Zesty Cranberry Orange Mousse Cups
These delightful Zesty Cranberry Orange Mousse Cups are a light and airy dessert perfect for any occasion. A vibrant cranberry-orange compote is blended with gelatin and folded into fluffy whipped cream, then chilled until perfectly set.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Small heatproof bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Small serving cups or ramekins
Ingredients
Cranberry Compote
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- zest of 1 large orange (about 2 tablespoons)
- juice of 1/2 large orange
Gelatin
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (Optional)
- fresh cranberries
- orange zest curls
- mint sprigs
Instructions
Cranberry Compote
- Combine cranberries, granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup water in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until cranberries burst and mixture thickens.
- Stir in orange zest and juice, then remove from heat and let cool completely.
Gelatin Preparation
- Sprinkle gelatin powder over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small heatproof bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Place the bowl over simmering water and stir until gelatin dissolves, then remove from heat and cool slightly.
Whipped Cream
- In a large mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat.
Assemble Mousse
- Once the cranberry compote is cool, stir in the dissolved gelatin until well combined.
- Gently fold one-third of the whipped cream into the cranberry mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining whipped cream until smooth.
Chill & Serve
- Divide the mousse evenly among 6-8 serving cups or ramekins.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until firmly set.
- Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange zest, or mint sprigs before serving.
Notes
Ensure the cranberry compote and dissolved gelatin are cooled before combining with the whipped cream to maintain the mousse's airy texture. For best results, chill the mousse overnight.