Vegan Pumpkin Mousse Pie (Gluten, Dairy, Top 8 Free)

Call me un-American but I have never liked pumpkin pie. It was too thick, too dense and too bland. I could never understand why it was such a staple at a food-centric holiday!

I much prefer cream pies (like my strawberry jello, or chocolate cream) so I had to think of a way to still incorporate pumpkin pie, but not have it be something I spent my time on only for others to eat…since I was not going to have any of that mess.

Why I Created This Pumpkin Mousse Pie

That’s when I knew a pumpkin mousse pie would be the perfect solution. It would be creamy, soft, lighter and full of spices and flavor. I also didn’t want to endure making a typical crust either.  No thanks. Tradition can’t hold me down! Once again–call me picky–but it just tastes like flaky shortening. I want a graham or cookie type, because it’s loads easier and doesn’t have to bake. And, did I mention I add cinnamon to the crust to make it extra fall-ish? Oh yes I did!

Basically, this pie is a hybrid of all things good and all things easy. Most of the pie is store-bought, and you just have to do some measuring of spices and stirring.

Now, if you can’t do soy like we can–be sure to use Daiya cream cheese, instead of Tofutti (links in the recipe). We can do soy, and Tofutti is sold at my local Wal-Mart so it makes it easier to purchase. (Have you tried their online grocery shopping? If you haven’t, here’s a $10 off coupon for your first order!)

Also, I should warn that the only graham crackers I’ve found that work for my son are Kinnikinick–and they do have a warning on them that says “processed on the same equipment as eggs and soy”, so if you don’t feel comfortable with that…then go with my cookie crust from this recipe–that is completely top-8-free. Both are a delicious and simple compliment to the pumpkin. If you have another brand–let me know! Also, I personally called them and they said that their cookies that have eggs are made on a different day, and that they clean and test their products for cross contamination. As always–do your part to do your own research and make sure you feel safe for your own circumstances!

We had friends over for dinner on Saturday and they liked my pie–and NONE of them have food allergies. I also saved a slice for my friend who is having to cut out dairy due to breastfeeding. So–this pie was able to be eaten by my highly allergic son, my friends with no food allergies and a friend with a temporary medical dietary restriction. Talk about feed a crowd–but with just one, delicious pie.

A Dessert Everyone Can Enjoy

Make sure you’re serving a dessert at Thanksgiving that will include others. After all, this holiday is about coming together for delicious food, so make sure it’s safe and something everyone can enjoy and partake of.

Lastly–this pie can be frozen ahead of time, and then thawed in the fridge. Or, it can be served frozen if you like it to have more of a harder, ice-cream like texture. I ate it both ways and they were both good. But, keep it in the freezer if you need space in your fridge for all the other Thanksgiving trimmings. Keep the pie in the fridge when you’re not serving or sneaking bites yourself.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I have one more Thanksgiving recipe coming atchya–my favorite, easy, slow cooker turkey. So, stay tuned!

And lastly–are you following along on my Instagram stories? You’ll have to see the spectacular mess I just made in my kitchen making my turkey and gravy. Hint: there might have been an explosion with my blender!

Allergy-friendly Pumpkin Mousse Pie (Gluten, dairy, egg, peanut & tree nut free; vegan)

Yield: 1 pie, or 8 slices

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 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!

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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.

What if I don’t need this pumpkin mousse pie to be gluten free?

If you can have gluten and wheat, then there’s a simple swap. Just use regular graham crackers, in the same amount. The pie will still be dairy, egg, peanut and tree nut free (and possibly soy free depending on what cream cheese you use.)

What if I don’t need this pumpkin mousse pie to be dairy free?

If you don’t have dairy allergies or lactose intolerance, then you can still easily keep this pie gluten, egg, peanut and tree nut free (and possibly soy free depending on what cream cheese you use.) Just use regular cream cheese and Cool Whip instead of Coco Whip at the same amounts. If you’d rather not use coconut oil (which I know many people love who don’t have to be allergy friendly) then swap out butter at the same amount.

Coconut oil tip!

I actually don’t like the taste of coconut oil. If you’re like me, then buy REFINED coconut oil. It only has the slightest hint of coconut and you really can’t tell with all of the spices in this dish.

What is Coco Whip?

This post is not sponsored, but finding Coco Whip has changed the ability I have to make desserts. I am so grateful to the company So Delicious. If you used to use Cool Whip, then this is the perfect dairy-free replacement. It comes in a tub, just like Cool Whip, and is whipped coconut cream that is light and frothy and delicious and perfect for going inside recipes as well as garnishing them.

Just like when using Cool Whip, you’ll need to thaw Coco Whip before using it, otherwise it’s too frozen to stir or do much with. I’d set it in my fridge the day before to be just right.

So, to those who have coconut allergies, I’m sorry, but coco whip is made out of coconuts. I have yet to find another dairy-free creamer that yields similar results. Coco Whip is a fabulous replacement for vegans and those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.

Where can I find Coco Whip?

I have found Coco Whip at all of the regular health food stores: Whole Foods, Sprouts, Good Earth and sometimes on Amazon (it’s a harder product to sell online since it needs to be refrigerated). Coco Whip is located in the freezer section.

Looking for more dairy-free pies?

Yes, all of my recipes on my site are completely dairy free due to my son’s dairy allergy. All of my pies are also gluten free. However, if you don’t need them to be gluten free, you can simply swap out regular flour instead. Here are some of our favorite allergy friendly pies:

• No Bake Strawberry Jello Pie 
• Triple Chocolate Pie
• Frozen Raspberry Pie
• Lemon Cream Pie Bars
• Peach Pie
• Strawberry Chocolate Galette
• Cherry Cobbler
• Pumpkin Crumble Pie
• Mock Pecan Pie
• Peppermint Pie

DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER THANKSGIVING RECIPES?

Yes, I do! I love food, so a holiday all about food should still be enjoyed whether you have food restrictions or not. I have an ENTIRE THANKSGIVING MENU that is allergy friendly. I’ve got everything from a turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, sides, and pies. I hope it helps you figure out exactly what to serve and have a lovely holiday.

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DON’T FORGET TO PIN IT, SO YOU DON’T LOSE IT! ALSO, CHECK OUT MY OTHER ALLERGY-FRIENDLY PINTEREST BOARDS.

Looking for other allergy-friendly pies for Thanksgiving (or just cuz!)? See 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)

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