Cranberry Mousse Cups – Festive & Light Dessert

These Cranberry Mousse Cups are elegant, airy, and perfectly festive — tangy cranberry mousse layered in little cups makes them great for holiday dinners or anytime you want a pretty and light dessert.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet-tart cranberry flavor balanced with whipped cream
• Beautiful layered presentation for parties or gatherings
• Make-ahead friendly — mousse can set in the fridge
• Garnish flexibly: use sugared cranberries, mint, or white chocolate

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: ~20 minutes
• Chill Time: ~2–3 hours (to set)
• Total Time: ~3 hours (including chilling)
• Yield: ~6–8 mousse cups (depending on serving size)
• Method: Mixing + chilling
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Ingredients

• 250 g fresh or frozen cranberries
• ⅓–½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 60 ml water
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian version)
• 120 ml hot water (to bloom the gelatin)
• 240 ml heavy whipping cream, chilled
• 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (to sweeten the whipped cream)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional garnishes: sugared cranberries, mint leaves, white chocolate shavings

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Instructions

1. Cook the Cranberries
   • In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and 60 ml water. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and soften, stirring occasionally.
   • Add orange zest and lemon juice, and cook for another minute.
2. Bloom Gelatin
   • Pour the hot water into a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over it. Let it bloom until fully dissolved (about 1–2 minutes).
3. Combine Cranberry & Gelatin
   • Remove the cranberry mixture from heat and stir in the dissolved gelatin until completely blended.
   • Let the mixture cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
4. Whip the Cream
   • In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
5. Fold & Layer
   • Gently fold the cooled cranberry mixture into the whipped cream, keeping as much airiness as possible.
   • Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving cups or glasses.
6. Chill
   • Refrigerate the cups for at least 2–3 hours, or until the mousse is set and firm.
7. Garnish & Serve
   • Just before serving, garnish with sugared cranberries, mint leaves, or chocolate shavings for a festive touch.

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You Must Know

• Make sure to cool the cranberry-gelatin mixture before folding into the cream — hot mixture can deflate the whipped cream.
• Use full-fat cream for the best texture and stability.
• Chill the cups well so the mousse sets firmly and holds its shape.

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Storage Tips

• Store the mousse cups in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days.
• Add the garnish just before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a vegetarian/vegan version.
• Substitute some sugar with honey or maple syrup, adjusting to taste.
• Use light coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free variation.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve these mousse cups alongside a slice of pound cake or shortbread.
• Pair with a light dessert wine or sparkling drink for holiday gatherings.
• Offer them as part of a dessert buffet — their layered look makes them a pretty standout.

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Pro Tips

• Use a piping bag to fill the cups for a neat layer.
• Chill the whipped cream bowl before whipping for better volume.
• To make it extra festive, swirl in a little leftover cranberry syrup on top.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes – prepare and chill at least 2–3 hours before serving; mousse holds well in the fridge.

→ Can I freeze these?
It’s not recommended — freezing mousse can change texture and make it grainy when thawed.

→ How tart will it be?
The tartness depends on your cranberries and sugar amount — you can adjust sugar to your taste.

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Final Thoughts

These Cranberry Mousse Cups are a beautiful and elegant dessert that balance tangy fruit with creamy sweetness — light, refreshing, and perfect for holiday celebrations or any special occasion.

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