If you’re ready to fall head over heels for a dessert that perfectly balances tart and sweet flavors with a luxurious, airy texture, this Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. Imagine biting into a velvety mousse filling bursting with fresh cranberry zing, all snuggled into a crisp, cinnamon-kissed graham cracker crust. This pie feels like a festive celebration in every forkful, yet it’s refreshingly light enough to serve any time you crave something special. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weekend treat, this Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert that everyone asks you to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready is one of the best parts of this Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe because each simple component plays such an important role in creating a perfectly balanced pie. From the buttery crumb crust to the sweet-tart cranberry mousse, everything comes together effortlessly to make a show-stopping dessert.
- Graham cracker crumbs (1 1/2 cups): This forms a crunchy, flavorful base that holds all the delicious mousse inside.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup plus 1/2 cup): The first addition sweetens the crust, while the second gently counteracts the cranberries’ natural tartness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds a warm, cozy spice that perfectly complements the berries.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/3 cup): Binds the graham cracker crumbs into a crisp shell that’s rich without being greasy.
- Fresh cranberries (1 1/2 cups): The star ingredient brings vibrant color and tangy brightness to the mousse filling.
- Water (1/4 cup): Helps soften the cranberries as they cook down.
- Lemon juice (1 tsp): Lifts the flavor with a slight citrusy touch that enhances the berry’s natural zing.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz): Creates a silky, creamy texture for the mousse that’s rich but still light.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Whipped to fluffy perfection, it gives the mousse its airy, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that rounds out the pie beautifully.
- Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese and cream mixture gently without graininess.
- Fresh cranberries, whipped cream, and mint leaves: For garnish and an extra festive touch.
How to Make Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
Start by mixing your graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and cinnamon (if using) in a bowl. Pour in the melted butter and stir until all the crumbs are evenly coated and hold together when pressed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. This crust will become your pie’s crunchy foundation, offering a perfect contrast to the silky mousse. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling so it sets up nicely.
Step 2: Cook the Cranberries
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar (adjust if you like it sweeter or more tart), water, and lemon juice. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 8 to 10 minutes. This creates a vibrant, luscious cranberry base that’s both tangy and sweet, setting the flavor tone for your mousse filling. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. This step ensures a rich, silky mousse texture that feels indulgent but light at the same time. The vanilla brings a warm sweetness that blends beautifully with the cranberry flavor.
Step 4: Whip the Heavy Cream
Using a mixer, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form—you want it fluffy enough to fold in easily but still hold its shape. This whipped cream adds incredible volume and airiness to your mousse, transforming the cream cheese into an irresistible cloud of flavor.
Step 5: Combine and Fold the Filling
Gently fold the cooled cranberry mixture into the cream cheese mixture, then carefully fold in the whipped cream. Folding, rather than stirring vigorously, keeps the mousse light and airy. Once combined, pour this luscious filling into your prepared crust and smooth the top.
Step 6: Chill Until Set
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. This chilling time allows the mousse to fully set, letting the flavors meld together and creating that perfect slice-worthy consistency that holds its shape beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your pie with dollops of whipped cream, a scattering of fresh cranberries, and a few bright mint leaves to add a fresh, inviting look that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. These simple garnishes provide pops of color and contrast that highlight the pie’s elegant presentation.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette or a simple scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra creamy accompaniment. The pie itself is rich yet graceful, so balance it with sides that won’t overpower its delicate cranberry flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve individual cranberry mousse portions in clear glass cups layered with crushed graham crackers and fresh cranberries on top. You can also drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the pie or add a sprinkle of edible gold dust for holiday glamour. Presentation is where your creativity can really shine with this versatile recipe!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers covered in the refrigerator. The mousse pie will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days. Make sure to protect it well so it doesn’t absorb other fridge odors and maintains its lovely texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it keeps well for up to a month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
This pie is best served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking so the texture comes out perfectly smooth.
Is it possible to make this pie vegan or dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream cheese and coconut whipping cream as substitutes, but the texture and flavor might slightly differ from the classic version. It’s a fun twist if you’re looking for an alternative!
How long does the pie need to chill?
For the best texture and flavor, refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, though overnight chilling is ideal to let it set fully and the flavors blend beautifully.
Can I prepare the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crust a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This makes assembling the pie even quicker the day you plan to serve it.
What can I do if the cranberry mixture is too tart?
If your cranberries are exceptionally tart, simply add a bit more sugar during the cooking phase to balance out the flavor. Taste as you go and adjust to your liking!
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe is a joyous blend of bright, fresh cranberries and creamy, airy mousse all nestled in a crunchy cinnamon-graham crust. It’s a dessert that feels both special and approachable, perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself after a long day. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might just find your new favorite pie that shines any time of year!
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Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Mousse Pie is a festive and refreshing dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust paired with a smooth, tangy cranberry mousse filling. It’s topped with fresh cranberries, whipped cream, and mint leaves for an elegant finish, perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cranberry Mousse Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on tartness)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Garnish
- Fresh cranberries
- Whipped cream
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to form an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
- Cook the Cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Make the Cranberry Puree: Once cooled, transfer the cranberry mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside to use in the mousse.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with the vanilla extract and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Combine to Make Mousse: Gently fold the cranberry puree into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated. Then carefully fold in the whipped cream, maintaining the light, airy texture.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the cranberry mousse filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until set, preferably overnight.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate the top of the pie with fresh cranberries, dollops of whipped cream, and mint leaves for a festive presentation.
Notes
- The ground cinnamon in the crust is optional but adds a warm flavor dimension.
- Adjust the sugar in the cranberry mixture based on the tartness of your cranberries.
- For a firmer mousse, chill the pie overnight.
- If using frozen cranberries, be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
- Leftover pie should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
