If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a sweet little hug in every spoonful, then this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is absolutely going to win your heart. It’s irresistibly light, delicately creamy, and bursting with the natural freshness of ripe strawberries. Each bite melts effortlessly while delivering just the right amount of tangy sweetness, making it a perfect treat to satisfy your cravings any time of the year. Trust me, once you try this strawberry mousse, it will become one of your favorite go-to desserts that’s both delightfully fancy and surprisingly simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Mousse Recipe lies in its few basic ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From juicy, ripe strawberries to fluffy whipped cream, every component brings its own magic to the table.
- Fresh strawberries: The star of the show, they provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to enhance the strawberries without overpowering them.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the flavor with a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Unflavored gelatin: Gives the mousse its light and airy texture by helping it set gently.
- Cold water: Needed to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves smoothly.
- Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates the mousse’s signature fluffy, creamy consistency.
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves: Optional garnishes that add freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries
Start by tossing those fresh, hulled strawberries into a blender or food processor and blend until you get a smooth puree. This fruity foundation is what makes the mousse so naturally sweet and packed with authentic strawberry goodness.
Step 2: Heat and Sweeten
Pour the strawberry puree into a saucepan and stir in the granulated sugar along with a splash of fresh lemon juice. Warm this mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is pleasantly warm—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps marry the flavors and soften the berries just enough for a perfect mousse base.
Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle your unflavored gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This “blooming” process softens the gelatin granules so they melt perfectly when added, guaranteeing a smooth, set mousse without lumps.
Step 4: Combine and Cool
Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture until it’s fully dissolved. Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature. This cooling step is crucial to ensure that the gelatin sets properly once combined with the whipped cream.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
Take a large mixing bowl and whip the heavy cream until it reaches soft peaks. This means when you lift your whisk, the cream should softly hold its shape without being too stiff. The whipped cream is what gives the mousse its delightful lightness and creamy texture.
Step 6: Fold and Chill
Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate all the air you just whipped in. Once smooth and evenly colored, spoon the mousse into pretty serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set to a deliciously fluffy firmness.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates the charm of a strawberry mousse quite like a few fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of mint. These simple garnishes add visual appeal and a refreshing aroma that complements the mousse’s creamy sweetness, making each serving look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This strawberry mousse pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments such as crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or even a drizzle of dark chocolate sauce. These sides add texture contrast and create an indulgent dessert experience without overpowering the delicate mousse.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer the mousse in tall glasses with crushed graham crackers or fresh berry compote for a parfait effect. You can also pipe the mousse using a star tip for elegant swirls, or serve it atop a thin cookie crust for an easy no-bake tart that will impress your guests with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any strawberry mousse left, cover the containers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and creamy for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead dessert for busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze strawberry mousse, but be aware that the texture might change slightly upon thawing since whipped cream can separate. If you want to freeze it, pop it into a freezer-safe container with a tight lid and thaw slowly in the fridge before serving to help it regain some of its original texture.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled mousse, reheating is not recommended. The best way to enjoy it is cold straight from the fridge, where its refreshing, airy texture truly shines.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Mousse Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. Frozen strawberries can work well and still deliver that fresh, flavorful result.
What can I substitute for gelatin in this recipe?
If you want a vegetarian alternative, agar-agar powder is a good substitute but requires a slightly different preparation. Expect a firmer texture, so adjust the quantity accordingly and follow package instructions.
How long does the strawberry mousse need to chill?
Refrigerating for at least 2 hours is essential to allow the mousse to set properly. If you can wait longer, chilling overnight results in even better texture and flavor melding.
Can I make this Strawberry Mousse Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap heavy cream for coconut cream or another dairy-free whipping cream alternative. Keep in mind this may alter the flavor and texture slightly but still make a delicious dessert.
Is it necessary to strain the strawberry puree?
Straining is optional but recommended if you prefer a silky smooth mousse without strawberry seeds. It’s worth the extra step if you’re aiming for an elegant, refined texture.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is a perfect blend of luscious flavor and feather-light texture that is sure to delight anyone who tries it. Its simplicity in ingredients and steps makes it a wonderful dessert for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. So go ahead, grab those fresh strawberries and whip up this crowd-pleaser—you’re going to make some seriously happy smiles around your table!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and airy Strawberry Mousse is a delightful no-bake dessert made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a touch of gelatin for the perfect set. Sweetened with sugar and brightened with lemon juice, it’s an easy summer treat that can be prepared ahead and chilled until ready to serve. Garnished with fresh strawberries and mint leaves, it’s a refreshing and visually appealing dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh strawberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Puree the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the hulled and chopped strawberries until smooth to create a vibrant base for the mousse.
- Heat Strawberry Mixture: Pour the strawberry puree into a saucepan, then stir in the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water and let it sit undisturbed for 5 minutes, allowing it to absorb the liquid and bloom properly.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture until completely dissolved to ensure the mousse will set firmly.
- Cool Mixture: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the strawberry mixture to cool to room temperature, preventing the whipped cream from melting when folded in.
- Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, which means the cream holds a gentle peak without becoming stiff or grainy.
- Fold Mixtures: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, combining fully but carefully to maintain the airy texture.
- Chill the Mousse: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set and chilled.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the mousse with fresh strawberries and mint leaves if desired for a fresh and colorful presentation.
Notes
- For a smoother mousse texture, strain the strawberry puree before heating to remove seeds.
- If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained can be used as a substitute.
- This mousse can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated to save time.
- Use cold heavy cream for better whipping results.
