Luscious No-Bake Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse: An Easy, Tart & Sweet Holiday Dessert
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the season with this irresistible Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse. Smooth, incredibly fluffy, and bursting with the bright, tart essence of fresh cranberries, this dessert is a true holiday showstopper. Layered with a delightful crunchy graham cracker crumble, it delivers all the beloved elements of a classic cheesecake without the fuss of baking. This elegant yet simple no-bake dessert is the ultimate finale for any festive meal, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that will leave your guests craving more.
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About This Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse
This year, my kitchen has been quite the hub for cheesecake mousse experiments, and if you’ve followed my earlier strawberry cheesecake mousse and pumpkin spice cheesecake mousse recipes, you’ll know exactly what I mean! Among all the delightful variations I’ve crafted, this Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse stands out as my absolute favorite, especially during the festive season.
There’s something uniquely magical about cranberries during the colder months. Their invigorating tartness and vibrant, juicy flavor beautifully complement both sweet and savory dishes. For me, a holiday meal isn’t complete without cranberry sauce gracing the table – it’s an essential condiment I simply can’t do without. This mousse captures that same beloved cranberry spirit, but in a light and airy dessert form.
This no-bake cranberry cheesecake mousse is truly a holiday must-make, and here’s why it deserves a spot on your festive menu:
- Effortless Make-Ahead Dessert: It’s incredibly simple to prepare in advance, easily stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. This takes the pressure off holiday entertaining, allowing you to focus on your guests.
- Bold and Balanced Flavor: The dessert boasts a remarkably bold flavor profile, striking a perfect harmony between sweet and tart notes. It’s a refreshing and satisfying conclusion to even the heartiest holiday feast.
- Luxurious Texture: Prepare for an utterly creamy, luscious, and smooth experience with every spoonful. Adding to this indulgence is a delightful layer of crunchy graham cracker crumble at the bottom, mimicking a traditional cheesecake crust.
Best of all, this stunning dessert requires only about 15 minutes of active preparation time. The rest is simply chilling, letting the flavors meld and the mousse set to perfection.
Key Ingredients for Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse
Crafting this delightful cranberry cheesecake mousse requires a few simple yet essential ingredients. Quality matters here, as each component contributes to the overall exquisite flavor and texture:
Graham Crackers: For the crunchy base, choose your favorite brand of graham crackers. I personally find that Honey Maid provides the ideal classic flavor and texture for this crumble. If you prefer, you can also experiment with digestive biscuits or ginger snaps for a different twist.
Sugar: You’ll need two types of sugar for this recipe. Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the graham cracker crumble, while confectioner’s sugar (also known as powdered sugar) is crucial for achieving the smooth, airy texture and delicate sweetness of the mousse itself. Confectioner’s sugar also helps stabilize the mousse.
Butter: Unsalted butter is specified for this recipe. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dessert. It’s essential for binding the graham cracker crumbs into a perfect, slightly crisp crumble.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are highly recommended for their vibrant color and intense tart flavor, which truly shines in this mousse. If fresh cranberries are out of season or unavailable, you can use a high-quality leftover cranberry sauce. Just ensure it’s pureed smooth with an immersion blender or high-speed blender if it contains chunks, to maintain the mousse’s silky consistency.
Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is best for achieving the rich, creamy, and stable texture of the mousse. While low-fat cream cheese can be used, it might result in a slightly less rich and firm mousse. Remember to let it soften to room temperature before using, as this ensures a smooth, lump-free mixture when whipped.
Vanilla Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract is a non-negotiable for all your dessert recipes. It deepens and enhances the overall flavor profile. My top choice is Nielsen Massey’s Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, which adds an unparalleled aromatic warmth.
Orange Zest: The zest of about half a fresh orange adds a bright, citrusy counterpoint to the cranberries, elevating their flavor and adding a refreshing aroma to the mousse. Make sure to only zest the orange part, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Whipped Cream: Homemade whipped cream is always preferred for its lighter texture and less sweet profile compared to store-bought varieties. Simply add heavy whipping cream to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high speed until it forms light and fluffy peaks. If opting for store-bought, be aware it’s typically sweeter, which might make the final dessert slightly sweeter overall.
