If you have a craving for something light, fruity, and utterly delightful, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is just what your dessert dreams are made of. It combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with the creamy smoothness of whipped cream, all brought together by a gentle touch of gelatin to create an airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Whether you’re planning a special occasion or simply want a refreshing end to your meal, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor and elegance that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this wonderfully fluffy strawberry mousse. Each ingredient plays a crucial role—from the fresh strawberries that provide vibrant color and natural sweetness, to the gelatin that ensures a perfectly light but stable texture.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups): Choose ripe and fragrant berries for the best natural flavor and bright red color.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adjust the amount to your taste to balance the natural tartness of the strawberries.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Whipped to soft peaks, it gives the mousse its signature fluffy and creamy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and depth that enhances the strawberry’s sweetness.
- Unflavored gelatin powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the mousse set beautifully without compromising its airy feel.
- Water (3 tablespoons): Used to dissolve the gelatin properly to blend seamlessly into the mousse.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Begin by blending your hulled strawberries until they become a smooth puree. Mixing in granulated sugar and letting this mixture rest for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the strawberries to release their natural juices, giving your mousse a vibrant, juicy foundation.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
While the fruit rests, whip your heavy cream together with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This whipped cream not only adds a luscious creaminess but also incorporates air to keep your mousse delightfully light and fluffy.
Step 3: Fold the Strawberry Puree into the Cream
Carefully folding the sweetened strawberry puree into the whipped cream preserves all the air you’ve just whipped in, preventing the mousse from becoming dense. This gentle step ensures every bite is airy and smooth, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
Step 4: Incorporate the Gelatin
Dissolve the gelatin powder in warm water and let it cool slightly before stirring it into your mousse mixture. This step is crucial as the gelatin will help the mousse set and hold its shape once chilled, while still maintaining the silky texture.
Step 5: Chill and Set the Mousse
Pour your luscious mousse mixture into individual serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least four hours or until fully set. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop further and the mousse to firm up into the perfect consistency.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Adding thoughtful garnishes can elevate your strawberry mousse from simple to spectacular. Fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or even a dusting of powdered sugar create a stunning presentation and an extra burst of flavor that guests will love.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs beautifully with several sides, such as a crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or a refreshing fruit salad. These accompaniments add a lovely contrasting texture and enhance the overall dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the classic glass! Try layering the mousse in a clear jar with crushed cookies or granola for added crunch. Alternatively, serve it in chocolate cups or hollowed-out strawberries for an elegant and playful twist that’s perfect for parties or romantic dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have some leftover mousse, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, maintaining that creamy texture you love.
Freezing
While strawberry mousse is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Be sure to store it in a tightly sealed container. When thawed in the refrigerator, gently stir the mousse before serving to restore some of its original lightness.
Reheating
This dessert is intended to be served chilled, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen mousse to thaw slowly in the fridge to keep its delicate texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery mousse. Frozen strawberries still provide great flavor when fresh berries aren’t available.
Is there a substitute for gelatin in the Strawberry Mousse Recipe?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative. Use it according to the package instructions, but be mindful it may set a bit firmer and needs to be boiled to activate.
How long does the mousse take to set?
Generally, about 4 hours in the refrigerator is sufficient for the mousse to firm up nicely. Overnight chilling is even better if you want to prepare ahead of time.
Can I make the mousse sweeter or less sweet?
Definitely! The sugar amount is flexible. Taste the strawberry puree before folding it into the cream and adjust to your preference to get the perfect balance.
What’s the best container to set the mousse in?
Individual serving glasses or small bowls work wonderfully. They make for an elegant presentation and easier portion control, but you can also use one larger dish if preferred.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so joyful about making and sharing this Strawberry Mousse Recipe. It feels like a little celebration with every spoonful—light, fresh, and sweetly indulgent all at once. I truly hope you give it a try and enjoy the vibrant, creamy goodness that this simple yet sophisticated dessert brings to your table.
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and airy Strawberry Mousse recipe combines fresh strawberries with whipped cream and a delicate touch of gelatin, creating a smooth and creamy dessert perfect for any occasion. The mousse is naturally sweetened with sugar and enhanced by vanilla extract, resulting in a refreshing and delightful treat that serves 4.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Blend Strawberries: Blend the hulled fresh strawberries until smooth. Mix the strawberry puree with granulated sugar and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to macerate and enhance natural sweetness.
- Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form, ensuring a light and airy texture for the mousse.
- Fold Mixtures: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream, carefully combining them while maintaining the airy structure.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Dissolve the unflavored gelatin powder in warm water and allow it to cool slightly. Once cooled but still liquid, fold the gelatin mixture into the strawberry mousse evenly.
- Chill to Set: Pour the mousse into individual serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set and chilled before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, ripe strawberries for natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on the sweetness of the strawberries and personal preference.
- Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before incorporating it into the mousse to avoid lumps.
- Whipping cream in a chilled bowl helps achieve better volume and texture.
- This mousse can be garnished with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves for presentation.
- Can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
