Cranberry Mousse Pie

Looking for a dessert that’s both festive and refreshing? Well, Cranberry Mousse Pie is here to steal the show! Picture a buttery, flaky crust holding a light, airy cranberry mousse that’s sweet, tangy, and perfectly creamy all at once. It’s the kind of pie that balances flavors beautifully—refreshing, zesty cranberry paired with the smooth, fluffy mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream to make it extra dreamy. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays, hosting a family dinner, or just want to treat yourself, this pie is a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, it’ll be a showstopper at any occasion!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Mousse Pie

• Tangy Yet Sweet: The cranberry mousse has a beautiful balance of tartness from the cranberries and a rich sweetness from the creamy filling. It’s the perfect combination of flavors!
• Light and Airy: The mousse is so light and airy, making every bite feel like a little piece of heaven. It’s decadent but not too heavy.
• Easy to Make: While it may look like a sophisticated dessert, this pie is surprisingly easy to put together. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a gorgeous, delicious dessert.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant cranberry color makes this pie visually stunning, and the creamy mousse texture is as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
• Perfect for Holidays and Special Occasions: Cranberries are a quintessential holiday flavor, so this pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any winter celebration.

Ingredients

This cranberry mousse pie comes together with a few simple ingredients, and the result is totally worth it!

For the Crust:

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a simple, buttery base that’s both crunchy and flavorful.
• Sugar: Sweetens up the crust to balance the tangy mousse filling.
• Butter: Gives the crust a rich, golden flavor that holds everything together.

For the Mousse:

• Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show! They give the mousse its vibrant color and tart flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens up the cranberry mixture, balancing the tartness.
• Cream Cheese: Adds richness and a smooth texture to the mousse.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into soft peaks, it makes the mousse airy and light.
• Gelatin: Helps set the mousse and gives it that perfect creamy consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of citrus brightness to the mousse.
• Vanilla Extract: For that extra depth of flavor.

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped into a fluffy topping to crown your mousse pie.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream and helps it hold its shape.
• Vanilla Extract: For a little added flavor.

Instructions

Let’s dive into making this gorgeous cranberry mousse pie!

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a firm, even crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Cranberry Puree

In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and soften, about 10 minutes. Once the cranberries have softened, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Let the cranberry puree cool completely.

Step 3: Make the Mousse

In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form. In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in lemon juice, then let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. After the gelatin has bloomed, microwave it for 10-15 seconds until it’s fully dissolved and liquid.

Now, gently fold the cooled cranberry puree into the beaten cream cheese until well combined. Slowly add the dissolved gelatin to the mixture and stir until everything is evenly mixed. Finally, fold in the whipped cream until the mousse is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Once the crust is cool, pour the cranberry mousse filling into the prepared graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the mousse to set and firm up.

Step 5: Whipped Cream Topping

When you’re ready to serve the pie, whip the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the top of the mousse pie, or pipe it on for a more decorative look. Garnish with extra cranberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest for a festive touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice into the pie and enjoy the light, fluffy mousse, the buttery crust, and the bright, tangy flavor of cranberry. Each bite is a perfect blend of textures and flavors that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories (depending on topping and portion size)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes (or overnight)

How to Serve Cranberry Mousse Pie

This Cranberry Mousse Pie is perfect for a variety of occasions. Here’s how to serve it:

• Holiday Gatherings: Serve this pie for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday celebration where cranberries are a seasonal favorite.
• Family Desserts: It’s a great pie to serve for a casual family dinner or as the star of your dessert table.
• Brunch: Serve it at a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, muffins, and other light treats.
• Make-ahead Treat: Because it requires chilling time, this pie is great for making ahead of time and simply serving when ready.

Additional Tips

• Make-Ahead: This pie is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before and let it chill overnight to set. Just top with whipped cream before serving.
• Swap for Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before cooking.
• Lemon Twist: If you love a citrusy punch, feel free to add extra lemon zest to the mousse filling or as a garnish on top.
• Crust Variations: You can switch up the crust and use digestive biscuits, shortbread cookies, or even a chocolate cookie crust for a fun twist on the traditional graham cracker base.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make this pie in advance?
A1: Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead. Simply prepare it a day or two before you plan to serve it, and keep it chilled in the fridge.

Q2: Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?
A2: Yes, you can use other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a similar mousse texture and flavor.

Q3: Is this pie gluten-free?
A3: The mousse itself is gluten-free, but the graham cracker crust contains gluten. You can easily substitute the graham crackers with a gluten-free alternative to make the whole pie gluten-free.

Q4: How long will this pie last in the fridge?
A4: This pie will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge, though it’s best eaten within 2 days for the freshest taste and texture.

Q5: Can I freeze this pie?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the mousse pie before adding the whipped cream topping. Simply wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving and top with whipped cream just before serving.

Q6: How can I make this pie a bit sweeter?
A6: If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the sugar in the mousse or add a bit more whipped cream topping. You can also add a little vanilla extract to the mousse for extra sweetness.

Q7: Can I make this pie without gelatin?
A7: The gelatin helps set the mousse and give it the right consistency. If you prefer to avoid it, you can substitute with agar-agar, but the texture may be slightly different.

Q8: Can I use a store-bought crust?
A8: Definitely! If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust or any other store-bought crust you like.

Q9: Can I add a little more cranberry flavor?
A9: Yes! You can add more cranberry puree to the mousse or even some cranberry juice to enhance the cranberry flavor, just make sure to balance the sweetness as needed.

Q10: What’s the best way to serve this pie?
A10: Serve this pie chilled, topped with fresh whipped cream, and maybe some fresh cranberries or a light drizzle of honey for a gorgeous, festive touch.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Mousse Pie is a showstopper dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a light and creamy mousse. The buttery graham cracker crust and fluffy whipped cream topping take it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or just as a special treat, this pie is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try and enjoy every luscious bite!

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