Description
Delight in these no-bake mini cranberry mousse cakes, a perfect treat that marries tart cranberries with a creamy mousse.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp unflavored gelatin
- 1 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Whipped cream
- Sugared cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Divide this mixture among six paper-lined muffin cups and gently press it into the bottoms.
- Make the cranberry sauce: In a saucepan, simmer cranberries with granulated sugar, water, and lemon juice for 8–10 minutes until thickened. Lightly mash the cranberries and let the sauce cool completely.
- Prepare the mousse: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and allow it to bloom for 5 minutes. Warm gently until dissolved. Beat cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold into cream cheese mixture. Add a small amount of mousse to warm gelatin, mix, then fold back into remaining mousse.
- Assemble: Spoon fluffy vanilla mousse over prepared crusts. Top each with a teaspoon of cranberry sauce.
- Create the swirls: Use a toothpick to gently swirl cranberry topping into the mousse.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 240–360 minutes or until set.
- Decorate: Remove cakes from muffin pan, peel off paper liners, and finish with whipped cream and sugared cranberries.
Notes
Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor. Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: no-bake, cranberry mousse, dessert, mini cakes, holiday desserts