Cranberry mousse cups are like tiny, sophisticated clouds of joy that land softly on your taste buds. Imagine a creamy, dreamy concoction that dances between sweet and tart, all while being nestled in a cute little cup. chocolate cranberry cupcakes The aroma of fresh cranberries mingling with whipped cream has the power to transport you straight to a cozy autumn evening, complete with flannel pajamas and a pumpkin spice candle flickering in the background.
These delightful treats are not just for special occasions; they can brighten up any gathering or even a quiet night in when you need a pick-me-up. I still remember the first time I made cranberry mousse cups—my kitchen looked like a berry explosion, but my friends were in awe of the results. With each bite, they were convinced I had secretly attended culinary school. Spoiler alert: All it took was some patience and a touch of love!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cranberry mousse cups are incredibly easy to prepare, even if you’re not a kitchen whiz.
- The flavor profile is a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making them irresistible.
- They are visually stunning, served in elegant cups that will impress your guests.
- Versatile enough for any occasion, these cups can be made ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients for cranberry mousse cups
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Use plump, bright red cranberries for the best flavor; frozen ones work too if fresh aren’t available.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- Heavy Cream: This is essential for achieving that rich, velvety texture in the mousse.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Gelatin Powder: This helps set the mousse so it holds its shape beautifully when served.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make cranberry mousse cups
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries
Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries under cold water and removing any stems or blemished berries. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries with sugar and cook until they burst and soften—about 10 minutes will do the trick.
Step 2: Make It Sweet
Remove the cooked cranberries from heat and let them cool slightly. Once cooled, blend them into a smooth puree using an immersion blender or standard blender. Taste it; if you want more sweetness, feel free to adjust with additional sugar.
Step 3: Whip That Cream
In another bowl, whip heavy cream until soft peaks form. Stir in vanilla extract—this is where your mousse starts transforming into something magical!
Step 4: Gelatin Magic
In a small bowl, dissolve gelatin powder in warm water as per package instructions. Once dissolved, fold this mixture gently into your cranberry puree to give it that perfect texture.
Step 5: Combine It All
Now comes the fun part! Gently fold your whipped cream into the cranberry mixture until well combined but be careful not to deflate those fluffy clouds you just created.
Step 6: Chill Out
Spoon or pipe your cranberry mousse into elegant cups (or whatever you have on hand) and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. This allows it to set beautifully.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy your light and luscious cranberry mousse cups that will have everyone asking for seconds!
You Must Know
- These cranberry mousse cups are not just a delightful dessert; they’re an experience.
- With their light, airy texture and sweet-tart flavor, they will steal the show at any gathering.
- Plus, they are incredibly easy to prepare, making them a go-to for impressing your guests.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by whipping the cream to soft peaks, then combine your cranberry purée and sugar in a separate bowl. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture, ensuring you maintain that delightful fluffiness. Finally, spoon into cups for a beautiful presentation.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for raspberries or strawberries if you’re in the mood for something different. Add a splash of orange juice for extra zest or top with crushed nuts for a crunchy surprise. Personalize these mousse cups to match your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store these cranberry mousse cups in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They are best enjoyed chilled and fresh, so no reheating is needed—just grab a spoon and dig in!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a vibrant color and taste that elevates your mousse cups.
- Make sure to whip your cream until it holds soft peaks, as this adds airiness.
- Lastly, chill your serving cups beforehand to keep your dessert cool longer.
I remember the first time I made these cranberry mousse cups; my guests were raving about them! One friend even suggested I start a dessert business—maybe one day! For more inspiration, check out this Easter Shortbread Cookies recipe.
FAQs:
What are cranberry mousse cups?
Cranberry mousse cups are delightful dessert servings that feature a creamy and fluffy cranberry-flavored mousse, typically served in small cups. The mousse combines fresh or pureed cranberries, whipped cream, and sometimes gelatin to achieve a light texture. Christmas lights cookies This dessert is perfect for festive occasions, offering a refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors. You can also garnish these cups with additional cranberries or whipped cream for an elegant touch that enhances the presentation.
How do you make cranberry mousse cups?
To make cranberry mousse cups, begin by preparing your cranberry puree by cooking fresh cranberries with sugar and water until soft. Blend the mixture until smooth, then cool it down. Whip heavy cream separately until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the cranberry puree into the whipped cream, adding gelatin if desired for stability. Spoon the mixture into individual serving cups and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving to allow it to set properly. For more inspiration, check out this Whipped Greek Yogurt recipe.
Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other fruits in cranberry mousse cups if you prefer different flavors. Fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries work well as alternatives. Simply replace the cranberries with your chosen fruit puree while following the rest of the recipe steps. peppermint bark pretzel bites Keep in mind that adjusting sweetness may be necessary depending on the natural tartness of the fruit being used.
How long do cranberry mousse cups last in the fridge?
Cranberry mousse cups can last up to three days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Ensure that they are covered tightly with plastic wrap or placed in airtight containers to maintain freshness. However, for optimal flavor and texture, it’s best to enjoy them within one to two days after preparation.
Conclusion for cranberry mousse cups:
In summary, cranberry mousse cups offer a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors, making them a perfect dessert choice for any occasion. The recipe is simple and versatile, allowing for fruit substitutions based on your preferences. With proper storage, these delightful treats can be enjoyed for several days after preparation. holiday surprise cupcakes Whether served during holiday gatherings or as a special treat anytime, cranberry mousse cups are sure to impress your guests with their elegance and taste.
Cranberry Mousse Cups
Cranberry mousse cups are a delightful, airy dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of whipped cream. These elegant treats, served in charming cups, are not only visually stunning but also incredibly simple to make. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings at home, each bite is a refreshing burst of flavor that will impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp gelatin powder
- 3 tbsp warm water
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries under cold water and remove stems. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries and sugar, cooking until they burst (about 10 minutes). Let cool.
- Blend cooled cranberries into a smooth puree. Adjust sweetness with more sugar if desired.
- Whip heavy cream in a bowl until soft peaks form, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Dissolve gelatin in warm water and fold it into the cranberry puree.
- Gently combine the whipped cream with the cranberry mixture without deflating it.
- Spoon the mousse into small cups and refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg




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