No-Bake Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups

No-bake mini pumpkin pie cups are an easy, creamy dessert for the holidays. Full of pumpkin and spice flavors, these mini desserts are perfect for entertaining. So much easier than pumpkin pie, just a simple hazelnut crumb crust, rich pumpkin mousse and topped with whipped cream and salted caramel sauce. The pumpkin mousse will seem soft at first, but will thicken to a creamy, silky consistency after chilling. Pair with your favorite Temecula Valley Chardonnay.

Yield: 6 Servings

Ingredients

For the crust:

• ½ cup (74 grams) toasted hazelnuts
• 11 (40 g) vanilla wafers
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon (1 g) kosher salt

For the Pumpkin Mousse:

• 1 ½ cups (425 g) pumpkin puree
• 8 ounces (232 g) brick-style cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (115 g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon (1 g) ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Whipped cream
• Salted caramel sauce

Instructions

• Make the crust: Combine toasted hazelnuts and vanilla wafers in a food processor or high-speed blender and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in olive oil and salt.
• Set aside 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture to sprinkle over the top. Divide remaining crumb mixture between 6 (3-4 ounce/ 90-118 ml) ramekins or cups and press down to form a crust. It will be loose, that’s okay.
• Make the mousse: Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Start mixer on low speed and gradually increase to medium-high and beat until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
• Divide mixture evenly between the cups, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
• Top with whipped cream, reserved crumb mixture and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Suggest Wines:

Chapin Winery~ 2023 Chardonnay – Fruity and floral aromas with soft, refreshing tastes of pear, melon, peaches and ripe apple making.

Wiens Winery ~ 2022 Reserve Chardonnay – Subtle notes of almond biscotti that produce a well-balanced acidity from start to end.

Europa Village ~ 2022 Chardonnay – Showing a crisp apple aroma with just a hint of lychee.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Wine Institute of California