Essential Equipment for This Recipe
Having the right tools on hand can make the preparation of this cranberry cheesecake mousse a smooth and enjoyable process. Here’s a rundown of the essential equipment you’ll need:
To prepare the perfect graham cracker crumble, you’ll find a food processor indispensable. It quickly transforms whole graham crackers into fine, even crumbs, ensuring a consistent texture for your base. A half sheet baking pan will also be necessary for toasting the crumble to golden perfection.
For making both the luscious mousse and the airy whipped cream, a powerful mixer is key. I highly recommend either a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a robust electric handheld mixer, paired with a large mixing bowl. A practical tip: you’ll need to clean the mixing bowl thoroughly between preparing the whipped cream and the mousse base to avoid any cross-contamination of flavors or textures.
The final step of gently folding the whipped cream into the mousse base requires a large, sturdy bowl, ideally from a set of metal mixing bowls, and a flexible spatula. These tools ensure the mousse remains light and airy.
For serving, I personally love using empty Oui yogurt jars – they’re not only adorable but also a fantastic way to repurpose glass containers. Alternatively, small mason jars or elegant stemless wide-mouthed wine glasses work beautifully for a sophisticated presentation.
How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse
Creating this delightful Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse is a straightforward process, breaking down into a few simple steps:
Crafting the Graham Cracker Crumble
Begin by preparing your crunchy graham cracker base. Place the graham crackers into a food processor and pulse until they form fine, even crumbs. Next, add the granulated sugar and melted butter. Continue pulsing until the mixture just comes together into small, moist pieces that resemble coarse sand. Avoid over-processing, as you want distinct crumbles. Transfer this mixture onto a foil-lined baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the crumble turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes fragrant. Once baked, set it aside to cool completely to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial for achieving that desired crisp texture when assembling.
Preparing the Cranberry Puree
For the vibrant cranberry layer, if you are using fresh cranberries, spread them on a baking sheet and roast them at 425˚F for about 15 minutes. They should become tender and start to burst, releasing their juices. Once roasted, carefully transfer them to a bowl and mash them thoroughly with the back of a fork. For an even smoother consistency, you can puree them in a blender or food processor. If you’re using pre-made cranberry sauce, simply ensure it’s smooth; if it contains chunks, puree it as well. This concentrated cranberry flavor will be folded into the mousse.
Whipping Up the Creamy Mousse Base
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the softened cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, vanilla extract, and fresh orange zest. Beat these ingredients on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and completely smooth, typically taking about 3 to 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Then, beat in the prepared cranberry puree until it is fully incorporated, giving the mousse a beautiful pink hue and tart flavor. Once the cranberry is mixed in, remove the bowl from the mixer. Now, gently fold in the whipped cream using a spatula. This delicate step is crucial for maintaining the mousse’s airy texture; fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Assembling Your Mousse Cups
It’s time to bring all the elements together. Take your chosen dessert dishes or jars and evenly distribute a layer of the cooled graham cracker crumble at the bottom of each of the 6 servings. Next, carefully spoon or pipe equal amounts of the cranberry cheesecake mousse over the crumble layer. For a neat and professional appearance, use the back of a spoon to smooth out the tops of the mousse and gently wipe any mousse off the edges of the dishes with a wet paper towel.
The Importance of Chilling
Once assembled, cover the dessert dishes with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours. This chilling period is essential for the mousse to set properly and for the flavors to fully meld and intensify. You can even prepare them up to 2 days in advance, making this an excellent make-ahead dessert. When you are ready to serve, a final touch of freshly whipped cream on top, garnished with a few fresh cranberries, will make your dessert truly shine.
Tips for Mousse Making Success
To ensure your Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: This is paramount! Softened cream cheese blends smoothly with other ingredients, preventing lumps and ensuring a silky, consistent mousse. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes to an hour before you start.
- Don’t Overmix the Mousse Base: While you want the cream cheese mixture to be fluffy, stop beating once it reaches that stage. Overmixing can incorporate too much air or break down the cream cheese emulsion, affecting the final texture.
- Gentle Folding: When incorporating the whipped cream into the cream cheese and cranberry mixture, use a gentle folding technique with a spatula. This preserves the airy texture of the whipped cream, which is what gives the mousse its signature light and fluffy consistency.
- Short on Time? Quick Alternatives: If you’re pressed for time, this mousse is still delicious served on its own without the graham cracker crumble! Alternatively, for a different flavor profile, you can create a quick base by spreading a layer of ready-made chocolate fudge sauce or even a thin layer of shortbread cookies at the bottom of your dessert dishes instead of baking the crumble.
- Get Creative with Toppings: While a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a few fresh cranberries make a beautiful garnish, don’t hesitate to personalize your dessert. Consider adding a drizzle of warm fudge sauce, elegant chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of extra graham cracker crumble, or even a spoonful of extra cranberry sauce for an intensified cranberry burst. A sprig of fresh mint can also add a touch of color and aroma.
- Presentation Matters: Using clear jars or glasses allows the beautiful layers of crumble and mousse to shine through, making for an attractive dessert. Take a moment to clean the edges of your serving dishes for a truly polished look.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can slightly reduce the amount of confectioner’s sugar in the mousse base. Taste as you go, especially if using a pre-made cranberry sauce which might already be sweetened.
More tasty mousse recipes for the holiday season: Pumpkin Spice Cheesecake Mousse | 3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Peppermint Mousse | Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse Brownie Parfaits
What Exactly is Cheesecake Mousse?
Cheesecake mousse is an ingenious no-bake dessert that artfully combines the rich, tangy flavors of cheesecake with the light, airy texture of a traditional mousse. It typically consists of a whipped cream cheese base, made from cream cheese, powdered sugar, fragrant vanilla, and a hint of citrus zest. For this particular recipe, a vibrant cranberry puree is incorporated into the cream cheese base, infusing it with a delightful tartness. This flavorful mixture is then gently folded with freshly whipped heavy cream, which is crucial for achieving its characteristic smooth, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth consistency. The result is a dessert that captures the essence of cheesecake in a much lighter, often individual-serving format, making it perfect for elegant presentations without the density of a baked cheesecake.
Mousse vs. Whipped Cream: What’s the Difference?
While both mousse and whipped cream share an airy quality and often feature dairy, they are distinct desserts with different compositions and textures. Whipped cream is essentially heavy cream that has been beaten until light and fluffy, often with a touch of sugar and vanilla. It’s light, delicate, and typically used as a topping or garnish.
Mousse, on the other hand, is a more substantial and complex dessert. It’s characterized by its rich, airy, yet denser structure. Mousse achieves its signature texture by incorporating additional ingredients to a whipped cream base. This often includes either beaten egg whites (for a lighter, more classic mousse) or, as in this cheesecake mousse recipe, a whipped base of cream cheese. Flavorings, such as fruit purees (like our cranberry puree), chocolate, or other essences, are also folded in. The addition of these elements makes mousse significantly denser, more stable, and much smoother than plain whipped cream, allowing it to stand as a dessert in its own right.
Can You Freeze Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse?
Absolutely, you can! Cranberry cheesecake mousse freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent option for long-term storage or preparing well in advance for future events. To freeze, spoon the prepared mousse into an airtight, freezer-safe container. Ensure there’s minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn. It can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 8 weeks without a significant decline in quality. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen mousse to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw gradually. It should be easily spooned out and served once fully thawed.
It’s important to note one crucial detail: do not freeze the mousse with fresh whipped cream already on top. The texture of whipped cream tends to break down upon freezing and thawing, becoming watery and grainy. Instead, prepare fresh whipped cream and add it as a topping just before serving the thawed mousse for the best possible experience.
How Far in Advance Can This Mousse Be Prepared?
This cranberry cheesecake mousse is a dream come true for hosts and hostesses who love to plan ahead. You can comfortably assemble these individual mousse cups up to 1 to 2 days in advance of your event. This makes it an absolutely fantastic make-ahead dessert option, especially for busy holiday gatherings or dinner parties. Preparing it ahead of time not only frees up your valuable time on the day of the event but also allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive dessert. Just be sure to keep the assembled mousse cups covered and refrigerated until serving.
