Festive Orange-Kissed Cranberry Mousse Cups
These festive mousse cups feature a vibrant cranberry compote layered with a light, orange-kissed cream cheese mousse, perfect for a holiday treat.
Equipment
- medium saucepan
- electric mixer
- large bowl
- serving cups
Ingredients
Cranberry Compote
- 2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Orange Zest
- 1/4 cup Water
Mousse
- 2 cups Heavy Cream chilled
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Optional Garnish
- Fresh mint sprigs
- candied cranberries
- orange twists
Instructions
Prepare Cranberry Compote
- Combine cranberries, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, orange zest, and water in a saucepan and simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and cool completely; mash if desired.
Make Mousse Base
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Whip Heavy Cream
- In a separate chilled bowl, beat 2 cups of heavy cream until stiff peaks form, taking care not to overbeat.
Combine for Mousse
- Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture, then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until combined.
Assemble Cups
- Spoon or pipe a layer of the cooled cranberry compote into the bottom of each serving cup.
Add Mousse
- Carefully spoon or pipe the mousse over the compote layer, creating distinct layers or a marbled effect.
Chill
- Refrigerate the mousse cups for at least 2 hours until thoroughly chilled and set.
Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, garnish with fresh mint, candied cranberries, or orange twists if desired.
Notes
For best results, ensure all dairy ingredients are well-chilled before whipping. The compote can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Adjust sugar to taste based on the tartness of your cranberries.