Name: Cranberry Mousse Pie Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish); 1 cup granulated sugar, divided; 1/4 cup water; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional, for brightness); 1 envelope (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin powder; 3 tablespoons cold water (for gelatin); 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch); Powdered sugar (for dusting cranberries); Whipped cream (for garnish); Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

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Introduction

Cranberry Mousse Pie is a delightful, creamy dessert with a tart twist from fresh cranberries. This festive pie combines a light mousse with a sweet, tangy cranberry filling, all nestled in a crunchy graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion, it’s sure to impress your guests.

A slice of dessert is shown on a white plate with a crumbly, light brown crust bottom layer, topped by a thick, smooth pink creamy middle layer. On top, there is a fluffy white whipped cream layer decorated with small red berries dusted with powdered sugar and tiny green herb sprigs. A silver fork lies next to the slice on the plate, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional)
1 envelope (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin powder
3 tablespoons cold water (for gelatin)
1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch)
Powdered sugar (for dusting cranberries)
Whipped cream (for garnish)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, 1/2 cup sugar, water, lemon juice, and orange zest if using. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Sprinkle gelatin over 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl and let it soften for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Warm the cooled cranberry mixture gently until just warm. Stir in the softened gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool again without allowing it to set.
Step 4: Whip chilled heavy cream with remaining 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Step 5: Gently fold the cooled cranberry-gelatin mixture into the whipped cream, keeping the mousse light and airy.
Step 6: Pour the mousse into the graham cracker crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for best results.
Step 8: Before serving, garnish with whipped cream, powdered sugar-dusted cranberries, and fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available; just thaw before cooking.
For a citrus boost, add a bit more orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur to the cranberry mixture.
To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free graham cracker crust or a nut crust.
Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for better volume.

Storage

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve. If the mousse loses a little firmness, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing. Avoid freezing as the texture may be affected.

How to Serve

A slice of pie is shown with three clear layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly golden crust, the middle layer is thick, smooth, and light pink filling with small specks inside, while the top layer features fluffy white dollops of whipped cream. At the front of the slice, a silver fork holds a small bite of the pink filling and crust. On top of the pie slice, there are several powdery red berries and a small sprig of green herb, adding a fresh touch. The slice sits on a white plate with a delicate raised edge pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie is ideal to prepare a day in advance. The overnight chill helps the mousse set perfectly and enhances the flavors.

What if I don’t have gelatin?

Gelatin is essential for setting the mousse. You can substitute with agar-agar, but use the packaging instructions carefully as the setting properties differ.