Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart is a delightful combination of creamy pumpkin, ripe bananas, and warm spices, all set in a buttery tart crust. This elegant dessert offers a velvety smooth texture with a hint of sweetness from the bananas and richness from the pumpkin. Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, this tart is perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion.

What is Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart?

Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart is a light and airy dessert featuring a spiced pumpkin and banana mousse filling inside a crisp, buttery tart shell. Unlike a traditional pumpkin pie, this tart has a silkier consistency due to the banana puree and whipped cream incorporated into the filling. The result is a rich yet fluffy mousse that melts in your mouth.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

A unique twist on classic pumpkin pie – The banana adds natural sweetness and enhances the flavor.
Light, airy texture – Unlike dense pumpkin pies, this mousse tart is smooth and creamy.
Perfect for fall and holiday celebrations – A great dessert for Thanksgiving or dinner parties.
Easy to prepare ahead of time – Can be made in advance and refrigerated.
Beautiful and elegant presentation – A showstopping dessert that impresses guests.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

For the Tart Crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Pumpkin Banana Mousse Filling:

1 cup canned pumpkin puree
1 ripe banana, mashed
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 envelope (2 ½ teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
¼ cup cold water
1 cup heavy cream, whipped

For Topping:

1 cup heavy cream, whipped with 2 tablespoons sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon (for garnish)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

Prepare the Tart Crust

Preheat the oven – Set it to 350°F (175°C).
Mix crust ingredients – In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter.
Press into a tart pan – Firmly press the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch tart pan.
Bake the crust – Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool completely.

Make the Pumpkin Banana Mousse

Prepare the gelatin – In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Mix pumpkin and banana – In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, mashed banana, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and vanilla.
Dissolve the gelatin – Warm the gelatin mixture over low heat until it dissolves, then stir it into the pumpkin mixture.
Fold in whipped cream – Gently fold in whipped heavy cream to create a light mousse.

Assemble the Tart

Fill the tart shell – Pour the pumpkin banana mousse into the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
Chill to set – Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.

Add the Topping

Whip the cream – Beat heavy cream with sugar until stiff peaks form.
Garnish the tart – Spread or pipe whipped cream on top and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart Recipe

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

Pair with a hot coffee or spiced chai – Complements the warm flavors of the tart.
Serve with caramel sauce – Drizzle over slices for added sweetness.
Top with toasted pecans or walnuts – Adds crunch and enhances flavor.
Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream – A creamy contrast to the mousse.
Pair with a dessert wine – A sweet Riesling or Moscato enhances the flavors.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

Use a ripe banana for the best sweetness – The riper the banana, the smoother and sweeter the mousse.
Chill the mousse for at least 4 hours – This ensures the mousse sets properly.
Don’t overmix the whipped cream – Gently fold it in to keep the mousse light and airy.
Use fresh spices for the best flavor – Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger should be fresh for a vibrant taste.
Let the tart sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving – This allows the mousse to soften slightly.
Garnish just before serving – Whipped cream holds its shape best when piped fresh.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

Make it chocolatey – Add a drizzle of melted chocolate or chocolate shavings on top.
Swap the crust for a traditional pie crust – For a classic pie feel instead of a graham cracker base.
Use coconut whipped cream – A dairy-free option with extra flavor.
Add bourbon for depth – A splash of bourbon in the mousse enhances the fall flavors.
Try a ginger snap crust – Replace graham crackers with crushed ginger snaps for a spiced twist.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

Refrigerate in an airtight container – Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage – Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Thaw overnight in the fridge – If frozen, allow to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Store whipped cream separately – For best results, add fresh whipped cream before serving.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

Best served chilled – No need to reheat; serve straight from the fridge.
Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes – This softens the mousse slightly for a better texture.
Avoid microwaving – Heating can cause the mousse to melt and lose its airy texture.

FAQs

How long does Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart last in the fridge?

Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

Can I make Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this tart a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Add whipped cream just before serving for the best presentation.

What is the best way to store leftover pumpkin banana mousse tart?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tart without the whipped cream topping.

Can I make this tart without gelatin?

Yes, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar for a vegetarian-friendly version, or leave it out for a softer mousse texture.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart is a creamy, light, and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any fall or holiday gathering. The combination of pumpkin, banana, and warm spices creates a unique and delicious mousse, while the graham cracker crust adds the perfect crunch. Try this elegant tart for your next special occasion and enjoy a delightful twist on classic pumpkin pie!