The Ultimate Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe for Holiday Magic

My grandma’s secret cranberry mousse pie recipe brings unexpected magic to holiday dessert tables.

Sweet memories bloom from her handwritten cookbook notes.

Generations of relatives have cherished this delightful creation passed down through decades.

Creamy textures and vibrant flavors dance together in each delectable slice.

Fragrant cranberries whisper festive stories with every bite you savor.

Simple ingredients transform into an elegant dessert that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Prepare to impress everyone with this stunning culinary masterpiece that promises pure delight.

Storing Cranberry Mousse Pie Right

• Store the cranberry mousse pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw before serving.
• Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup and protect the mousse's delicate texture.
• Always serve the pie directly from the refrigerator to maintain its creamy consistency and fresh flavor.

Pairings for Cranberry Mousse Pie

• Pair Zesty Chardonnay: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay with bright citrus notes that complement the tangy cranberry mousse, cutting through the rich cream cheese base and enhancing the pie's fruity flavor profile.
• Serve Cinnamon Chai Latte: Brew a warm chai tea with extra cinnamon to mirror the graham cracker crust's subtle sweetness and provide a comforting contrast to the cool, creamy mousse texture.
• Drizzle Maple Bourbon Sauce: Create a light maple bourbon reduction to pour over individual pie slices, adding depth and warmth that highlights the cranberry's natural tartness and enriches the dessert's overall complexity.
• Select Dark Chocolate Truffles: Offer small, intense dark chocolate truffles alongside the pie, whose bittersweet notes will beautifully balance the mousse's creamy sweetness and provide an elegant complementary flavor experience.

Cranberry Mousse Pie with Holiday Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Crust Option: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies, ensuring the same sandy texture and buttery base.
• Vegan Cranberry Mousse Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut whipped cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute sugar with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Cranberry Delight: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of regular sugar, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the pie's rich flavor profile.
• Nut-Infused Cranberry Mousse: Incorporate finely chopped almonds or pecans into the crust for added crunch and nutty undertones, complementing the tart cranberry filling.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just thaw them before cooking and follow the recipe as usual. They’ll create the same delicious flavor and texture.

• Is it possible to make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire pie up to 2 days in advance. Keep it refrigerated and cover it loosely with plastic wrap to maintain freshness. The mousse actually sets better when chilled overnight.

• How do I know if my cranberry mixture is the right consistency?

The cranberry mixture is ready when the berries burst and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. It should look slightly jammy but not completely dry. When you drag a spoon through it, the mixture should leave a clear path.

• What if my mousse looks lumpy when mixing?

If the mousse appears lumpy, continue beating the cream cheese and cranberry mixture until smooth. Make sure both the cream cheese and cranberry sauce are at room temperature before mixing to help create a silky texture.

Cranberry Mousse Pie That’s Creamy, Tart, and Easy to Slice

• Quick Seasonal Delight: The recipe takes just 30 minutes of active preparation time, making it an ideal dessert for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute holiday entertaining.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: With its balance of tart cranberry and creamy texture, this pie appeals to both traditional and adventurous dessert lovers, suitable for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or winter celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: The pie can be completely prepared a day in advance, allowing stress-free hosting and giving flavors time to meld beautifully in the refrigerator.

Cranberry Mousse Pie: Ingredient Collection

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sweet and crispy base for the pie, providing a classic dessert foundation.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness to the crust, enhancing its flavor.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients and creates a rich, golden texture.

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant fruit that forms the pie's signature flavor profile.
• Sugar: Balances the cranberries' natural tartness and helps create a thick sauce.
• Water: Helps cook and soften the cranberries, creating a smooth sauce.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, creamy base for the mousse, adding smoothness and depth.
• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Creates a light and airy whipped topping that gives the mousse its signature texture.
• Fresh Cranberries, Cranberry Sauce: Optional garnish that adds visual appeal and extra flavor burst.

Whipping Cranberry Mousse Pie with a Smooth Finish

Step 1: Create the Crunchy Crust

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a mixing bowl and combine graham cracker crumbs with sugar.

Pour in melted butter and mix until the crumbs look like wet sand.

Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides completely.

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until it turns a light golden brown.

Pull it out and let it cool down completely.

Step 2: Cook the Cranberry Sauce

Toss cranberries, sugar, and water into a saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Stir occasionally and watch the cranberries burst and transform into a thick, luscious sauce.

This should take about 10-15 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Mousse Base

Take a large mixing bowl and beat the cream cheese until it becomes silky smooth.

Slowly blend in the cooled cranberry sauce, mixing until fully combined.

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until it forms stiff, cloud-like peaks.

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture, creating a light and airy filling.

Step 4: Build Your Pie Masterpiece

Gently pour the cranberry mousse into the cooled graham cracker crust.

Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly, creating a beautiful, smooth surface.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Tuck the pie into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight.

This allows the mousse to firm up and develop its rich, creamy texture.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Just before serving, add a sprinkle of fresh cranberries on top or a drizzle of extra cranberry sauce.

For an extra touch of indulgence, add a dollop of whipped cream to each slice.

Mousse Pie Tips for a Fluffy Cranberry Holiday Slice

• When mixing whipped cream into the cranberry mixture, use a light hand to maintain the airy texture and prevent deflating the mousse.
• Press graham cracker crumbs firmly and evenly into the pie dish to create a compact, stable base that won't crumble when serving.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for smoother blending and a silky mousse texture.
• Prepare this pie a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and mousse to set perfectly, making party prep stress-free.
• Cook cranberry mixture until it reaches a thick, jam-like consistency to prevent excess liquid in the mousse filling.

Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry mousse pie delivers winter holiday magic with silky layers of tart berries and smooth cream. Festive dessert promises rich flavors that dance across palates, inviting celebration in each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Sweeteners and Sugars:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Crust and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh cranberries
• Cranberry sauce
• Whipped cream

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Instructions

1. Craft a graham cracker crust by pulverizing crackers with sugar and blending with melted butter. Firmly press the mixture into a pie dish, creating an even layer across bottom and sides. Bake at 350°F for 8-10 minutes until edges transform to a delicate golden hue, then cool completely.
2. Develop a vibrant cranberry reduction by simmering whole cranberries with sugar and water. Allow berries to burst and liquid to condense, creating a rich, glossy sauce. Remove from heat and permit mixture to reach room temperature.
3. Whip cream cheese until silky and smooth, gradually incorporating the cooled cranberry reduction. Separately, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until achieving stiff, billowy peaks. Delicately fold whipped cream into cranberry cream cheese mixture, maintaining a light, airy texture.
4. Transfer the luxurious cranberry mousse into the prepared graham cracker crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an elegant, even distribution.
5. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the mousse to solidify and develop complex flavor profiles. Optimal results occur with overnight chilling.
6. Prior to serving, enhance presentation with optional garnishes such as fresh cranberries, additional cranberry sauce, or a graceful dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

• Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour cookies for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a lower-calorie dessert option.
• Experiment with different berry combinations like mixed berries or raspberries for unique flavor variations.
• Freeze individual portions for quick, delightful make-ahead desserts that can be stored up to two weeks.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg