Fluffy Cranberry Mousse

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 25, 2025

Featured in: Desserts

Enjoy the refreshing and airy texture of Fluffy Cranberry Mousse, a delightful dessert perfect for festive occasions or whenever you crave a light, fruity treat. This mousse gracefully combines vibrant cranberries, sweet pineapple, and a hint of warm spices for an impressive, yet simple dish.

Its creamy consistency and balanced flavors evoke nostalgia while adding a modern twist to classic gelatin desserts. Whether served in elegant bowls or molded for special gatherings, this recipe will charm your guests with every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, tangy flavors balanced with creamy sour cream for a smooth finish.
Easy to prepare with no baking, perfect for quick holiday desserts.
Textural contrast from chopped pecans adds a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

Strawberry gelatin (6 ounces): Provides a fruity base and structure to the mousse, setting it with a sweet strawberry flavor.
Boiling water (1 cup): Necessary to dissolve the gelatin completely and activate its setting properties.
Crushed pineapple (20 ounces, drained): Adds natural sweetness and juicy texture, enhancing the dessert’s tropical notes.
Whole-berry cranberry sauce (14 ounces): Offers tartness and vibrant color with a slightly chunky texture for interest.
Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Boosts the bright, citrusy flavor to complement the berries and pineapple.
Grated lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Intensifies citrus aroma while adding subtle texture and freshness.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a warm spice element that warms up the fruity flavors.
Sour cream (2 cups): Provides creaminess and tang, balancing the sweetness of the gelatin mixture.
Chopped pecans (1/2 cup): Adds a crunchy contrast to the soft mousse and a nutty depth to each bite.

Instructions

Dissolve Gelatin in Boiling Water: Begin by pouring boiling water over the strawberry gelatin in a large bowl. Stir thoroughly until the gelatin granules have completely dissolved. This ensures a smooth base without lumps and sets the foundation for a perfect mousse texture.
Prepare Fruit Mixture: Drain the crushed pineapple, reserving the juice to mix with the gelatin. Add the pineapple juice to the dissolved gelatin for added flavor. Then, blend in the cranberry sauce, lemon juice, lemon zest, and ground nutmeg, combining the tart and sweet elements harmoniously.
Chill Until Thickened: Place the gelatin and fruit mixture in the refrigerator to chill. Wait until it thickens but isn’t fully set, which usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. This step is crucial for folding in the sour cream without deflating the mousse’s fluffiness.
Fold in Sour Cream, Pineapple, and Pecans: Once thickened, gently fold in the sour cream, the drained crushed pineapple, and the chopped pecans. Folding preserves the airy texture and evenly distributes the crunchy pecans and juicy pineapple throughout the mousse.
Set the Mousse: Transfer the mixture into a glass serving bowl or lightly oiled 9-cup mold for a decorative presentation. Chill for at least 2 hours until firm. This final setting stage allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to develop its signature fluffy, sliceable texture.

You Must Know

Do not fully set the gelatin mixture before folding in sour cream to keep the mousse light and airy.
Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for texture; jellied sauce will lose that delightful chunkiness.
Chilling times may vary depending on refrigerator temperature, so allow sufficient time for best results.

Storage Tips

Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture and creaminess of the dessert.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled in individual dessert glasses garnished with extra chopped pecans or fresh cranberries for a festive look. Pair with light vanilla wafers or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Professional Tips

Use room temperature sour cream to fold in easily and avoid curdling.
Gently fold ingredients for maximum fluffiness, avoiding overmixing which deflates the mousse.
For a decorative mold release, lightly oil the mold before pouring the mixture for smooth unmolding.

FAQs

Can I substitute cherry or raspberry gelatin?: Yes, cherry or raspberry gelatin can be used, but strawberry complements the cranberry and pineapple flavors best for a balanced taste.
Is it possible to make this mousse vegan?: This recipe relies on gelatin and sour cream, so to make it vegan, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and sour cream with coconut cream or a vegan yogurt alternative.
What can I do if I don’t have pecans?: You can replace pecans with walnuts, almonds, or omit nuts entirely if there are allergy concerns or preference for nut-free.
How long should I chill the mixture for best texture?: Chilling until the gelatin thickens before folding and then setting the mousse for 2 hours or more produces ideal texture and flavor blending.
Can I prepare this recipe a day in advance?: Yes, preparing the mousse a day ahead is ideal to deepen flavors. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator to prevent drying or contamination.
Can I make this mousse without canned cranberry sauce?: Fresh cranberry sauce can be used if homemade, but be sure it is fully cooled and slightly thickened before mixing to maintain texture.