If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that feels like a sweet hug in every bite, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with the natural freshness of ripe strawberries combined with creamy textures that simply melt in your mouth. Whether you’re after a quick treat to impress guests or a charming end to a family dinner, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of simplicity and elegance with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in creating that perfect strawberry mousse texture and flavor. The freshness of strawberries, the creaminess of cream cheese or coconut cream, and the subtle sweetness of powdered sugar come together to make a truly memorable dessert.
- 8 oz cream cheese or coconut cream: Cream cheese adds richness and a smooth base, while coconut cream is a fantastic dairy-free alternative that gives a subtle tropical twist.
- 4 oz yogurt or additional cream cheese or coconut cream: Yogurt lends a slight tanginess enhancing the mousse’s depth, and using extra cream cheese or coconut cream ups the creaminess.
- 1 cup powdered sugar or sugar-free alternative: The powdered form dissolves effortlessly, sweetening the mousse without any graininess.
- 5 medium-sized strawberries: These juicy berries bring vibrant color and natural sweetness that defines the mousse’s signature flavor.
- Optional: 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste: Vanilla enhances the strawberries’ flavor with a warm, aromatic note, making the mousse extra special.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cream Base
If you’re using cream cheese, allow it to come to room temperature so it blends smoothly without lumps. For coconut cream, open the can and check for thick, creamy consistency—avoid any cans where the cream has separated into hard, flaky layers, as this won’t give you the silky mousse texture you want.
Step 2: Puree Your Strawberries
Remove the stems from your fresh strawberries and then either mash them thoroughly with a fork or blitz them in a blender until smooth. This puree forms the fruity backbone of your dessert, infusing every bite with fresh strawberry goodness.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt (or additional cream), powdered sugar, and the optional vanilla bean paste to the strawberry puree. This is where the magic starts—each element balances sweetness, acidity, and creaminess to build lush flavor layers.
Step 4: Blend Until Silky Smooth
Using a food processor, blender, or hand mixer, blend all ingredients thoroughly until smooth and fluffy. This step is crucial to create that airy mousse texture that feels light yet indulgent.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Transfer your mousse mixture into serving dishes and pop them into the refrigerator. Chilling thickens the mousse beautifully and allows the flavors to meld, turning your strawberry mousse into an irresistible treat ready to make your day sweeter.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Top your strawberry mousse with fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty and inviting presentation. Adding toasted coconut flakes or a drizzle of dark chocolate can also elevate the visual appeal and add delightful textures.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs wonderfully with buttery shortbread cookies or crisp meringue shells for a delightful contrast in textures. Light sponge cakes or fresh fruit salad alongside the mousse make for a balanced, refreshing dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this strawberry mousse recipe in elegant glasses or small mason jars for a chic look. Layer it with granola or crushed nuts for parfait-style desserts, or use it as a filling in crepes for an impressive brunch treat. The possibilities are endless and so much fun to explore!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once prepared, strawberry mousse keeps best covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It’s perfect for making ahead and enjoying later.
Freezing
Freezing strawberry mousse isn’t generally recommended as the texture can be compromised when thawed, often becoming watery or grainy. To keep it light and airy, it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days stored in the fridge.
Reheating
Since this dessert is best served chilled, reheating is not necessary. If anything, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if it’s been chilled too long in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before blending. Fresh strawberries will give the most vibrant flavor and color, but frozen berries work well when fresh aren’t available.
Is there a dairy-free version of this strawberry mousse?
Absolutely! Swap cream cheese and yogurt for coconut cream and non-dairy yogurt alternatives to make this recipe completely dairy-free without losing its delightful creaminess.
How long does the mousse take to set in the fridge?
Usually, chilling the strawberry mousse for at least 2 hours is enough for it to thicken nicely. For the best texture, overnight chilling is ideal.
Can I add gelatin to make it firmer?
While this recipe naturally thickens in the fridge, adding a small amount of gelatin can give a firmer set. However, it’s entirely optional and may change the light, airy texture of a classic mousse.
What can I use instead of powdered sugar?
You can use a sugar-free powdered sweetener or finely ground granulated sugar. Just keep in mind powdered sugar dissolves more easily, ensuring a smooth texture in the mousse.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is truly a gem to keep in your dessert repertoire. Its ease, versatility, and gorgeous flavor make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to sweets for any occasion when you want something special yet effortless.
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and creamy Strawberry Mousse recipe combines the fresh sweetness of strawberries with smooth cream cheese or coconut cream, blended into a fluffy, airy dessert. Perfect for a quick and elegant treat, this mousse can be made with dairy or vegan alternatives, chilled to a luscious texture that delights every bite.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese or coconut cream
- 4 oz yogurt or additional cream cheese or coconut cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar or sugar-free alternative
Fruit
- 5 medium-sized strawberries, stems removed
Optional Flavoring
- 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese or Coconut Cream. If using cream cheese, allow it to come to room temperature to ensure smooth blending. If using coconut cream, open the can and check that the cream is thick and creamy—not hard or flaky—for best texture.
- Puree Strawberries. Remove the stems from the strawberries, then mash or blend them thoroughly until they form a smooth puree without large chunks.
- Combine Ingredients. Add the cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt (or additional cream cheese/coconut cream), powdered sugar (or your chosen sugar-free alternative), and optional vanilla bean paste to the strawberry puree.
- Blend Until Smooth. Use a food processor, blender, or hand mixer to blend all ingredients together until you achieve a completely smooth and airy consistency.
- Chill the Mousse. Transfer the blended mousse to serving dishes, then refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. The mousse will thicken considerably and develop a creamy, fluffy texture as it chills.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use coconut cream and a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- You can substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative to reduce sugar content.
- Make sure cream cheese is softened for easiest blending and smooth texture.
- Strawberry puree can be strained if you want an ultra-smooth mousse without any seeds.
- Refrigerate the mousse for minimum 1 hour to firm up before serving, though longer chilling enhances texture.
- Adjust the sweetness by tasting the mixture before chilling and adding more powdered sugar or sugar alternative as needed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
