If you are looking for a light, airy dessert that bursts with fresh fruity flavor, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is an absolute winner. It perfectly balances the natural sweetness and brightness of ripe strawberries with the creamy, smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Every spoonful feels like a celebration of summer’s best berries, making it a dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family on any special occasion or even a simple weeknight treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Mousse Recipe lies in how few but thoughtfully chosen ingredients come together to create something truly magical. Each item plays a key role, from lending natural sweetness and tartness to providing the light whipped texture and stability.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled: Choose ripe, juicy berries for maximum flavor and natural color.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste): Balances the tartness of strawberries and enhances sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates the mousse’s light, airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, fragrant note that complements the strawberry beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder: Ensures the mousse sets to a perfect, creamy consistency.
- 3 tablespoons water: Used to dissolve gelatin gently so it blends seamlessly into the mousse.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the strawberry puree
Start by blending the hulled fresh strawberries until completely smooth. This pure, vibrant base is what gives the mousse its striking color and fruity punch. Stir in the granulated sugar and let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes; this allows the sugar to dissolve fully and the strawberries to release even more of their natural juices, deepening the flavor.
Step 2: Whip the cream
Next, whip the heavy cream along with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This step is crucial because the whipped cream delivers that light, cloud-like texture that makes the mousse feel indulgent without heaviness. Be careful not to overwhip at this stage; you want it smooth and airy, not stiff.
Step 3: Combine puree and cream
Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream. This folding motion is all about preserving the air you’ve just whipped into the cream, keeping the final mousse fluffy and delightful. Slow, careful folding ensures the raspberry flavor is blended evenly without deflating the mixture.
Step 4: Prepare and add gelatin
Dissolve the unflavored gelatin powder in warm water and allow it to cool slightly so it’s still liquid but not hot. Stir this into the mousse mixture thoroughly and gently. Gelatin is what helps the mousse set perfectly in the fridge, giving it the ideal texture that’s firm yet silky.
Step 5: Chill the mousse
Pour the mousse into pretty serving glasses or bowls, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. This time allows the gelatin to work its magic and the flavors to deepen, resulting in a cool, velvety dessert that’s ready to impress.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
To make your strawberry mousse visually stunning and even more delicious, top it with fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple touches enhance the dessert’s freshness and add inviting textures and aromas.
Side Dishes
Strawberry mousse pairs beautifully with light, crisp accompaniments like thin almond cookies, buttery shortbread, or even a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. These sides provide contrasting textures and flavors that elevate the entire dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on the classic, try layering the mousse with crushed graham crackers or fresh berries in clear glasses to create pretty parfaits. Alternatively, serve in hollowed-out strawberries or small edible cookie cups for a playful party presentation everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover strawberry mousse recipe, simply cover the container tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. It stays fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, making it convenient for prepping ahead or enjoying the next day.
Freezing
Freezing is not generally recommended for this strawberry mousse recipe, as the delicate whipped cream and gelatin base can lose their texture and become grainy upon thawing. For the best experience, keep it chilled but not frozen.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and does not require reheating. Serving it straight from the refrigerator preserves its creamy, airy texture and refreshing strawberry flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch but thaw them completely and drain any excess juice before blending to avoid a watery mousse.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use agar-agar powder instead of gelatin for setting.
What if I don’t have unflavored gelatin?
You can use powdered agar-agar as a plant-based alternative, but adjust the quantity according to package instructions for the right set.
Can I make individual servings ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing individual mousse servings makes for elegant presentation and easy portion control when guests arrive.
Is this mousse suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a kid-friendly dessert that’s sweet, light, and packed with natural fruit flavor, making it a great option for family meals.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Strawberry Mousse Recipe inspires you to delight yourself and others with a simple yet sophisticated dessert. It’s easy to make, looks gorgeous, and tastes like pure joy in every creamy bite. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll keep coming back for more!
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Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and airy Strawberry Mousse is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines fresh strawberries with whipped cream and gelatin for a creamy, fruity treat. Perfect for hot days or elegant dinners, it offers a perfect balance of sweetness and the fresh taste of strawberries in a smooth, fluffy texture.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Mousse Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Blend the hulled strawberries until smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and sugar to dissolve.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream together with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form, ensuring the cream is light and airy.
- Combine Puree and Cream: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream to keep the mousse fluffy and incorporate the fruity flavor evenly without deflating the cream.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over the warm water and stir thoroughly until fully dissolved. Allow to cool slightly but not set, then carefully fold the gelatin mixture into the mousse to help it set firmly once chilled.
- Chill the Mousse: Pour the mousse mixture into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set before serving. This chilling step is essential for the mousse to achieve its signature light and firm texture.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to your desired sweetness, especially if your strawberries are very ripe and sweet.
- Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved and slightly cooled before mixing to avoid lumps in the mousse.
- Use chilled heavy cream and equipment for best whipping results.
- The mousse should be served cold and kept refrigerated to maintain texture.
- For a vegan alternative, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
