Cranberry Mousse Pie: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Love It

Name: Cranberry Mousse Pie
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons water; 8 ounces brick-style cream cheese; 1 tablespoon vanilla paste; 8 ounces extra-creamy whipped topping, thawed; 2 cups gingersnap crumbs; 5 tablespoons butter, melted; Whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream, for garnish; Sugared cranberries, for garnish; Fresh mint leaves, for garnish

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If you’ve ever needed a dessert that feels special without making you feel like you just signed up for a baking marathon, Cranberry Mousse Pie is here to save the day. This is one of those recipes that looks fancy, tastes dreamy, and yet quietly fits into real life. No rolling pins. No cracked crust drama. No oven babysitting.

This Cranberry Mousse Pie hits that perfect sweet-tart balance that feels refreshing after a heavy meal, especially around the holidays. It’s light, creamy, and tucked into a spiced gingersnap crust that honestly deserves its own fan club. And the best part? You can make it ahead, stash it in the fridge, and focus on literally anything else.

If you’re juggling work, kids, errands, and about a thousand mental to-do lists (been there), this pie understands you.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Mousse Pie

Let’s get straight to the good stuff. This pie checks all the boxes:

No-bake friendly (your oven gets the night off)
Make-ahead magic (actually better the next day)
Light but indulgent (creamy without being heavy)
Perfect for holidays when desserts need to impress
Sweet-tart cranberry flavor that wakes up your taste buds
Simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store
Beginner-friendly with zero complicated techniques

It’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask, “Wait… you made this?” And you just smile casually like this happens all the time.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

Here’s what brings this Cranberry Mousse Pie together:

For the Cranberry Mousse

12-ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons water
8 ounces brick-style cream cheese
1 tablespoon vanilla paste
8-ounce tub Cool Whip Extra Creamy, thawed overnight

For the Gingersnap Crust

2 cups gingersnap crumbs
5 tablespoons melted butter

For Garnish (Optional but Pretty)

Whipped topping or sweetened whipped cream
Sugared cranberries
Fresh mint leaves

This is one of those ingredient lists that looks longer than it feels. Nothing fussy. Nothing intimidating. Just good, cozy pantry staples doing their thing.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cranberry Mousse Pie

Take a deep breath. This is easier than it looks.

Step 1: Prep Your Pie Plate

Butter a 10-inch pie plate and set it aside. This little step makes serving smoother later (future you will be grateful).

Step 2: Cook the Cranberries

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, and water. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil, stirring often so the sugar dissolves.

Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the cranberries gently bubble for about 15 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid scorching. You’re looking for a thick, jammy texture.

Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. (An immersion blender works too—no judgment.)

Now the key part: chill the puree. I usually pop it in the freezer to speed things up. You want it fully cool before moving on.

Step 3: Make the Gingersnap Crust

While the cranberries are cooking, toss the gingersnap crumbs with melted butter until everything is evenly coated.

Press the mixture firmly into your prepared pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to really pack it in—this helps the crust hold together when slicing.

Place the crust in the refrigerator while you finish the filling.

Step 4: Cream the Filling

Once the cranberry puree is cool, combine it with the cream cheese and vanilla paste. Blend until completely smooth and lump-free.

I use my food processor for this step because it handles cold cream cheese beautifully. If you’re using a stand mixer or hand mixer, let the cream cheese soften first.

Step 5: Fold in the Whipped Topping

Gently fold the whipped topping into the cranberry mixture. Take your time here—slow folds keep the mousse light and airy.

Stop once there are no streaks left.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

Dollop the cranberry mousse into the chilled gingersnap crust. Spread it out gently using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. This gives the pie time to set and makes slicing much easier.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, decorate with whipped topping, sugared cranberries, and mint leaves if you’re feeling fancy.

Or just add a big swirl of whipped cream and call it a day. Both are correct.

Cranberry Mousse Pie slice with creamy pink filling, gingersnap crust, and whipped cream topped with sugared cranberries — This Cranberry Mousse Pie slice features a light, fluffy cranberry filling nestled in a spiced gingersnap crust and topped with whipped cream and sugared cranberries.

Helpful Tips for the Best Cranberry Mousse Pie

Don’t rush the chilling time. The mousse needs time to firm up.
Extra tart? Add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the puree if you prefer sweeter desserts.
Crust sticking? A well-buttered plate makes all the difference.
Too soft to slice? Pop the pie in the freezer for 20–30 minutes before serving.
No gingersnaps? Graham crackers work, but the spice from gingersnaps really makes this pie shine.

If your mousse looks a little loose before chilling, don’t panic. It firms up beautifully once cold.

A Little Kitchen Story (Because Life Happens)

I first made this Cranberry Mousse Pie during one of those weeks where everything felt like it needed attention right now. You know the kind. I wanted something festive without committing to hours in the kitchen.

This pie quietly saved me. I made it the night before, tucked it into the fridge, and the next day it was ready—no stress, no scrambling. Watching people go back for seconds felt like a small win I really needed.

That’s the kind of recipe I love sharing. The ones that give you a break.

FAQs About Cranberry Mousse Pie

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely. No need to thaw them first—just toss them straight into the saucepan.

How long does Cranberry Mousse Pie last in the fridge?

Up to 3 days, covered tightly. The flavor actually gets better after the first day.

Can I make this ahead for holidays?

Yes! This pie is perfect for making a day or two in advance.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?

You can, but stabilize it well so the mousse holds its shape.

Is this pie overly sweet?

Not at all. The tart cranberries balance the creamy filling beautifully.

This Cranberry Mousse Pie is one of those desserts that feels like a breath of fresh air on a crowded table. Light, creamy, and just tart enough to keep things interesting, it’s the kind of recipe that fits real life while still feeling celebratory.

Whether you’re hosting, bringing dessert to a gathering, or just craving something cozy and homemade, this pie delivers every single time. Simple ingredients, gentle steps, and a result that feels like comfort on a plate.

If you make this Cranberry Mousse Pie, I hope it brings a little calm, a little joy, and maybe even a second slice back to your kitchen table.

More Cozy Cranberry Treats to Try Next

If this Cranberry Mousse Pie made your table feel a little more special, there are plenty of other cranberry favorites that fit right into the same cozy, stress-free vibe. These are perfect for rounding out a holiday spread, planning dessert ahead of time, or simply keeping the cranberry love going a little longer:

If you enjoy creamy, no-bake desserts, you’ll love this smooth and simple No-Bake Cranberry Cream Pie that’s just as easy and crowd-pleasing.
For another spiced-crust option with a bright citrus twist, this Cranberry Meyer Lemon Pie with Gingersnap Crust is a beautiful dessert to try next.
Looking for a bakery-style treat everyone recognizes? These festive Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars are always a hit alongside lighter desserts like this pie.
To dress up your desserts or add a sparkling garnish, these sweet and festive Candied Cranberries are a simple extra that makes everything feel holiday-ready.
And if you love seeing how other home cooks put their own spin on classics, you might enjoy this lovely Cranberry Mousse Pie from The View From Great Island for even more inspiration.

This little collection is perfect for bookmarking when cranberry season rolls around again—or when you just want something cozy, creamy, and comforting on the dessert menu.