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Cranberry Mousse Cups – Fluffy Mini Christmas Desserts

Cranberry Mousse Cups – Fluffy Mini Christmas Desserts
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Cranberry Mousse Cups are fluffy, airy mini desserts combining fresh tart cranberries with whipped cream and gelatin, perfect for holiday celebrations. These elegant, bite-sized treats deliver a light, refreshing taste with a festive punch, ideal for make-ahead entertaining and delighting guests with seasonal flavors and a creamy, delicate texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water (for cranberry puree)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
  • 1 teaspoon gelatin powder
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)

Optional Garnishes

  • Whipped cream dollop
  • Whole cranberries
  • Fresh mint leaves
  • Crushed pistachios

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Puree: Rinse fresh cranberries and cook them with sugar and 1/4 cup water over medium heat until the berries burst and release their juices. Stir in lemon juice, then allow the mixture to cool before blending it into a smooth puree.
  2. Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons cold water and let it soak for a few minutes. Gently warm the gelatin mixture until fully dissolved, then set aside.
  3. Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl with beaters, whip the heavy cream until it reaches medium or stiff peaks. Reserve a spoonful for garnish if desired.
  4. Combine Puree and Gelatin: Stir the warm, dissolved gelatin into the cranberry puree, ensuring the puree is at room temperature to prevent the whipped cream from collapsing.
  5. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cranberry gelatin mixture in batches, taking care to maintain the mousse’s light and airy texture without overmixing.
  6. Portion and Chill: Spoon the mousse into mini cups or glasses and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until fully set and fluffy.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top each mousse cup with the reserved whipped cream, a few whole cranberries, a sprig of mint, or crushed pistachios for a festive presentation.

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best vibrant, tart flavor.
  • Chill bowls and beaters prior to whipping cream for better volume.
  • Bloom gelatin properly in cold water before dissolving to avoid lumps.
  • Fold whipped cream gently to preserve mousse airiness.
  • Prepare the mousse a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
  • Frozen cranberries can be used if thawed and drained well to prevent watery mousse.
  • Gelatin can be substituted with agar-agar for a vegan version following package instructions.
  • Do not freeze mousse as it will affect texture; store refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • No reheating is recommended; serve chilled.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry mousse, holiday dessert, mini mousse cups, fluffy mousse, Christmas dessert, make-ahead mousse, festive dessert, gluten free dessert

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