Go Back

Creamy Christmas Cranberry Mousse Cups

A light, no-bake holiday dessert made with fresh cranberries, whipped cream, and cream cheese, served in elegant individual cups.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Layer
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup water
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin
  • 2 tbsp cold water for blooming gelatin
Creamy Base
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream cold

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Simmer cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest until berries burst. Blend and strain to make purée.
  2. Bloom gelatin in cold water, then dissolve into warm cranberry purée.
  3. Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Whip heavy cream to soft peaks.
  5. Fold cranberry mixture into cream cheese, then gently fold in whipped cream.
  6. Spoon mousse into cups and refrigerate until set.

Notes

Can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance. Garnish just before serving.