prepare a safe, delicious, and memorable Thanksgiving feast that everyone at your table can enjoy. I truly hope it helps you plan and execute a wonderful holiday celebration!
Allergy-friendly Pumpkin Mousse Pie (Gluten, dairy, egg, peanut & tree nut free; vegan)
1 pie, or 8 slices
25 minutes
25 minutes
A no-bake, creamy version of the classic pumpkin pie. Loaded with spices and full of whipped cream, this lighter version will make you wonder why you ever went with the original, dense version in the first place. Pilled on top of a graham-cracker (or cookie!) crust, this easy pie will be what Thanksgiving memories are made of. Plus, this is allergy-friendly so you can serve to all your guests. This Allergy-friendly Pumpkin Mousse Pie is free of: gluten, dairy, egg, peanut & tree nuts. It’s also vegan and can be adapted to be top-8-free!
Ingredients
- PUMPKIN MOUSSE FILLING:
- One 8-oz package dairy-free cream cheese, softened (Tofutti if you can do soy, if not use Daiya)
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pie filling!)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 package of Coco Whip (or other dairy-free whipped cream)
- GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST:
- 1 box of gluten-free graham crackers**
- 1/3 cup room temp coconut oil/safe shortening/dairy-free butter*
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Extra CoCo Whip and cinnamon for garnish, if so desired
- Spring form pan
Instructions
*IMPORTANT: You’ll want to move your Coco Whip from the freezer to the fridge either a day or several hours before starting. It will need to be soft enough to stir into the recipe.
When ready to begin, place the graham crackers, cinnamon and coconut oil in a food processor and mix until it’s a fine sand-like texture.
Place the crust mixture in a greased spring form pan, pressing it evenly along the bottom and up the sides.
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, place the dairy-free cream cheese and brown sugar. Mix.
Add all of the rest of the ingredients–except the CoCo Whip, and mix well, scraping down the sides as necessary.
Turn off the mixer, and fold in the CoCo Whip. Pour the mixture into the crust. Freeze or chill until you’re ready to serve. (See notes in the post).
Garnish with extra CoCo Whip and cinnamon if so desired.
Notes
Or, if you can use a package and a half (21 cookies) of the Enjoy Life Vanilla Graham Cookies for the crust.
Looking for other pies, turkey or sides? Check out my ENTIRE Thanksgiving menu!
*If you use coconut oil in the crust, please note that coconut oil is very temperamental when it comes to temperature. If cold, it will harden, so if you freeze this pie, the crust will be very hard to cut through, unless you thaw it until the crust is soft enough to serve.
*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family
**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.
DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! ALSO, CHECK OUT MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS for more amazing recipes and tips.
Craving other delicious allergy-friendly pies for Thanksgiving, or simply because you love pie? Explore some of my other favorites:
Gluten & Dairy-Free Triple Chocolate Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
Frozen Raspberry Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Vegan)
Strawberry Chocolate Galette (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free; Vegan)
Allergy-Friendly No-Bake Strawberry Jello Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free)
Allergy-Friendly Peach Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Soy, Peanut & Tree Nut Free; Top-8-Free)
Gluten-Free Vegan Lemon Pie Bars (Gluten, Dairy, Egg, Peanut & Tree Nut Free)