If there’s one dessert that perfectly captures the bright freshness of summer in every spoonful, it’s Strawberry Mousse. This airy, creamy treat is bursting with real strawberry flavor, a hint of lemon, and pillowy clouds of whipped cream, all held together with just a whisper of gelatin. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply want to treat yourself on a sunny day, this is a dessert that always impresses—yet it’s surprisingly easy to make from scratch in your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish:
- Extra strawberries and mint for garnish (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries
Start by blending the strawberries with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until you have a silky puree. This step transforms simple strawberries into a vibrant base, infused with just enough sweetness and the brightness of lemon to really make them sing.
Step 2: Cook the Puree
Pour your sweet strawberry puree into a saucepan and gently cook over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir occasionally; this not only intensifies the berry flavor but also helps the mixture thicken ever so slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat, and allow it to cool while you prep the gelatin.
Step 3: Bloom and Add Gelatin
Grab a small bowl and sprinkle the gelatin over cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it turns spongy—that’s called “blooming.” Stir the softened gelatin right into the warm strawberry puree until it’s completely dissolved. This ensures your Strawberry Mousse will set perfectly with no lumps or gritty bits—just pure creamy texture.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff, cloud-like peaks. Taking a moment here really pays off because this fluffy whipped cream is what gives the mousse its signature airy lift.
Step 5: Combine and Chill
Let your strawberry mixture cool to room temperature, then gently fold it into the whipped cream in two or three batches. Fold slowly to keep as much air in the mousse as possible—this is what makes each bite so dreamy. Spoon the finished mousse into glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until beautifully set. That wait might feel impossibly long, but it’s so worth it!
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
A Strawberry Mousse feels instantly special when topped with artful garnishes. Try fanning fresh strawberry slices over each serving, adding a sprig of mint, or dusting with a little powdered sugar or shaved white chocolate for a lovely contrast. Not only is it delicious, but it also turns your mousse into a showstopper on the table.
Side Dishes
This mousse is light enough to pair beautifully with buttery shortbread cookies or crisp almond biscotti. For a classic French-inspired experience, serve it alongside delicate madeleines or a platter of assorted berries. The subtle sweetness of the mousse marries well with just about any mild, crisp cookie or light fruit accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the traditional by layering your Strawberry Mousse in parfait glasses with crushed cookies, fresh berries, or even a layer of lemon curd at the bottom for a surprise. For parties, spoon the mousse into tiny jars or shot glasses for elegant mini-desserts. Or, tuck a homemade tuile or a biscotti right into the glass for a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Strawberry Mousse can be covered and refrigerated for up to three days. Make sure your containers are airtight to keep the mousse fresh and protect it from absorbing any fridge odors. Pressing a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the mousse helps prevent a skin from forming.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, be mindful that the texture may change slightly, becoming less airy once thawed. If you do freeze, store the mousse in freezer-safe containers and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight for the closest return to its original texture. Avoid re-whipping after thawing as this can make it grainy.
Reheating
This is one dessert you never want to actually reheat! Strawberry Mousse is meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. If it’s a little too firm, just let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving for the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Mousse with frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen strawberries completely and drain off any excess liquid before blending. The flavor is just as intense—and it means you can enjoy Strawberry Mousse even when berries aren’t in season.
Is it possible to make this mousse vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Swap out the gelatin for a vegetarian alternative like agar agar. Use the equivalent amount based on your product’s instructions, and dissolve it thoroughly into the warm puree to make sure your mousse sets nicely.
Can I make Strawberry Mousse ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. In fact, making it a day ahead is ideal as it needs a couple hours to set in the fridge. Just keep the garnishes separate and add them right before serving for the freshest look.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem—a strong blender works just as well for pureeing the strawberries. If you like your mousse extra silky, you can also press the puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove any seeds before cooking.
Can I use another fruit for this mousse?
Absolutely! The method works beautifully with raspberries, blackberries, or even mango. Just use the same proportions and adjust sugar and lemon juice to match the sweetness and tartness of your chosen fruit.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse is truly one of those desserts that delights every time. Light, creamy, and full of fresh flavor, it’s perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to add a little sweetness to your day. Give it a try—you’re going to love just how easy and rewarding homemade mousse can be!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the light and airy delight of this Strawberry Mousse. This easy, no-bake dessert is a perfect balance of sweet strawberries and fluffy cream, making it a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish:
- Extra strawberries and mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Puree the Strawberries: In a blender, mix strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla until smooth. Cook in a saucepan until thickened.
- Prepare Gelatin: Bloom gelatin in water, then add to the warm strawberry puree. Let cool.
- Whip Cream: Beat heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Fold in the strawberry mixture.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into glasses, refrigerate for 2 hours, and garnish with strawberries and mint.
Notes
- You can use frozen strawberries—just thaw and drain before using.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for the whipping cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
