This Strawberry Mousse is a light, fluffy dessert bursting with fresh strawberry flavor! With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, it’s the perfect treat for warm days, special occasions, or when you want something sweet yet refreshing. The smooth, airy texture melts in your mouth, and the fresh strawberries bring a natural sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
I first made this recipe when looking for a no-fuss dessert for a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, stunning to serve, and always a hit with guests. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this Strawberry Mousse!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse
This Strawberry Mousse is bound to become a go-to dessert. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
First, it’s quick and simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in about 20 minutes (not counting chilling time). Perfect for busy days or when you need a last-minute dessert that’s sure to impress.
Second, it’s incredibly light and refreshing. Made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, the mousse is airy and smooth – a delightful contrast to richer desserts. It’s an excellent choice for spring and summer when strawberries are in season.
This mousse is also naturally sweet and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The natural sweetness of ripe strawberries adds a fresh, fruity taste without needing much added sugar, making it feel light and indulgent at the same time.
Lastly, it’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion. Serve it in elegant dessert glasses, top with extra strawberries, or add a dollop of whipped cream – it’s stunning yet simple. Let’s look at what you’ll need to make it.
Ingredients Notes
Each ingredient in this Strawberry Mousse brings something special to the recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this dessert. Their natural sweetness and vibrant color make the mousse delicious and beautiful. Be sure to pick strawberries that are red and fragrant for the best flavor. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available; just thaw and drain them first.
- Granulated Sugar: Just a bit of sugar helps sweeten the strawberries and balance the tang from the cream. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and adds a bit of acidity, which complements the sweetness nicely. It also helps preserve the strawberries’ vibrant color.
- Unflavored Gelatin: Gelatin gives the mousse structure, allowing it to hold its shape while remaining light and airy. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, agar-agar works well, though the texture may be slightly different.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped cream is what gives the mousse its airy, fluffy texture. Make sure your heavy cream is well-chilled before whipping to achieve the best results. For a lighter version, you can use a mix of whipped topping and whipped cream.
This simple combination of ingredients results in a luscious dessert that’s sweet, creamy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Let’s walk through the steps to make it.
How To Make This Strawberry Mousse
This Strawberry Mousse is easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment. Follow these steps for a perfect, fluffy mousse:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash, hull, and cut your strawberries into halves. Place them in a blender or food processor with the granulated sugar and lemon juice, then puree until smooth. For a smoother mousse, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.
- Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom. Once it has absorbed the water, microwave it for about 10 seconds or until dissolved (or use a saucepan over low heat if you prefer). Stir until fully dissolved, and allow it to cool slightly.
- Combine the Gelatin and Strawberry Puree: Stir the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree until fully combined. This will help the mousse set as it chills, creating that light, fluffy texture. Set the mixture aside to cool to room temperature.
- Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. You want the cream to be fluffy but not too stiff. Reserve a small amount of whipped cream for garnish, if desired.
- Fold in the Strawberry Mixture: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Take care not to over-mix, as this can deflate the whipped cream. Fold until the mixture is evenly combined and has a beautiful pink color.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until set. The mousse will thicken and take on a light, airy texture as it chills.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, top with reserved whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. This step is optional but adds a beautiful finishing touch.
That’s it! Your creamy, dreamy Strawberry Mousse is ready to enjoy. Serve chilled and savor each refreshing bite.
Storage Options
This Strawberry Mousse is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it if needed. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Cover the mousse with plastic wrap or foil, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The texture will remain creamy and airy, making it a great option for advance prep.
- Freezer: While freezing is not ideal for mousse (it may affect the texture), you can freeze it if needed. Store in airtight containers, freeze for up to a month, and thaw in the fridge before serving. The mousse may be slightly firmer but will still taste delicious.
For best results, keep the mousse chilled until serving time to maintain its light, airy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
Strawberry Mousse is easy to customize and perfect for experimenting. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:
- Berry Mix-Up: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry mousse. It adds a fun twist on flavor and color.
- Chocolate Swirl: Melt a small amount of chocolate and gently swirl it through the mousse before chilling. The combination of chocolate and strawberries is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Light Version: For a lighter version, use half whipped cream and half Greek yogurt. It will be slightly tangier but still delicious and airy.
- Layered Mousse: Layer the mousse with crushed cookies, granola, or a layer of fresh berries for a parfait-style dessert that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute agar-agar for the gelatin and coconut cream for the heavy cream. The mousse will have a slightly different texture but will still be creamy and delicious.
This mousse recipe is versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative. It’s the perfect dessert to experiment with seasonal flavors and colors!
Conclusion
This Strawberry Mousse is the ultimate treat for warm-weather days or any time you’re craving a refreshing, fruity dessert. It’s light, creamy, and packed with fresh strawberry flavor, making it the perfect ending to any meal. Enjoy every spoonful of this deliciously easy dessert!
PrintStrawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Mousse recipe is a delightful, airy dessert featuring fresh strawberries and a rich, whipped cream base. It’s a refreshing no-bake treat that’s easy to make and perfect for summer gatherings or a romantic dessert. With a smooth, fruity flavor and a hint of sweetness, this mousse is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: extra strawberries or mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry puree:
Blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor until smooth. Strain through a sieve to remove seeds if desired. - Cook the puree:
Transfer the puree to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool to room temperature. - Whip the cream:
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. - Combine:
Gently fold the cooled strawberry puree into the whipped cream until fully incorporated and fluffy. - Chill and serve:
Spoon the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint if desired.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the puree.
- Make it ahead! Mousse can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 10mg
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