Description
A delightful and creamy Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the smooth richness of cream cheese and whipped cream. Topped with a crisp graham cracker crumble and garnished with fresh cranberries, this dessert is perfect for holiday celebrations or any time you crave a light yet indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
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 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped
- Garnish: fresh cranberries
Crumble
- 1 sleeve graham crackers (9 crackers total)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Base: If using fresh cranberries, blend or process 1 cup of fresh cranberries until smooth. If using leftover cranberry sauce, measure out 1/2 cup. This cranberry mixture will add a tart and fruity flavor to the mousse.
- Mix the Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy to avoid any lumps in the mousse.
- Add Sweeteners and Flavorings: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest to the cream cheese mixture. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Incorporate Cranberry Mixture: Fold the cranberry base gently into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated, creating a smooth and consistent pink mousse base.
- Whip the Cream: Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks in a separate bowl. This adds lightness and airiness to the mousse.
- Combine Whipped Cream and Mousse Base: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cranberry cream cheese mixture. Use gentle motions to retain the fluffy texture of the whipped cream.
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crumble: Crush the 9 graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with the sugar and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is evenly combined and crumbly.
- Assemble the Dessert: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or glasses. Top each serving with a generous layer of the graham cracker crumble.
- Garnish and Chill: Garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive touch. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a smoother cranberry base, strain out the seeds after blending fresh cranberries.
- If using leftover cranberry sauce, adjust sugar according to your sweetness preference.
- Whip the cream just until soft peaks to avoid over-beating.
- This mousse can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham crackers with gluten-free cookies or crumble.
