Description

Festive and elegant cranberry mousse cups made with tart cranberry purée folded into lightly sweetened whipped cream, creating a smooth, airy dessert perfect for holidays or special occasions.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon agar agar powder

2 tablespoons water (for dissolving agar agar)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Fresh cranberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Let the purée cool slightly.
In a small saucepan, whisk agar agar powder with 2 tablespoons water. Bring to a gentle boil for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly until fully dissolved.
Stir the dissolved agar mixture into the warm cranberry purée and mix well. Let cool to room temperature.
In a large bowl, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
Gently fold the cooled cranberry mixture into the whipped cream until smooth and fully combined.
Spoon or pipe mousse into serving cups and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and mint leaves before serving.

Notes

Frozen cranberries can be used without thawing.

Unflavored gelatin may be substituted for agar agar; adjust according to package instructions.

For a citrus twist, replace vanilla extract with orange zest.

Add melted and slightly cooled white chocolate for a sweeter variation.

For a dairy-free version, substitute whipped coconut cream for heavy cream.

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop and Chilled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210 kcal
Sugar: 22 g
Sodium: 20 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 2 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg