Heavenly Ina Garten’s Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart Recipe To Love

On chilly autumn evenings, nothing beats a delightful pumpkin banana mousse tart that captures the essence of Ina Garten’s seasonal magic.

Her creative twist on classic desserts always surprises and delights home bakers.

The rich, velvety blend of pumpkin and banana creates a decadent symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Smooth cream cheese and whipped cream provide a luxurious texture that melts effortlessly in your mouth.

Each bite tells a story of warmth and comfort, reminiscent of cozy kitchen gatherings.

Silky and luscious, this dessert promises to become your new fall favorite.

Get ready to indulge in a slice of pure culinary bliss that will elevate your dessert game.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a buttery, crisp foundation with a hint of sweetness that complements the creamy filling..
• Sugar: Enhances the crust's flavor and helps bind the ingredients together..
• Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic touch that elevates the overall taste profile..
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, golden base that holds the crust together and adds depth of flavor..

• Half-and-Half: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture that softens the pumpkin's robust flavor..
• Pumpkin Puree: Delivers a vibrant autumn essence and smooth consistency to the filling..
• Brown Sugar: Introduces a deep, caramel-like sweetness with subtle molasses undertones..
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the other flavors in the filling..
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Provide warm, aromatic spices that define the seasonal character of the dessert..
• Egg Yolks: Act as a rich, silky thickening agent for the custard-like filling..
• Gelatin: Ensures a stable, smooth texture that helps the filling set perfectly..
• Banana: Adds natural sweetness and creates a unique flavor complexity..
• Orange Zest: Brings a bright, citrusy note that cuts through the richness..

• Heavy Cream: Creates a cloud-like, luxurious topping with incredible lightness..
• Sugar: Sweetens and stabilizes the whipped cream..
• Vanilla: Introduces a classic, fragrant undertone that enhances the cream's flavor..
• Additional Orange.

Tools Needed to Make Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

• Electric Mixer with Whisk Attachment: Essential for whipping cream to soft and firm peaks with precision.
• 11-inch Tart Pan with Removable Bottom: Key for creating the perfect crust shape and easy serving.
• Double Boiler or Heat-Proof Bowl with Saucepan: Crucial for gently heating and tempering the pumpkin mixture.
• Whisk: Necessary for combining ingredients and preventing egg scrambling.
• Mixing Bowls: Used for preparing crust, mixing filling, and whipping cream.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Spatula: Helpful for folding cream and scraping ingredients.
• Piping Bag (optional): Useful for decorative whipped cream topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

• Crust Foundation

Create a delicate base using graham cracker crumbs blended with warm spices and butter. Press mixture into a tart pan, forming a golden landscape that will cradle the luscious filling.

• Pumpkin Custard Creation

Gently warm pumpkin and cream with brown sugar and aromatic spices over a steamy water bath. Slowly incorporate egg yolks, stirring carefully to develop a silky smooth texture without scrambling.

• Banana Fusion

Transform the custard by introducing mashed banana and a whisper of orange zest. Activate gelatin to provide subtle structure, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

• Cream Cloud Topping

Whip heavy cream into billowy peaks, folding delicately into the pumpkin mixture. Allow the tart to rest and chill, developing deep, complex flavors.

• Final Flourish

Crown the tart with clouds of softly whipped cream. Dust with a hint of orange zest for a bright, elegant finish that promises a moment of pure indulgence.

Cooking Tips and Variations for Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

• Swap graham crackers for gingersnap cookies or shortbread to add extra flavor depth and create a unique crust experience.
• Caramelize sliced bananas in brown sugar before folding into the filling for an intensified tropical sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like ground ginger or cardamom to enhance the autumnal profile of the mousse and create a more complex taste sensation.
• Prepare the entire tart up to 2 days in advance, keeping it refrigerated and covered, which allows the flavors to meld and makes entertaining a breeze.
• Top with toasted pecans, candied orange peel, or a light dusting of cinnamon to add texture and visual appeal to the final dessert presentation.

Serving Suggestions for Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

• Serve with Seasonal Flair: Garnish the tart with a sprinkle of candied pecans or toasted pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch and autumnal touch.
• Pair with Warming Beverages: Complement the tart's creamy texture with a hot cup of spiced chai latte or rich espresso to enhance the dessert's warm flavors.
• Create a Festive Presentation: Plate the tart on a rustic wooden board with a light dusting of cinnamon and a few fresh mint leaves for an elegant and inviting dessert display.
• Offer Elegant Accompaniments: Serve small dollops of cranberry compote or caramel sauce on the side to allow guests to customize their dessert experience.

Storing Leftovers of Ina Garten Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store the tart covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping its creamy texture and delicate flavor intact.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap the tart tightly in plastic and aluminum foil to freeze for maximum 2 weeks, ensuring no freezer burn affects its delicate structure.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the entire tart one day before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully and achieve a perfect set consistency.
• Serve Chilled Perfectly: Remove the tart from the refrigerator 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing the mousse to reach an ideal creamy texture.

Silky Pumpkin Banana Mousse Tart Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s pumpkin banana mousse tart combines creamy textures with warm autumn spices. Crisp graham cracker crust and silky pumpkin filling create a delightful dessert you’ll savor with each elegant bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can pumpkin puree
• 1 ripe banana, finely mashed
• 3 extra-large egg yolks
• ½ cup (120 ml) half-and-half
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) cold heavy cream
• 2 cups (280 g) graham cracker crumbs (14 crackers)
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) light brown sugar, lightly packed
• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• 1 package (2 tsp / 6 g) unflavored gelatin
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ lb (113 g / 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• orange zest, optional

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Blend graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Press mixture firmly into an 11-inch tart pan, ensuring even coverage. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes, then cool completely.
2. Flavor Infusion: Create a pumpkin base by gently heating half-and-half, pumpkin puree, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a double boiler. Warm for 5 minutes, stirring periodically.
3. Egg Incorporation: Temper egg yolks by slowly introducing hot pumpkin mixture, then return to double boiler. Stir consistently for 4-5 minutes until mixture thickens and reaches a custard-like consistency.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Dissolve gelatin in cold water and fold into pumpkin mixture along with mashed banana and orange zest. Allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Cream Integration: Whip heavy cream to soft peaks, gradually adding sugar until firm peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into pumpkin mixture, creating a light, airy filling.
6. Tart Assembly: Pour pumpkin cream filling into cooled crust, spreading evenly. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours or overnight to set completely.
7. Final Garnish: Prepare topping by whipping additional heavy cream with sugar and vanilla until firm peaks develop. Pipe or spread cream over chilled tart, garnishing with extra orange zest if desired. Serve thoroughly chilled.

Notes

• Temper with Care: Slowly add hot pumpkin mixture to egg yolks to prevent scrambling, creating a smooth, silky base for the tart filling.
• Gelatin Precision: Dissolve gelatin carefully in cold water to ensure proper setting and texture of the mousse without lumps or inconsistencies.
• Whipping Technique: Whip cream to soft then firm peaks, folding gently into the pumpkin mixture to maintain a light, airy mousse consistency.
• Chill for Perfection: Refrigerate the tart for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and the filling to set completely, enhancing taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg