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Delicate cranberry mousse cups, perfect for individual servings

Festive Cranberry Mousse Cups

These Festive Cranberry Mousse Cups are a light and airy dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings. They feature a vibrant cranberry base folded into fluffy whipped cream, then chilled until set, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cranberry Mousse
  • 12 ounces Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup Water or Orange Juice divided
  • 1 tablespoon Gelatin Powder
  • 1.5 cups Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1/4 cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh cranberries
  • orange zest
  • a sprig of mint

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • immersion blender
  • regular blender
  • fine-mesh sieve
  • small bowl
  • large chilled bowl
  • electric mixer

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water or orange juice in a saucepan and simmer until the cranberries burst and soften, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Optionally, blend the cranberry mixture until smooth using an immersion or regular blender; cool completely.
  3. Sprinkle gelatin powder over 1/4 cup cold water or orange juice and let bloom for 5 minutes.
  4. Heat the bloomed gelatin gently until dissolved and clear.
  5. Stir the dissolved gelatin into the cooled cranberry puree until fully incorporated.
  6. Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  7. Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cranberry-gelatin mixture, then fold in the remaining whipped cream until combined.
  8. Spoon or pipe the mousse into individual serving cups.
  9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.
  10. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange zest, or mint before serving.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, consider layering the mousse with crushed graham crackers or ginger snaps at the bottom of the cups.