Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe

 

If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with a dessert that feels fresh, vibrant, and utterly irresistible, the Cranberry Mousse Pie is your go-to treat. It combines the bright tartness of cranberries with the richness of creamy mousse all nestled in a buttery gingersnap crust. This pie isn’t just beautiful; it’s a feast of texture and flavor that’s perfect for any season but especially wonderful during festive gatherings. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Mousse Pie, it’ll quickly become a beloved recipe in your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cranberry Mousse Pie comes from its simple yet vital ingredients, each playing a unique role. The fresh or frozen cranberries provide that vibrant tartness and gorgeous color. Cream cheese and whipped topping create a smooth, luscious mousse texture. And the gingersnap crust adds a delightful crunch and spicy warmth that balances the pie perfectly.

• 12 ounce bag of fresh or frozen cranberries: Choose fresh for the brightest flavor or frozen for convenience and consistency.
• 1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the tart cranberries just enough without overwhelming their natural zing.
• 2 Tbsp water: Helps the cranberries cook down into a smooth, thick puree.
• 8 ounces brick style cream cheese: Provides a rich and creamy base that smooths out the cranberry’s tartness.
• 1 Tbsp vanilla paste: Adds a warm, fragrant depth that enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 8 ounce tub Cool Whip Extra Creamy Whipped Topping (thawed): Lights up the mousse with silky softness; alternatively, 2 cups sweetened whipped cream work wonderfully.
• 2 cups gingersnap crumbs: The crust’s star ingredient, delivering that perfect spicy crunch.
• 5 Tbsp melted butter: Binds the crumbs firmly, creating a buttery base that’s full of character.
• Optional garnishes – whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream, sugared cranberries, mint leaves: Adds a festive and elegant finish.

How to Make Cranberry Mousse Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Puree

Start by combining cranberries, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often to dissolve the sugar, then lower the heat and let the cranberries bubble away for about 15 minutes until thickened. Stir regularly to keep the puree from sticking to the pot. Once thick, blend the mixture until smooth, then chill it thoroughly—speed things up by popping it in the freezer for a bit. This vibrant puree is the heart of your Cranberry Mousse Pie, bursting with bright flavor.

Step 2: Make the Gingersnap Crust

While the cranberries cook, toss those fragrant gingersnap crumbs with melted butter until evenly coated. Press this mixture firmly into a buttered 10-inch pie plate, using the bottom of a measuring cup to compact the crust evenly and snugly. This crust will provide a beautiful contrast in texture and add a subtle spicy note that compliments the mousse perfectly. Pop it in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.

Step 3: Create the Mousse Filling

Once your cranberry puree is cool, blend it with cream cheese and vanilla paste until completely smooth and without lumps—using a food processor works best here, especially if the cream cheese is cold. For those without one, a stand mixer or electric beaters can work if the cream cheese is softened. Next, gently fold in your whipped topping until you see no streaks, creating an airy, creamy mousse that’s ready to be spread on the crust.

Step 4: Assemble and Chill

Dollop the luscious mousse filling into the chilled gingersnap crust and smooth it out with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. The mousse layer should be thick and inviting, promising that perfect blend of smooth and crumbly textures with each bite. Refrigerate the entire pie for several hours or even overnight to let it set fully, making slicing easy and clean.

How to Serve Cranberry Mousse Pie

Garnishes

To elevate the Cranberry Mousse Pie even further, adorn it with a swirl of whipped topping or a sprinkle of sweetened whipped cream. Sugared cranberries bring a sparkling, festive touch along with a crisp bite, and fresh mint leaves add a pop of color and a hint of herbaceous aroma. These simple garnishes make your pie look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This pie shines brightest on its own or paired with a light dessert wine or sparkling cider. For a full dessert spread, consider serving alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or a citrusy sorbet to complement the cranberry’s tartness and refresh the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the Cranberry Mousse Pie in individual glass cups layered with extra gingersnap crumbs or crushed nuts for texture. Alternatively, slice it into neat wedges and plate with a drizzle of caramel or dark chocolate sauce for a decadent touch. The vibrant color makes it a standout centerpiece no matter how you serve it.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Cranberry Mousse Pie tightly with plastic wrap or a pie saver and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying those lovely leftovers.

Freezing

This pie freezes well if wrapped securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain the mousse’s texture and flavor.

Reheating

Because this is a chilled mousse pie, it’s best served cold. Avoid reheating as it will change the texture. Instead, thaw frozen pie thoroughly in the fridge and enjoy it chilled for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and are often more convenient, especially out of season. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before cooking for better blending.

Is there a dairy-free substitute for cream cheese and whipped topping?

Yes! Look for dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from nuts or coconut, and use a non-dairy whipped topping or whip up coconut cream for a fabulous vegan Cranberry Mousse Pie.

Can I make the crust with a different cookie?

Definitely. While gingersnap crumbs add a wonderful spicy note, you can substitute graham cracker crumbs, chocolate wafer crumbs, or even digestive biscuits depending on your taste.

How long does the pie need to chill before serving?

For the best sliceable texture and flavor melding, chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is even better.

Can I increase the sweetness if I prefer it sweeter?

Of course! You can add a bit more sugar during the cranberry cooking stage or sweeten the whipped topping before folding it in. Just be careful not to overpower the natural tartness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cranberry Mousse Pie is like inviting a burst of festive cheer right into your kitchen, and the creamy, tangy layers will impress everyone lucky enough to taste it. It’s a dessert that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to make, perfect for any occasion. So, gather these ingredients and give this Cranberry Mousse Pie a try — it just might become your new favorite go-to dessert!

 

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