Picture this: a buttery, flaky pie crust loaded with a light, airy, and tangy cranberry mousse that practically melts in your mouth. Each bite of this Cranberry Mousse Pie is a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, with the cranberry flavor shining through in the most refreshing way. Trust me, this is one dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast or just treating yourself to a special treat, this pie will win over everyone who takes a bite. Ready to dive into this dreamy dessert? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Mousse Pie

This recipe isn’t just about putting together a pie—it’s about creating something special that leaves everyone asking for more. Here’s why this Cranberry Mousse Pie is a must-try:

Versatile: Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or hosting a casual dinner, this pie is a perfect fit for any occasion. It’s impressive enough for a gathering, but simple enough to enjoy anytime.

Budget-Friendly: This pie uses easy-to-find ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. No need for anything fancy to create this show-stopping dessert.

Quick and Easy: Don’t let the mousse part intimidate you! It’s actually a breeze to put together. The hardest part is waiting for it to set. You’ll love how quickly it all comes together!

Crowd-Pleasing: Cranberry and cream come together in a flavor combo that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure—perfect for those who love a dessert that’s not too heavy but still oh-so-delicious.

Make-Ahead: This pie is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can make it the night before or even a couple of days ahead, so it’s perfect for busy holiday seasons or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this vibrant, fluffy, and irresistible pie:

Pie Crust: The base of your pie—whether you use a pre-made crust or homemade, it should be buttery and crisp, providing the perfect foundation for that creamy mousse filling.

Fresh Cranberries: These bright little berries are the star of this dessert! They bring a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that really pops in the mousse.

Sugar: To balance out the tartness of the cranberries, we’ll add some sugar. It helps create a nice sweetness while letting the cranberry flavor shine through.

Cream Cheese: The rich, creamy texture of cream cheese adds depth to the mousse and helps create that smooth consistency you love.

Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds airiness to the mousse, making it light as a cloud and giving it that perfect texture.

Gelatin: This will help set the mousse and give it that nice, firm texture that holds up beautifully in the pie.

Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the mousse, making it even more delicious and aromatic.

Lemon Juice: Just a touch of lemon juice brightens the cranberry flavor and adds a subtle citrusy zing.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make this incredible pie!

Prepare the Pie Crust: If you’re using a store-bought pie crust, just follow the instructions on the package to bake it until golden. If you’re making a homemade crust, press it into the pie dish and bake it until lightly golden and crisp. Allow it to cool completely before filling.

Cook the Cranberries: In a saucepan, add the fresh cranberries and a little bit of water. Simmer them over medium heat until the cranberries pop and release their juices. You’ll get this wonderful, fragrant cranberry sauce—so good! Once they’re done, let it cool completely.

Make the Mousse Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese, being careful not to deflate it. Then, stir in the cooled cranberry mixture, gelatin, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Pie: Once the mousse filling is ready, pour it into the cooled pie crust. Spread it evenly and smooth out the top. Now, let it chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the mousse set up nicely.

Garnish and Serve: Once the mousse has set and you’re ready to serve, garnish the top with a few fresh cranberries, a sprinkle of sugar, or even some whipped cream if you’d like. Slice it up, and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling time)

How to Serve Cranberry Mousse Pie

This pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways you can serve it for a little extra wow factor:

With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Add a generous dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for that classic pie presentation. It’s simple, but it elevates the whole experience.

Serve with Hot Tea or Coffee: This pie is the perfect companion to a warm, cozy cup of tea or coffee. The lightness of the mousse balances beautifully with a hot drink.

Garnish with Fresh Mint: For an extra pop of color and a little burst of freshness, garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh mint.

A Side of Berries: Add some extra fresh berries on the plate—raspberries, blueberries, or more cranberries. They’ll complement the flavor and make your plate look even more inviting!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Cranberry Mousse Pie even more amazing:

Use Fresh Cranberries: While frozen cranberries are fine, fresh cranberries will give you the best flavor and texture in the mousse.

Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: The mousse needs time to set, so don’t rush the process. It will hold up better when you give it a full 4 hours to chill.

Make It Ahead: This is the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it the night before your gathering, and it will be ready to serve the next day.

Gelatin Tips: Make sure to bloom the gelatin in cold water before adding it to the cranberry mixture. This will ensure it dissolves properly and helps the mousse set perfectly.

Add a Sugar Rim: For a festive touch, you can coat the rim of the pie crust with sugar for a sparkly, sweet finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
A1: Yes, frozen cranberries will work! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using, as they may release extra moisture.

Q2: Can I make this pie without gelatin?
A2: The gelatin helps the mousse hold its shape. If you want to make it without gelatin, you could try using agar-agar, but the texture might be a little different.

Q3: How long will this pie keep in the fridge?
A3: The pie will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.

Q4: Can I use a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust?
A4: Absolutely! A graham cracker crust will add a deliciously sweet and slightly crunchy contrast to the creamy mousse filling.

Q5: Can I make this pie in a smaller dish?
A5: Sure! You can use a smaller pie dish or even make individual servings in small cups. Just adjust the chilling time as needed.

Q6: Can I add more sugar to make it sweeter?
A6: Absolutely! Taste the mousse mixture before chilling it, and if you’d like it sweeter, add more sugar to your liking.

Q7: Can I add other fruits to the mousse?
A7: Yes! While cranberry is the star of this recipe, you could also fold in some raspberry or strawberry puree for an extra fruity kick.

Q8: Can I make this pie the day before?
A8: Yes, this is actually the perfect make-ahead dessert. Just let it chill overnight and it’ll be ready to serve the next day.

Q9: How do I prevent the mousse from becoming too runny?
A9: Make sure to let the gelatin fully set, and be sure the cranberry mixture is completely cooled before adding it to the whipped cream.

Q10: Can I freeze this pie?
A10: While this pie is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Mousse Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a showstopper. The vibrant cranberry flavor paired with the light and fluffy mousse creates a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any time you want to impress with something a little different. Whether you’re making it ahead of time or enjoying it the day of, this pie is sure to be a hit. Go ahead, give it a try—you’re going to love every bite!