If you dream of a pink, pillowy dessert that bursts with berry flavor in every bite, then Strawberry Mousse is about to be your new go-to sweet treat. This creamy confection is a celebration of strawberries at their vibrant best, lightly whipped with cream and a hint of vanilla for a smooth, cloudlike texture that feels downright magical on your tongue. Whether you’re hosting an elegant dinner party or simply craving a cheerful finish to a weeknight meal, Strawberry Mousse delivers pure joy and plenty of fresh flavor—all in a no-bake package that’s stunningly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mousse Base:
- 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries
Start by tossing your hulled and halved strawberries into a blender or food processor. Blend until they’re completely smooth and fuchsia-hued. If you like your mousse perfectly silky, you can press this puree through a fine-mesh sieve to strain out the seeds, though it’s totally optional!
Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Mixture
Pour the strawberry puree into a saucepan and stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring often enough to prevent sticking. The sugar will melt right in, and you’ll notice the mixture thicken slightly with a lush, jam-like aroma inviting you to sample a taste. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Step 3: Bloom and Add the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water and set it aside to bloom for 5 minutes. This gives the gelatin time to absorb the water and plump up, making sure it dissolves easily. Pop the bloomed gelatin in the microwave for just 10–15 seconds to dissolve it fully, then pour it straight into your warm strawberry mixture and stir until completely blended
Step 4: Cool the Strawberry Base
Let the strawberry mixture cool to room temperature—this usually takes about 15 minutes. It should still be fluid but not hot, so that when you fold it into the cream later, everything stays delightfully fluffy instead of runny.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
Now comes the fun part! In a cold mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. The secret to a dreamy mousse is making sure your cream is icy-cold before you start, giving you those beautiful, stable peaks every time.
Step 6: Fold Everything Together
Gently spoon the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, folding with a spatula in slow, even motions. You want to keep all that lovely air in the cream, so take your time merging the two until there are no streaks left and the mousse is a unified pink cloud.
Step 7: Chill the Strawberry Mousse
Portion your finished mousse into serving glasses or bowls, cover with plastic wrap, and let them chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The Strawberry Mousse will set beautifully and be extra refreshing and light, ready for your favorite toppings and eager spoons.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
This is one dessert that loves a little flourish! Fresh strawberry slices, sprigs of mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar all complement Strawberry Mousse perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, try chocolate curls or a dollop of whipped cream to dress it up even more for special occasions.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded dessert spread, pair your Strawberry Mousse with thin butter cookies, crisp biscotti, or even petite vanilla Madeleines. These treats add texture contrast and soak up any extra strawberry goodness left in the cup!
Creative Ways to Present
Individual glass jars, stemless wine glasses, or tiny ramekins make this Strawberry Mousse looks absolutely stunning and inviting. Layer with a little crumbled cookie base, or swirl in a spoonful of strawberry jam for a picture-perfect (and flavor-boosted) presentation. Want to really impress? Pipe the mousse into hollowed-out strawberries for adorable bite-sized delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry Mousse keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days. Cover each serving tightly with plastic wrap or a well-fitting lid to prevent the mousse from absorbing any fridge odors and keep it tasting fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze Strawberry Mousse in airtight containers for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw slowly in the refrigerator. The texture may change slightly, but it’s still lovely—almost like a strawberry semifreddo!
Reheating
This isn’t a dessert you want to zap in the microwave (save that for the gelatin step). Strawberry Mousse is best enjoyed cold and straight from the fridge. If it’s frozen, let it defrost overnight in the refrigerator for the best consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Mousse?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing. Frozen strawberries can even intensify the flavor if they’re picked at peak ripeness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?
You can substitute powdered agar-agar for gelatin; just check the packaging for the right ratio and make sure to dissolve it fully in the puree for a smooth set.
What’s the secret to a super-smooth mousse?
Straining the strawberry puree before cooking will remove the seeds and pulp, resulting in a creamier, almost silk-like texture. This little extra step is totally worth it if you’re a texture fanatic.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time for a party?
Yes! In fact, Strawberry Mousse is even better after a few hours in the fridge. You can make it up to a day in advance, freeing you up to focus on your guests or the rest of the meal.
Is Strawberry Mousse gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you check the labels of your gelatin and flavorings, this dessert is naturally gluten-free. It’s a great option for guests with dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Nothing says spring and summer quite like a spoonful of fresh, homemade Strawberry Mousse. Each creamy bite is a reminder of how a few simple ingredients can turn into something truly spectacular. Give it a try and watch this dreamy dessert become an instant favorite at your table!
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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 perfect no-bake dessert for any occasion. Made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, this mousse is a refreshing and elegant treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mousse Base:
- 1 ½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a blender, puree strawberries until smooth. Cook puree with sugar and lemon juice until slightly thickened. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: Bloom gelatin in water, dissolve in microwave, then stir into strawberry mixture. Let cool.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream to stiff peaks.
- Combine: Gently fold cooled strawberry mixture into whipped cream.
- Chill: Spoon mousse into serving glasses and chill for at least 2 hours.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree before cooking.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or mint leaves before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 small glass
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
