If you’re searching for a delightful treat that’s bursting with festive flavor and creamy texture, you’re in for a real treat with this Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes Recipe. These little beauties bring together a buttery graham cracker crust with a smooth, tangy cheesecake mousse filling that’s perfectly balanced by the bright pop of cranberry sauce — perfect for holidays or anytime you want to impress with minimal fuss!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Elegant yet Easy: Impress guests with a dessert that looks sophisticated but is surprisingly simple to make.
Perfect Portion Control: These mini cakes are just the right size for indulging without overdoing it.
Festive and Flavorful: The tangy cranberry sauce perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake mousse creating a holiday-worthy bite.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare these in advance and let them chill until you’re ready to serve, saving you precious last-minute prep time.

The image shows a close-up of a small cheesecake slice on a white lined paper cup, placed on a round wooden board. The cheesecake has three layers: a bottom layer of light brown crumbly crust, a thick middle creamy white layer, and a top layer of bright red berry sauce with whole sugared cranberries and a dollop of white whipped cream. Around the cheesecake slice on the board and background, there are more sugared cranberries and light white powdered sugar scattered. The background is a white marbled texture with a gold Christmas ornament partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes, Cranberry Mousse Cake Recipe, Festive Mini Dessert, Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake, Easy Cranberry Mousse Dessert

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes Recipe relies on familiar, simple ingredients that come together to create a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component — from the crunchy crust to the fluffy mousse and tart cranberry swirl — plays a crucial role in the final harmony of taste and presentation.

Flat lay of fresh cranberries with a light dusting of sugar, a smooth block of cream cheese, dollops of rich sour cream, glossy homemade cranberry sauce in a small pile, a heap of golden graham cracker crumbs, a sprinkling of powdered sugar, and a swirl of fluffy whipped cream, all beautifully arranged with soft natural light highlighting their textures and colors, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes, Cranberry Mousse Cake Recipe, Festive Mini Dessert, Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake, Easy Cranberry Mousse Dessert

Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides the perfect buttery, crunchy base for the crust, balancing the creaminess above.
Unsalted Butter: Melts into the crumbs to hold them together and adds rich flavor.
Cream Cheese: Gives the mousse that classic cheesecake tang and creamy texture.

Powdered Sugar: Smoothly sweetens the filling without graininess.
Sour Cream: Adds a subtle tang and luxuriously smooth mouthfeel.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to stiff peaks, it makes the mousse incredibly light and airy.
Cranberry Sauce: The star of the topping — sweet, tart, and vibrant in color; homemade or store-bought works beautifully.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by lining your cupcake tin with paper liners or set out serving cups or jars if preferred — these adorable little cakes shine in any vessel. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until everything feels nicely moistened. Then press about 1 to 2 tablespoons of this mixture firmly into the bottom of each liner to form a sturdy yet crumbly base. Pop the tray into the fridge so the crust can set while you move on to the luscious mousse.

Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Mousse Filling

Take the cream cheese and beat it until completely smooth — no lumps allowed here because we want that silky texture throughout! Then mix in powdered sugar, salt, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Once combined, whip the heavy cream separately until it holds stiff peaks, signaling it’s ready to fold in. Incorporate half of the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture, followed by the rest — folding carefully to maintain that fluffy airiness.

Step 3: Assemble and Swirl

Spoon 4 to 5 tablespoons of the mousse over the chilled crusts in your cupcake tin, smoothing each into an even layer. Top each with about half a teaspoon of cranberry sauce and lightly swirl it into the mousse with a toothpick or knife, creating those gorgeous marbled accents that make these mini cakes feel extra special.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Pop your assembled mini cakes into the fridge for 6 to 8 hours, or until the mousse has firmed up nicely and the flavors have melded. When ready, serve chilled, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream and a few sugared cranberries for that extra wow factor!

How to Serve Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes Recipe

The image shows three small round desserts on a wooden plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each dessert has three layers: a white paper cup at the base, a thick layer of creamy white frosting on the bottom, topped with a bright red fruit jam layer mixed with white swirls, and a small swirl of white whipped cream on top. Three sugar-coated red berries, including cranberries, are placed on the whipped cream of each dessert. Powdered sugar is scattered on the marbled surface and on the desserts, with some extra berries around the plate. Two Christmas ornaments, one red and one gold, are visible on the bottom left of the image. The lighting is soft, highlighting the texture of the frosting and sugar crystals, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes, Cranberry Mousse Cake Recipe, Festive Mini Dessert, Holiday Cranberry Cheesecake, Easy Cranberry Mousse Dessert

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with these elegant mini cakes. Fresh cranberries dusted with sugar bring a frosty sparkle and a delightful pop, while a swirl of whipped cream adds richness and visual appeal. Consider a sprig of mint to brighten the plate and elevate the presentation even further.

Side Dishes

Pair these with a warm cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance the creamy sweetness. They also pair wonderfully alongside light salads or roasted nuts during holiday gatherings, making them an impeccable finale to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving these mini mousse cakes in clear glass jars or stemmed dessert glasses to showcase the layers beautifully. You can also set up a dessert board, arranging the cakes with fresh fruits, nuts, and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece that doubles as dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover mini cranberry mousse cakes in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days — perfect for enjoying a little sweet treat longer than the special occasion.

Freezing

While you can freeze these mini mousse cakes, keep in mind the texture of the mousse may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating

Since these cakes are best enjoyed cold, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, just let them thaw at fridge temperature and serve chilled for the creamiest texture and freshest flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different crust for these mini mousse cakes?

Absolutely! If you prefer, crushed cookies like vanilla wafers or shortbread can substitute graham cracker crumbs, adding a unique flavor and texture to your crust.

Is homemade cranberry sauce better than store-bought?

Homemade cranberry sauce gives you control over sweetness and texture, making it customizable to your taste, but high-quality store-bought sauces work well and save time.
Can I make these mini cranberry mousse cakes dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream whipped as a substitute for heavy cream, though texture and flavor will vary slightly.
How do I prevent the mousse from deflating when folding in whipped cream?

Fold the whipped cream gently using a spatula in slow, sweeping motions—think of folding like turning a fluffy blanket—to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.

Final Thoughts

This Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes Recipe is truly a gem in any dessert lineup. Whether you’re seeking a show-stopping holiday treat or a luscious dessert to brighten up an ordinary day, these little cakes bring joy in every bite. So go ahead, whip them up, share them with loved ones, and savor the magic of perfectly balanced flavors and textures in every mouthful!

Mini Cranberry Mousse Cakes Recipe