Strawberry Mousse Recipe
If you’re looking for a dreamy, cloud-like dessert that captures the very essence of summer, Strawberry Mousse is about to become your new obsession. With its luscious pink hue and light-as-air texture, this sweet treat is all about celebrating the natural flavor of strawberries, all swirled together with billowy whipped cream for an irresistible finish. The best part? It’s easy, elegant, and guaranteed to create a little magic at your table—whether for a romantic dinner, a family celebration, or just because you have a craving for something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Mousse:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Puree and Cook the Strawberries
Begin by popping those fresh strawberries into a blender or food processor and blitzing them until utterly smooth. Pour that brilliant puree into a small saucepan, add the granulated sugar and a splash of lemon juice, then simmer over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes. This quick cook brings out the berry flavor and slightly thickens the mixture, making your Strawberry Mousse extra luscious.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
While your strawberry mixture is warming, it’s time to bloom the gelatin—this takes just a minute and couldn’t be simpler. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Leave it for five minutes so it absorbs the water and transforms into a soft, gel-like consistency. This step is key: it gives your mousse its signature airy-yet-stable structure.
Step 3: Mix Gelatin into Strawberries
Now, take your softened gelatin and stir it right into the warm strawberry puree, making sure it dissolves completely. Give it a moment to cool down to room temperature—this is crucial. If your mixture is too warm, you risk melting the whipped cream in the next step and losing that perfect mousse texture.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Chill your mixing bowl for a few minutes (trust me, it makes a difference), then whip up the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form. You want the cream to be billowy but not stiff, so your Strawberry Mousse stays delicate and light.
Step 5: Fold Together and Chill
Once your strawberry mixture is cooled, gently fold it into the whipped cream—take your time and use a soft hand so the cream stays airy. Spoon the finished mousse into serving glasses, smoothing the tops, and let them chill in the fridge for at least two hours. This is when the magic happens: everything sets up perfectly for that first delightful spoonful!
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
For an eye-catching finish, I love to crown each glass of Strawberry Mousse with a few slices of fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint. The vibrant green and red just sing with summer vibes, making it nearly impossible to resist grabbing a spoon right away. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of strawberry sauce is downright dreamy.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs beautifully with buttery shortbread cookies, crisp ladyfingers, or even a handful of fresh raspberries on the side. For a more indulgent spread, a plate of chocolate-dipped strawberries or a simple vanilla wafer is divine—a match made in dessert heaven!
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to have fun with presentation. Serve the mousse in stemmed glasses, vintage tea cups, or miniature mason jars for a charming twist. For parties, layer the Strawberry Mousse with bits of crumbled shortbread or whipped cream for a playful parfait. Tiny shooters at a brunch? Absolutely adorable and gone in one delicious bite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (unlikely, but miracles can happen), simply cover your mousse tightly and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and fluffy for up to 2 days, though the texture is at its absolute best within the first 24 hours.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze Strawberry Mousse, keep in mind that the texture will change somewhat upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use airtight containers and thaw overnight in the fridge. The mousse will be more like a semifreddo or frozen dessert—still tasty, just a little different!
Reheating
Strawberry Mousse is a chilled, no-bake dessert, so there’s no need to reheat. If for any reason your mousse thickens too much after chilling or you’d like to refresh it, give it a gentle stir or let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Mousse without gelatin?
Yes, you can substitute agar-agar powder for gelatin, which is a great option for vegetarians. Just dissolve it according to the package instructions and add it to the warm strawberry mixture as you would the gelatin.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. Frozen berries are often picked at peak ripeness, so your Strawberry Mousse will still taste wonderfully sweet and summery.
How do I know when the whipped cream is ready?
Your whipped cream is ready when it holds soft peaks—that means it’s thickened but still a little floppy when you lift the whisk. This keeps your mousse light as air when folded with the strawberry mixture.
Is there a vegan version of Strawberry Mousse?
You can substitute coconut cream for whipped cream and agar-agar for gelatin. The result will be equally creamy and delicious, with a subtle coconut twist that goes perfectly with strawberries!
What other berries can I use?
This recipe is flexible! Try raspberries, blackberries, or a medley of mixed berries for a different but equally delicious mousse. Each brings its own unique color and flavor—just remember to adjust sugar to taste.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll give this Strawberry Mousse a try—there’s just something about its airy, spoonable sweetness that feels instantly celebratory, no matter what the occasion. The best things in life really can be this simple, and a little strawberry magic goes a long way. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the light and airy delight of this Strawberry Mousse, a refreshing and elegant dessert that bursts with the sweet essence of fresh strawberries. Perfect for a summertime treat or a fancy finish to any meal.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Mousse:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth.
- Cook the Puree: Cook the strawberry puree with sugar and lemon juice until slightly thickened.
- Prepare the Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over water, let bloom, then stir into the warm puree.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream.
- Chill: Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with strawberries and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute raspberries or mixed berries for variety.
- For a lighter version, use whipped coconut cream.
- Cool the strawberry mixture before folding into the cream to maintain texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 21 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
