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Cranberry Mousse Cups

Cranberry Mousse Cups

  • Author: Nina Johnson
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Cranberry Mousse Cups are a quick dessert idea that feels elegant, festive, and easy enough for any home cook to make. This easy recipe combines a buttery crumb base with a fluffy cranberry mousse filling for a creamy no-bake dessert that is perfect for holiday parties, Christmas dessert boards, special occasions, and simple food ideas when you want a beautiful make-ahead treat.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

3 tablespoons melted butter

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons water

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

1 cup whipped topping

1/2 cup sugared cranberries

4 small rosemary sprigs


Instructions

1. In a small bowl, stir the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until evenly combined.

2. Divide the crumb mixture among 4 dessert cups and press lightly into the bottom of each cup.

3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and water.

4. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the mixture becomes soft and jammy.

5. Let the cranberry mixture cool slightly, then blend or mash until mostly smooth.

6. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

7. Add the cranberry mixture and vanilla extract, then mix until fully combined and creamy.

8. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

9. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cranberry cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.

10. Spoon or pipe the mousse over the crumb base in each cup.

11. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.

12. Top with whipped topping, sugared cranberries, and rosemary sprigs just before serving.


Notes

Let the cranberry mixture cool before mixing it with the cream cheese so the mousse stays smooth and fluffy.

Fold the whipped cream in gently to keep the texture light instead of dense.

Add the whipped topping and garnishes right before serving for the prettiest finish.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: cranberry mousse cups, no-bake dessert, holiday dessert, christmas dessert, easy recipe, dessert ideas, make-ahead dessert, food ideas