If you are looking for a delightful, airy treat that bursts with fresh, fruity flavor, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a heavenly dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the lightness of whipped cream, resulting in a smooth, creamy mousse that feels like summer on your tongue. Whether you want a quick no-bake dessert or something elegant to impress guests, this recipe is incredibly approachable and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Mousse Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a vital role, from the fresh strawberries packing in flavor to the gelatin that gives the mousse its signature light yet firm texture.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped): Freshness is key for vibrant flavor and beautiful color in your mousse.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the strawberries gently without overpowering them.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy freshness that enhances the berry’s natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin: Essential for setting the mousse to just the right consistency.
- 2 tablespoons cold water: Helps bloom the gelatin for smooth incorporation into the mousse.
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream: Creates a rich, fluffy base that makes the mousse melt in your mouth.
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and stabilizes the whipped cream for a perfect texture.
- Fresh strawberries and mint for garnish (optional): A pretty finishing touch that adds freshness and visual appeal.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Purée the Strawberries
Begin by placing the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook them gently, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries become soft and syrupy—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once the mixture reaches this luscious state, remove it from the heat and blend until smooth. This purée forms the vibrant fruity base of your mousse, bringing a burst of freshness in every bite.
Step 2: Bloom and Dissolve the Gelatin
While the strawberry purée cools slightly, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for five minutes to fully bloom—this step is crucial to achieve that light yet firm texture in your mousse. Gently stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry purée, ensuring it dissolves completely without lumps. Then, allow this mixture to cool to room temperature before moving on.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream along with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. This whipped cream adds airy richness that balances perfectly with the tangy strawberry base. Be careful not to over-whip—soft peaks mean that the cream holds its shape but still feels luscious and smooth.
Step 4: Fold and Chill
Now for the most satisfying part: folding the cooled strawberry purée gently into the whipped cream until the mixture is fully combined and luxuriously smooth. This gentle folding keeps the mousse airy rather than dense. Once blended, spoon the mixture into elegant glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least two hours. This chilling time lets the mousse set beautifully, ready to be enjoyed.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing elevates this Strawberry Mousse Recipe like simple, fresh garnishes. A few sliced fresh strawberries on top add extra burst and color, while a sprig of mint provides a lovely aroma and a splash of green. These touches make the mousse look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve this mousse with some crisp shortbread cookies or a buttery biscuit for a lovely contrast in texture. It also pairs brilliantly with a light fruit salad or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent experience. These sides keep the dessert feeling light and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stylish presentation, layer the strawberry mousse with crushed ladyfingers or granola in parfait glasses. Alternatively, pipe the mousse decoratively into small dessert cups for an elegant party platter. Using clear glassware lets the vibrant pink color shine through, making your dessert tablescape truly inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry mousse keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days when stored in an airtight container. This short timeframe ensures it stays fresh and maintains its delicate texture without becoming watery or grainy.
Freezing
Because of its whipped cream content, freezing this mousse is not ideal as it can alter the texture, causing separation upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating is not necessary and would compromise the mousse’s texture. Instead, serve it straight from the fridge for the best, most refreshing experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries yield the best flavor and texture, you can substitute frozen strawberries. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid, which could affect the mousse’s consistency.
Is there a vegan alternative to gelatin for this Strawberry Mousse Recipe?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a plant-based substitute. Keep in mind the setting process differs slightly, so follow the agar-agar package instructions closely.
How long does it take for the mousse to set properly?
At least two hours of chilling in the refrigerator is recommended to allow the gelatin to firm up the mousse to the perfect airy but stable texture.
Can I prepare this mousse in advance for a party?
Absolutely! This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare it the day before and keep it refrigerated until serving for a stress-free dessert.
What can I do to make the mousse smoother?
For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the puréed strawberries before adding the gelatin. This removes seeds and pulp, leaving you with a silky mousse.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is a little slice of dessert heaven that’s easy to make and a joy to eat. Its light texture and fresh flavor make it a crowd-pleaser that fits any occasion, whether a casual gathering or a festive celebration. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, and friends and family will adore how it tastes. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French-American
- Diet: Gluten Free,Vegetarian
Description
This light and airy Strawberry Mousse is a delightful no-bake dessert combining fresh strawberries with whipped cream and a hint of lemon. Perfectly sweetened and set with gelatin, it offers a smooth, creamy texture that melts in your mouth. Ideal for summer gatherings and make-ahead entertaining, this French-American inspired mousse is gluten-free and vegetarian, garnished with fresh strawberries and mint for a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Whipped Cream
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh strawberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are soft and syrupy. Remove from heat and purée the mixture using a blender or immersion blender until smooth.
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry purée until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth, being careful not to deflate the cream.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the puréed strawberries before adding the gelatin to remove seeds and pulp.
- This mousse is light, fruity, and perfect for prepare-ahead entertaining.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a firmer mousse, you can increase the gelatin to 1.5 teaspoons.