Need some more inspiration for dessert? Check out my dessert recipes page!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse
This exquisitely flavorful cranberry cheesecake mousse is ideally suited for serving as the grand finale to a richer, heartier meal. Its light, airy texture provides a refreshing contrast to robust savory dishes, making it particularly perfect for holiday dinner parties or as a standout dessert to bring to any festive gathering. The bright, tart cranberry notes cut through richness beautifully, cleansing the palate and leaving a delightful impression.
Here are some of my favorite hearty holiday meals that pair wonderfully with this elegant dessert, creating a perfectly balanced feast:
- Gnocchi Bolognese Bake: This ultimate comfort food offers rich, meaty flavors with tender gnocchi. A light mousse is the ideal counterpoint to this satisfying one-skillet meal. You can find the recipe for gnocchi bolognese bake here.
- Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb: A classic and impressive holiday entree, the robust flavors of a perfectly cooked rack of lamb, enhanced by an aromatic herb rub, find a beautiful companion in the tartness of the cranberry mousse. Explore the herb crusted rack of lamb recipe for your next special occasion.
- Cranberry Rosemary Walnut Stuffed Sheet Pan Pork Tenderloin Meal: For a meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with flavor, this stuffed pork tenderloin complements the mousse with its own subtle cranberry and herb notes, creating a cohesive menu. Discover this delightful sheet pan pork tenderloin meal.
If you’re a chocolate lover seeking another decadent mousse option, be sure to check out this creamy and rich chocolate cheesecake mousse recipe for a different kind of indulgence!
Storage and Freezing Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse for as long as possible. As this is a no-bake dessert, there’s no “reheating” involved, but rather proper chilling and thawing methods.
Store in the Refrigerator: Once assembled in their individual cups or dishes, ensure they are tightly covered with plastic wrap to prevent them from absorbing any odors from the refrigerator or drying out. Stored correctly, these delightful mousse cups will remain fresh and delicious for 1 to 2 days in the refrigerator. This makes them a perfect make-ahead option for entertaining.
Freeze for Longer Storage: If you’re looking to extend the shelf life, this mousse freezes beautifully. Spoon the cranberry cheesecake mousse into an airtight, freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 8 weeks. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the container to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly until it reaches a consistency where it can be easily spooned out. Remember, for the best presentation and taste, always make fresh whipped cream to top the mousse once it has thawed, as frozen and thawed whipped cream tends to separate and lose its ideal texture.
Finally, if you decide to make this delightful cranberry cheesecake mousse recipe, I would be absolutely thrilled if you could take a moment to give it a rating or leave a comment below! Hearing about your experiences in the kitchen and seeing your culinary creations come to life is truly what makes sharing these recipes so rewarding for me. I read and respond to every single comment, so feel free to drop any questions you might have as well.
And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you share your photos! It’s my favorite thing to look through those beautiful images and connect with you all. It genuinely means the world to me!
Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
Equipment
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Measuring Cups
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Half Sheet Pan
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7-Speed Hand Mixer
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KitchenAid Stand Mixer
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Silicone Spatula
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Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 sleeve graham crackers 9 total crackers
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 5 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400˚F. Line two rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil.
On the first rimmed baking sheet, add cranberries and roast for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from the baking sheet and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Reduce oven temperature to 325˚F. -
In the bowl of a food processor, add graham crackers and process until fine crumbs. Add sugar and melted butter for crumble, then pulse until the mixture comes together to form small nuggets.
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Dump the mixture onto the second prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes, until light golden brown. Set aside to cool completely.
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Add cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat until fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Beat in cranberry puree until incorporated. Gently fold in whipped cream with a spatula.
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Divide the crumble among 6 dessert dishes. Top with equal amounts of the mousse, spreading the top with the back of a spoon to even out. You can also pipe the mixture into the dishes if you prefer.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 2 days. Serve with whipped cream on top.
Notes
**To make the whipped cream, add heavy whipping cream to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on high heat until light and fluffy!