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Home » Recipes » dessert

The Best Pumpkin Spice Harvest Torte

Published: Sep 18, 2016 · Modified: Jul 4, 2024 by Lisa Keys · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

5 shares
Jump to Recipe

Last Updated on July 4, 2024 by Lisa Keys

Pumpkins in the yard for making a pumpkin harvest torte.

Pumpkin spice harvest torte is the most flavorful pumpkin mousse surrounded by warmly spiced snap cookies. It's a delightful change from the usual pie served this time of year.

Pumpkin spice. We are obsessed with it. Grocery store aisles are filled with a variety of pumpkin flavored products from coffee to dessert. It brings to mind falling leaves, cool nights and the smell of warm spices wafting through the kitchen. I love this time of year.

What are pumpkin spiced snaps?

Recently, I tried these cookies called pumpkin spice snaps. Made in Pennsylvania, (love the USA) they are brand new to the market and I got a sneak peak taste. Filled with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger and cloves and sweetened with molasses these cookies have the perfect crispy snap that one would expect from the name. While simply delicious on their own I could not help but want to play with them in some dessert recipes. The first recipe I tried was a cookies and cream pumpkin cake. It was a hit with crispy cookie bits adding a textural contrast to the creamy frosting, but I could not stop there.

Slice of pumpkin cake.

Baking tip cookie hack

See those cookie bits on the edge of the cake above? I greased my cake pans and then dusted them with finely crushed cookies instead of flour. It adds flavor and crunch.

As of today I have harvested 7 sugar pumpkins and there are at least another dozen lying in wait. I only planted 4 seeds! Plant some seeds people! No garden? Pick up sugar pumpkins at the local farmers' market.

How to roast a sugar pumpkin

For fresh pumpkin all one needs to do is roast them whole (400F. for about an hour) on a foil lined baking sheet until they feel soft. Cool, peel, seed and puree the orange flesh in the food processor and then drain for an hour or two in a paper towel lined sieve with a weighted plate on top. It's amazing how much liquid drains out leaving silky concentrated fresh pumpkin behind. It freezes well, so please, completely skip the canned stuff.

Roasted baby sugar pumpkins.
baby sugar pumpkins
Pumpkin puree.
pumpkin puree

In today's featured recipe I really wanted to show these beautiful cookies off. There is no better way than to share my signature cookie crust. I first featured this idea, many years ago, in a Southern Living Magazine cook-off. It was such a big hit that even a restaurant out in Colorado asked my permission to use it on their menu. It works with any crisp, wafer like cookie and creates a lovely edge to the dessert.

Cookie crust for best pumpkin harvest torte.

More baking tips

First, bake the crust and let it cool. Then fill it with the most luscious fresh pumpkin mousse which in my case is "spirited" (I love you, William). If you don't like the alcohol feel free to substitute fresh OJ or apple juice or even maple syrup in its place. Feel free to play with the spices too, but for me there is nothing better and easier than a quality pumpkin pie spice mixture like the one from King Arthur Baking Company.

The best pumpkin torte with fresh pumpkins.

Make this dessert one day in advance, so the cookies will soften slightly for easier slicing. Anything I can make in advance of a holiday like Thanksgiving is a godsend. It really takes the edge off of party planning. In fact, it can even be prepared 2 days in advance. Top it with sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt, oh, yes, this recipe is way better than the usual pumpkin pie. You are welcome.

The best pumpkin torte with fresh pumpkins.

Pumpkin Spice Mousse Torte

Lisa Keys
Fresh roasted pumpkin makes the best mousse torte.
5 from 4 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Chill time 2 hours hrs
Total Time 2 hours hrs 35 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 391 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 33 Stauffer’s Pumpkin Snaps cookies, divided
  • 4 tablespoons ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons bourbon or orange juice
  • 1 (¼-oz.) package unflavored gelatin
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup heavy cream, divided
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk
  • 1 cup unseasoned pumpkin puree, drained on paper towels
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven 350F.
  • Place 18 cookies in food processor fitted with blade. Process until cookies are finely crushed to make 1 cup of cookie crumbs. Add butter; pulse until crumbly.
  • Press cookie crumbs over bottom of 9-inch springform pan. Place remaining cookies around edge of pan slightly overlapping and rounded side out. Gently press each cookie into the bottom crust. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted. Cool crust in pan on a wire rack.
  • In small bowl, combine water and bourbon or orange juice; sprinkle gelatin over the top. Set mixture aside to let gelatin soften.
  • In medium saucepan, whisk brown sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice, salt and ½ cup heavy cream until smooth. Add egg yolks and milk; whisk until well blended. Cook over medium heat, whisking, until mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and continue cooking another minute being sure to scrape the sides of the pot with a heat-proof spatula.
  • Whisk in gelatin mixture until it is fully dissolved. Remove from heat.
  • Whisk in pumpkin and vanilla. Press a piece of plastic wrap to pumpkin mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours.
  • Whip remaining ½ cup heavy cream to soft peaks; fold into pumpkin mixture.
  • Pour filling into prepared crust; smooth top. Cover and chill at least 4 hours or as long as overnight.
  • Cut into wedges and top with sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt. 

