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Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse with Graham Cracker Crumble Recipe

4.4 from 142 reviews

This Cranberry Cheesecake Mousse is a luscious, festive dessert that combines tangy cranberries with creamy cheesecake mousse and a crunchy graham cracker crumble. Perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a light, fluffy sweet treat with a seasonal twist.

Ingredients

Scale

Mousse

  • 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

Crumble

  • 1 sleeve graham crackers (9 total crackers)
  • 3 Tbsp sugar
  • 5 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, lightly pulse them in a food processor until roughly chopped but not pureed; if using cranberry sauce, measure 1/2 cup and set aside.
  2. Make the Mousse Base: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and grated orange zest, then continue beating until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  3. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the prepared cranberries or cranberry sauce into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring an even distribution without deflating the fluffiness.
  4. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then carefully fold it into the cranberry cream cheese mixture, creating a light and airy mousse texture.
  5. Prepare the Crumble: Place graham crackers in a zip-lock bag and crush them into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin. In a separate bowl, combine the cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, mixing thoroughly until well coated.
  6. Assemble the Dessert: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of the graham cracker crumble. Garnish with fresh cranberries for a festive touch.
  7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled mousse for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld and the dessert to set.

Notes

  • You can use leftover cranberry sauce to save time and add sweetness.
  • Be careful when folding the whipped cream to maintain the airy texture of the mousse.
  • For a vegan version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives.
  • The crumble can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Serve chilled for best taste and texture.

Keywords: cranberry, cheesecake mousse, holiday dessert, no-bake dessert, creamy, tangy, graham cracker crumble