If you’re looking to wow your friends with a dessert that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds, then the Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This luscious, airy mousse combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with a touch of vanilla and a velvety whipped cream base, all topped with a vibrant, fresh strawberry sauce. It’s a perfect balance of light yet rich textures that make every spoonful feel like a summer celebration. Whether you’re treating yourself or entertaining guests, this recipe brings fresh flavors and elegance in one dreamy dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. A handful of fresh ingredients come together to build layers of texture and bursts of flavor, making the whole experience memorable.
- Heavy cream: Provides the light, fluffy texture that defines a mousse.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream smoothly without any graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth to the mousse’s flavor profile.
- Fresh strawberries (for puree): Brings vibrant color and authentic strawberry flavor.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the puree and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Gelatin powder: Helps set the mousse with a delicate, creamy firmness.
- Water: Activates the gelatin for smooth incorporation.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the sauce while helping to soften the strawberries.
- Fresh strawberries (sliced): Used in the sauce for a fresh, natural finish with texture.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whip the Cream
Start by pouring 1 cup of heavy cream into a medium bowl along with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat them on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. This whipped cream will provide a luxuriously airy base that gives the mousse its signature fluffiness, so be patient and don’t overbeat!
Step 2: Bloom and Dissolve the Gelatin
Next, we’ll activate the gelatin by mixing 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder with 2 tablespoons of water in a small saucepan. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes — this step lets the gelatin absorb the water and swell, which ensures a smooth finish. After blooming, gently heat the mixture over low heat until the gelatin completely dissolves. Set it aside to cool to room temperature so it won’t shock the next step.
Step 3: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Take 1 1/2 cups of fresh strawberries and puree them in a blender or food processor until silky smooth. Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice — it’ll add a subtle zing to balance the strawberries’ natural sweetness and preserve that gorgeous bright hue.
Step 4: Combine Gelatin and Strawberry Puree
Once your gelatin has cooled, gently fold it into the strawberry puree. This delicate folding ensures the gelatin blends evenly without clumps or lumps, setting the mousse just right while retaining its velvety texture.
Step 5: Fold Puree into Whipped Cream
Carefully fold the strawberry and gelatin mixture into the whipped cream. The key here is gentle folding — you want to keep as much air in the mousse as possible so it stays light and fluffy, while mixing the flavors evenly for a consistent taste.
Step 6: Chill the Mousse
Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or bowls and refrigerate for at least two hours. This resting time lets it fully set into a silky, mousse-like consistency that will melt in your mouth with every bite.
Step 7: Make the Fresh Strawberry Sauce
While the mousse chills, use 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of sliced fresh strawberries in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the strawberries soften into a glossy sauce. Let this cool to room temperature — this fresh sauce adds a fruity lift and a touch of natural sweetness on top of the mousse.
Step 8: Serve with Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Once the mousse is set, drizzle each serving with your delicious fresh strawberry sauce. The contrast of textures and temperatures between the smooth mousse and fresh, slightly warm sauce is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look and flavor of your mousse with garnishes like a few fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of fresh mint, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These little touches add freshness and visual appeal, making your dessert feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This strawberry mousse pairs beautifully with a crisp, buttery cookie or a light almond biscotti on the side. The crunch contrasts perfectly with the soft mousse, adding an element of fun texture to each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Deliver a wow factor by serving your Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe in clear glasses or layered jars. You can even alternate layers of mousse with pieces of pound cake or crushed cookies for a layered dessert that’s stunning and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The mousse will maintain its light texture, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor its delicate flavor and airy consistency.
Freezing
Freezing is generally not recommended for this mousse, as it can affect the texture when thawed, making it less airy and more watery. For best results, enjoy this dessert fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
This mousse is best served chilled and should never be reheated. Serving it cold maintains its luxurious texture and fresh, vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for their flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid watering down the mousse.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?
Yes! You can substitute gelatin with agar-agar powder, which is plant-based. However, be aware that agar sets differently, so you’ll want to follow specific instructions to achieve the same mousse consistency.
Can I make this mousse dairy-free?
You can try swapping heavy cream for a coconut cream or another non-dairy whipping cream substitute. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and lighter in dairy content.
How long should the mousse be refrigerated before serving?
Refrigerating the mousse for at least 2 hours is essential to let it set properly. If you have more time, chilling it for up to 4 hours will give you even firmer results without compromising the texture.
Can I prepare the strawberry sauce a day ahead?
Absolutely! The strawberry sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a gentle stir before drizzling to refresh its texture.
Final Thoughts
Making the Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe is truly a joy, from the first fresh strawberry you blend to the final drizzle of sauce on the silky mousse. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to prepare. I can’t wait for you to try it and share that bright, luscious strawberry goodness with everyone you love. Trust me, it’s one dessert you’ll keep going back to again and again.
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Strawberry Mousse with Fresh Strawberry Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 5m
- Total Time: 2h 20m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and airy Strawberry Mousse with a homemade strawberry sauce is a delightful dessert perfect for any occasion. The mousse combines whipped cream, pureed fresh strawberries, and a gentle gelatin set for a creamy texture, complemented by a sweet and tangy strawberry sauce made from fresh strawberries and sugar. Easy to prepare and elegantly presented, it’s a refreshing treat that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Mousse
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons water
Strawberry Sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions
- Prepare whipped cream: In a medium bowl, pour 1 cup of heavy cream and add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream and sugar on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Set the whipped cream aside in the refrigerator to keep it cool.
- Bloom gelatin: In a small saucepan, combine 1 tablespoon of gelatin powder with 2 tablespoons of water. Allow the gelatin to bloom for about 5 minutes, letting it absorb the water and swell.
- Dissolve gelatin: After blooming, heat the gelatin mixture over low heat until the gelatin dissolves completely. Remove from heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Make strawberry puree: In a blender or food processor, puree 1 1/2 cups of fresh strawberries until smooth. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and mix until combined.
- Combine gelatin and puree: Once the gelatin mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the strawberry puree, making sure everything is well incorporated.
- Fold in whipped cream: Carefully fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the whipped cream to maintain the light texture.
- Chill mousse: Spoon the mousse mixture into individual serving cups or bowls. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours, or until it has fully set.
- Prepare strawberry sauce: While the mousse is setting, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/2 cup of sliced fresh strawberries in a small saucepan. Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the strawberries have softened. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
- Serve: After the mousse has set, drizzle the strawberry sauce over the top of each serving. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin cools to room temperature before folding into the strawberry puree to avoid curdling the mixture.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best sweetness and flavor in both mousse and sauce.
- For a firmer mousse, allow it to chill for up to 4 hours.
- If gelatin is unavailable, agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute, but adjust quantities accordingly.
- This dessert is best served chilled and consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