Nutrition

Calories: 391kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 5gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 203mgPotassium: 187mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 4.45IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cookie crust, fall season, holiday dessert, mousse, pumpkin, pumpkin spice, special occasion, torte, warm spices
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
My granddaughter with a pumpkin.

This post was featured by Twinkl in their Best Halloween Desserts Guide

BTW-I receive no compensation for endorsing any products. Last year I won a contest sponsored by Stauffer's and my prize is a monthly cookie gift package for a year.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

    5 from 4 votes

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    Recipe Rating





  1. Kim

    September 18, 2016 at 8:32 am

    5 stars
    I have never roasted my own pumpkins before. I have no idea why not! You've inspired me to give it a go this year. Delicious desserts!

    Reply
  2. Lisa

    September 18, 2016 at 8:34 am

    You will be surprised by how easy it is. Thanks for joining me this morning

    Reply
  3. Tracy

    September 18, 2016 at 9:27 am

    Yes, my favorite pumpkin was the last pic featured! I am not gaga over pumpkin but I have to say anything I've tried of yours has been delicious and your recipes today look beautiful.
    I, too planted pumpkin seeds and it's so much fun to grow your own pumpkins. Just need a little bit of room

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 18, 2016 at 1:16 pm

      Isn't she sweet, my little punkin'! We need to plan out Thanksgiving gathering. All are welcome here. Send me a photo of your pumpkins

      Reply
      • patcook1

        September 19, 2016 at 7:58 am

        Your little pumpkin is soooo sweet. I'll bet those cookies would be good as a crust for a pumpkin cheesecake, as well.

      • Lisa

        September 19, 2016 at 8:30 am

        I like the way you think Pat...these cookies are perfect for a pumpkin cheesecake

  4. Martine

    September 18, 2016 at 9:43 am

    Love the crust idea! Can't wait to try it. My vote for cutest pumpkin is Annabelle!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 18, 2016 at 1:17 pm

      Thanks for the vote <3

      Reply
  5. lorimclain

    September 18, 2016 at 12:19 pm

    5 stars
    Wow ! Only 4 seeds and all that deliciousness! I want to try that torte ASAP!......speaking of sugar pumpkins....that is one sweet baby❤️

    Reply
  6. Susan Bickta

    September 18, 2016 at 12:45 pm

    Awesome!!! I am receiving the same prize and made something similar to this! Those snaps are really quite tasty!! Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 18, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      Congratulations on winning, too. The pumpkin snaps are my absolute favorite of them all. I'd love to see your recipe, too.

      Reply
  7. Lisa

    September 18, 2016 at 1:18 pm

    Hope you like it. If you can't find the cookies in your neck of the woods you can use gingersnaps <3 Yes--she has a sweet personality, too.

    Reply
  8. Ronna F

    September 19, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Lovely recipes, Lisa! My vegetable garden did a little better this year, but no where near as good as it used to. Will try again next year. And your granddaughter is so adorable!!!!!! I'd love to give her big hugs!!!!!!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 19, 2016 at 5:03 pm

      Try sending a soil sample from your garden to local agriculture group for analysis. Improving your soil based on the test may make a big difference in your garden. Annabelle would love a hug from you <3

      Reply
  9. thestaticfoodbin

    September 21, 2016 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Wow!!!! Looks so scrumptious!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 21, 2016 at 5:14 pm

      Thank you and it is. I hope you give it a try.

      Reply
  10. Adam Sanchez

    September 21, 2016 at 7:49 pm

    5 stars
    Looks awesome. One of the main reasons I love this time of year!

    Reply
    • Lisa

      September 21, 2016 at 9:11 pm

      Give this pumpkin recipe a try. It's easy and really good.

      Reply

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