If you are on the lookout for a delightful treat that balances sweet fruitiness with an airy, velvety texture, then look no further than this Strawberry Mousse – A Sweet and Light Summer Dessert Recipe. It captures the essence of summer in every spoonful, offering a refreshing and elegant finish to any meal. Whether you crave a quick dessert for a casual dinner or an impressive finale for a special occasion, this strawberry mousse blends fresh berries, creamy whipped layers, and a touch of gentle sweetness to create pure magic. The best part is that it is light enough to enjoy without feeling heavy, making it one of my absolute favorite go-to summer desserts to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this strawberry mousse lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh and wholesome ingredients, each one plays a vital role in building that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dessert so irresistible.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: The star of the show, these provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and that unmistakable strawberry flavor.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that lets the strawberry taste shine without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Whipped to soft peaks, cream gives the mousse its cloud-like texture and richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: A subtle warm note that enhances the natural berry flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese: Adds a delightful tang and creaminess that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (optional): Useful if you want a firmer, more structured mousse.
- Whipped cream: For garnishing, making each serving extra festive.
- Fresh strawberry slices or berries: For a fresh and tasty finishing touch.
- Chocolate shavings or mint leaves (optional): Adds a hint of sophistication and contrasting flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse – A Sweet and Light Summer Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Start by hulling and chopping your fresh strawberries into manageable pieces. Pop them into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they are thawed properly and drained well to avoid excess moisture, which can water down the mousse. This fresh puree is the foundation of your mousse’s vibrant flavor and color, so using ripe, juicy berries will truly make a difference.
Step 2: Whip the Heavy Cream
Next, whip your heavy cream using an electric mixer until soft peaks form. The cream should be light and airy but not over-whipped into butter. This step is crucial because it brings that signature fluffiness to the mousse, balancing the dense fruity puree with silky lightness.
Step 3: Mix the Strawberry Ingredients
Combine the strawberry puree, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl, stirring gently until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture is fragrant. Then, add the Greek yogurt or cream cheese to the mixture; these ingredients bring a delicious tang and creaminess that make this mousse uniquely refreshing and delightful.
Step 4: Add Gelatin for Firmer Texture (Optional)
If you prefer a mousse with a bit more structure, dissolve 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm water until completely dissolved. Stir this gently into the strawberry mixture, which will help the mousse set well in the refrigerator while still staying delightfully soft. This step is optional but highly recommended for serving in elegant dishes where presentation matters.
Step 5: Fold in the Whipped Cream
Now, carefully fold the whipped cream into your strawberry mixture using a spatula. The goal here is to combine everything without deflating the whipped cream too much—light, airy texture is the heart of a perfect mousse. This folding step transforms the dense fruity base into a luscious, cloud-like dessert.
Step 6: Chill the Mousse
Spoon or pour the mousse into individual serving dishes or a large bowl, then refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the mousse to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy. This waiting time is a small price to pay for a dessert that tastes as heavenly as this one.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, add a final flourish by garnishing each portion with a dollop of whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, and if you like, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings or fresh mint leaves. The garnishes provide nice contrasts in texture and color, elevating your strawberry mousse into something really special.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse – A Sweet and Light Summer Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing this mousse makes all the difference—it adds visual appeal and extra layers of flavor. Fresh strawberry slices not only echo the star ingredient but also add a juicy bite, while whipped cream gives a creamy, elegant finish. For a subtle twist, sprinkle chocolate shavings or brighten the dish with cool mint leaves to tantalize the senses before the first spoonful.
Side Dishes
This strawberry mousse pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. Think crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or even a fresh fruit salad to complement the mousse’s delicate sweetness without overwhelming it. Serving alongside these lighter bites ensures the mousse remains the shining star of your dessert course.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is part of the fun with this dessert. Serve it in glass parfait cups layered with crushed graham crackers or toasted almonds for a textural twist. Alternatively, use elegant martini glasses or small mason jars for a casual but charming look. Adding edible flowers or a dusting of powdered sugar can make your strawberry mousse look absolutely irresistible on any table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, the mousse keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and prevent it from picking up any fridge odors. Gently stir before serving if any liquid separation occurs.
Freezing
While it’s tempting to freeze this dessert, freezing isn’t ideal as the smooth, airy texture of the strawberry mousse can change and become grainy upon thawing. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh from the fridge rather than freezing it.
Reheating
This mousse is best served chilled and should not be reheated. Its delicate airy composition would be compromised by heat, and you would lose the delightful cool creaminess that makes this dessert so perfect for summer.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well as long as you thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This helps maintain the mousse’s texture and prevents it from becoming watery.
Is gelatin necessary in this recipe?
Gelatin is optional. It helps the mousse set and firm up, which is especially helpful if you want a more structured dessert. Without gelatin, your mousse will still be delicious but softer and more spoonable.
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?
Yes! Cream cheese is a great alternative that provides a similar creamy tang. You could also try mascarpone for an even richer flavor, but the texture might be slightly denser.
How long does it take to prepare this dessert?
The active preparation only takes about 10 minutes, but you should factor in at least 2 to 3 hours chilling time for the mousse to set properly before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely. This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings. You can easily double or triple the ingredients to accommodate larger groups without sacrificing quality or taste.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so enchanting about this Strawberry Mousse – A Sweet and Light Summer Dessert Recipe that makes it a must-try for any dessert lover. Its perfect harmony of fresh fruit, creamy texture, and gentle sweetness make it the ideal way to celebrate warm weather or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you make it, this mousse will become one of your favorite summer classics too. So grab those strawberries and whip up a batch—you won’t regret sharing this delightful treat!
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Strawberry Mousse – A Sweet and Light Summer Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Mousse is a sweet, light, and refreshing summer dessert made from fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and Greek yogurt or cream cheese. This no-cook mousse features a smooth, airy texture with a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and creamy tanginess, ideal for a cool treat on warm days.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mousse
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (you can also use frozen strawberries)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (optional, for a firmer mousse)
Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Fresh strawberry slices or berries
- Chocolate shavings or mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Hull and chop the strawberries, then puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. If using frozen strawberries, thaw them first, drain any excess moisture, and then puree.
- Whip Cream: Using an electric mixer set to medium-high speed, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Take care to avoid over-whipping to maintain a light texture.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pureed strawberries, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Add Greek yogurt or cream cheese and mix until the blend is smooth and homogeneous.
- Dissolve Gelatin (Optional): Dissolve the unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm water until fully dissolved, then stir this into the strawberry mixture to help the mousse set firmer.
- Fold Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture using a spatula, preserving the airy texture without deflating the cream.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, decorate with additional whipped cream, fresh strawberry slices, and optionally, chocolate shavings or mint leaves. Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar.
- For a firmer mousse, use gelatin; omit it if you prefer a softer, more delicate texture.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with cream cheese for a richer tangy flavor.
- If using frozen strawberries, ensure they are well thawed and drained to prevent watery mousse.
- Refrigerate mousse for at least 2-3 hours to achieve ideal consistency.
- Optional garnishes like chocolate shavings or mint leaves add visual appeal and complementary flavors.
