Creamy Christmas Cranberry Mousse Cups Recipe

When the holidays roll around, desserts should feel special — elegant enough for a festive table, yet simple enough to prepare without stress. These Creamy Christmas Cranberry Mousse Cups strike that perfect balance. Light, silky, and beautifully pink, they offer a refreshing contrast to rich holiday cookies and heavy baked desserts.

Cranberries are a staple of Christmas cooking, and this recipe showcases them in a refined yet approachable way. The tart brightness of fresh cranberries is gently sweetened and folded into a smooth mousse made with cream cheese and whipped cream. The result is a dessert that’s airy and creamy with just the right amount of tang — not overly sweet, not too sharp.

One of the best things about cranberry mousse cups is how effortlessly elegant they look. Served in small glasses or dessert cups and topped with sugared cranberries or a swirl of whipped cream, they instantly elevate any holiday spread. They’re ideal for Christmas dinners, holiday parties, winter weddings, or New Year’s celebrations.

Because these mousse cups are no-bake, they’re also incredibly convenient during the busy holiday season. You can prepare them ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator, and focus on enjoying time with friends and family. Despite their simplicity, they taste luxurious and feel like a restaurant-quality dessert.

If you’re looking for a festive dessert that feels light, looks stunning, and highlights classic Christmas flavors, these creamy cranberry mousse cups are the perfect choice.

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Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cranberry Mousse Cups

• Elegant, festive presentation
• Light and creamy texture
• Balanced sweet-tart cranberry flavor
• No baking required
• Perfect make-ahead holiday dessert

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Ingredients

Cranberry Layer

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup water

Mousse

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin
• 3 tablespoons cold water
• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream

Garnish (Optional)

• Sugared cranberries
• Whipped cream
• Fresh rosemary sprigs

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Instructions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and water.
2. Simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and blend until smooth. Strain if desired for an extra-silky texture. Allow to cool completely.
4. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
5. Microwave gelatin for 10–15 seconds until dissolved. Set aside to cool slightly.
6. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add vanilla extract.
7. Slowly mix in cooled cranberry purée until fully combined.
8. Stir in dissolved gelatin.
9. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks.
10. Gently fold whipped cream into cranberry mixture until light and fluffy.
11. Spoon mousse into dessert cups.
12. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
13. Garnish just before serving.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Mousse

• Let cranberry purée cool fully before mixing
• Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture
• Fold whipped cream gently to keep mousse airy
• Chill long enough for clean, set layers

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Festive Variations

Orange Cranberry Mousse:
Add 1 teaspoon orange zest to the cranberry purée.

White Chocolate Cranberry:
Fold in ¼ cup melted white chocolate for extra richness.

Layered Dessert Cups:
Add a crushed cookie or graham cracker layer at the bottom.

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When to Serve Cranberry Mousse Cups

These mousse cups are perfect for:

• Christmas dinner dessert
• Holiday parties and buffets
• Elegant winter gatherings
• Make-ahead entertaining
• Light dessert after heavy meals

They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or sparkling wine.

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Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Store mousse cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add garnishes just before serving for the freshest look. Do not freeze, as texture may change.