Indulge in the creamy and tart flavors of cranberry cheesecake mousse with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple dessert after dinner, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its delicious taste and elegant presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of tangy cranberries and rich cream cheese creates a decadent and satisfying dessert.
- With minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- The versatility of this dish allows for easy customization with different toppings or garnishes.
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh cranberries or leftover cranberry sauce add a burst of tartness and color to the mousse.
- Cream cheese provides a creamy and rich base for the dessert.
- Confectioners’ sugar adds sweetness without a gritty texture.
- Vanilla extract and grated orange zest enhance the flavor profile of the mousse.
- Whipped heavy cream gives the mousse its light and airy texture.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a graham cracker crumble for added texture and visual appeal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until well combined.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Layer the mousse with the cranberry sauce in serving glasses.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries and a graham cracker crumble before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- For a smoother texture, strain the cranberry sauce before layering it with the mousse.
- Experiment with different citrus zests or flavored cream cheese for a unique twist.
- Store the mousse in individual jars for easy serving and portion control.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use a high-quality cream cheese for a richer and creamier mousse.
- Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less confectioners’ sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this cranberry cheesecake mousse with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling wine for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover mousse in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the mousse to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
- Yes, frozen cranberries can be used in place of fresh cranberries. Thaw them before making the cranberry sauce.
- How far in advance can I make this dessert?
- You can make the mousse up to 24 hours in advance. Add the garnishes just before serving.
- Can I use whipped topping instead of heavy cream?
- While whipped topping can be used, the mousse may not be as rich or creamy as when made with heavy cream.
- Can I freeze this dessert?
- It is not recommended to freeze this mousse as it may affect the texture and consistency.
Conclusion:
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful dessert with this cranberry cheesecake mousse recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple weeknight treat, this creamy and tangy dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every spoonful and savor the delicious flavors of this delightful mousse.
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Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and tangy flavors of this cranberry cheesecake mousse, a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart notes.
Ingredients
Mousse:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries or 1/2 cup leftover cranberry sauce*
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream whipped**
Garnish:
- Fresh cranberries
- Crumble
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (9 total crackers)
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Mixture: In a food processor, blend cranberries until smooth. Set aside.
- Make Cheesecake Mousse: In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth. Fold in whipped cream and cranberry mixture.
- Prepare Crumble: Crush graham crackers, mix with sugar and melted butter. Spread on a baking sheet and bake until golden brown.
- Assemble: Layer mousse and crumble in serving glasses. Chill before serving. Garnish with fresh cranberries.
Notes
- *If using leftover cranberry sauce, adjust sweetness accordingly.
- **To whip cream, beat until stiff peaks form.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg