This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is the ultimate dreamy dessert for anyone who loves the delicate balance of sweet, tangy strawberries and creamy, airy mousse. With just a handful of wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up a showstopping treat that’s equally perfect for family gatherings or as a special weeknight surprise. Light and luxurious, this mousse is every bit as lovely to eat as it is to look at — a celebration of summer flavors any time of year!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberry Puree:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Gelatin Mixture:
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries
Begin by placing your hulled and halved strawberries into a blender or food processor. Puree until completely smooth — the smoother you get it now, the silkier your Strawberry Mousse Recipe will be in the end.
Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Mixture
Transfer the fresh strawberry puree to a saucepan and stir in the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want it heated through and the sugar fully dissolved, but without boiling — this keeps the fruity flavors vibrant.
Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin
Set aside a small bowl and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit quietly for around 5 minutes. This blooming process softens the gelatin and makes sure it’ll melt seamlessly into your mousse, avoiding any unwanted lumps.
Step 4: Combine Gelatin and Strawberry Mixture
Once your gelatin is nicely bloomed, stir it directly into the warm strawberry mixture. Mix until the gelatin is fully dissolved — this is an important step for ensuring your mousse sets with that perfect, airy texture.
Step 5: Cool the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside the strawberry-gelatin mixture to cool to room temperature. Patience is key here! A cooled mixture blends beautifully with whipped cream without deflating it.
Step 6: Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, pour in your heavy cream and vanilla extract. Beat this duo until stiff peaks form — the whipped cream should hold its shape and look glossy. This is what gives your Strawberry Mousse Recipe that cloudlike finish.
Step 7: Fold Everything Together
Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and make sure to keep things light — the trick is not to overmix, so you preserve all that airy fluffiness.
Step 8: Chill and Set
Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or cups, and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chill time lets the mousse set. Serve when they’re delightfully cold and perfectly creamy!
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish transforms your Strawberry Mousse Recipe from simple to stunning. A few fresh strawberry slices, a little sprig of mint, or a playful swirl of whipped cream on top adds color, aroma, and a lovely finishing touch your guests will adore.
Side Dishes
This mousse is lovely on its own, but if you’d like to create a dessert spread, consider pairing it with other light options. Crisp butter cookies, ladyfingers, or a bowl of mixed berries all make wonderful, not-too-sweet companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl! Try layering the mousse and crumbled shortbread in cute jars for a fun picnic treat, or pipe it into chocolate cups for elegant handheld desserts. Small glasses, ramekins, or even shot glasses all make delightful presentations that show off those gorgeous pink swirls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Strawberry Mousse Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or lids, and store in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it ideal for dessert prep ahead of time or an indulgent snack the next day.
Freezing
If you want to make mousse well in advance, you can freeze it. Spoon into airtight, freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy — the texture might be a bit firmer, but still absolutely delicious.
Reheating
Mousse is best served chilled, so no reheating is necessary! Just let it come to fridge temperature if thawing from the freezer, and enjoy it cold and creamy as intended.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Mousse Recipe without gelatin?
While gelatin gives the mousse its classic airy set, you could substitute with agar-agar powder if you need a vegetarian alternative. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still get a wonderfully fluffy result!
How do I get an extra smooth mousse?
If you want your mousse silky-smooth, simply strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve before cooking. This removes the seeds and gives a more elegant, uniform texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries in Strawberry Mousse Recipe?
Absolutely! If fresh berries aren’t in season, thawed frozen strawberries work just as well. Be sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid watering down the flavor.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for guests with dietary restrictions. As always, check labels for the gelatin and other ingredients just to be sure.
Can I double the Strawberry Mousse Recipe for a party?
Of course! This recipe easily scales up — just multiply ingredients as necessary and prepare in larger batches. Serve in individual mini cups or in a big bowl for easy scooping.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about creating a dessert that feels as light and cheerful as a summer day, and this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is exactly that. Give it a try and savor the blend of fresh fruit, cream, and a little kitchen magic. Your friends and family will be asking for seconds before you know it!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the light and airy delight of this Strawberry Mousse recipe. Made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, this no-bake dessert is a perfect combination of fruity sweetness and creamy goodness, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberry Puree:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled and halved)
Sugar Mixture:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Gelatin Mixture:
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Puree the Strawberries: Blend or process the strawberries until smooth.
- Cook the Strawberry Mixture: Combine puree, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Cook until hot and sugar dissolves.
- Prepare Gelatin: Bloom gelatin in cold water, then add to warm strawberry mixture.
- Cool and Whip Cream: Beat cream and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
- Combine and Chill: Fold strawberry mixture into whipped cream. Chill for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Spoon into cups and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree before cooking.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, mint, or whipped cream for serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
