Strawberry Mousse Recipe
If you’re looking for a dreamy, light dessert that lets sweet summer berries truly shine, Strawberry Mousse is bound to steal your heart. This classic treat blends juicy strawberries, fluffy clouds of whipped cream, and just the right touch of brightness from lemon, creating a mousse that’s both elegant and downright irresistible. Whether served in sparkling glasses for a celebration or savored as a simple weeknight dessert, Strawberry Mousse is a delightful way to taste the season’s best in every silky, fruit-filled spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Mousse:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries and mint (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Cook and Purée the Strawberries
Start by placing your chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir everything together and let those berries bubble away for around 5 to 7 minutes, until they become soft, juicy, and irresistible. Remove from the heat and blend the mixture until completely smooth, breathing in that glorious strawberry aroma!
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit without stirring for about 5 minutes. This “blooming” time allows the gelatin to fully hydrate, making it melt seamlessly into your strawberry purée later on.
Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatin
While the strawberry mixture is still slightly warm, stir in your now-bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. The heat ensures the gelatin melts evenly, helping your Strawberry Mousse set with a perfectly airy texture.
Step 4: Cool the Strawberry Mixture
Let your pureed strawberry and gelatin mix cool to room temperature. This important step keeps your whipped cream from deflating when everything is folded together, ensuring the mousse stays feather-light.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
In a separate, clean bowl, whip your heavy cream and powdered sugar together until soft peaks form—stop mixing just before it gets too stiff, so your Strawberry Mousse stays ultra-silky and smooth.
Step 6: Fold Everything Together
Now for the fun part! Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and be as gentle as you can, treating the mixture like you’re folding a fluffy pillow. Once it’s fully combined and the color is even, your mousse is ready for its final setting.
Step 7: Chill and Serve
Spoon the mousse into glasses or serving bowls, cover, and pop them into the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chill time is what transforms the mixture into a perfectly set, scoopable Strawberry Mousse that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
Dress up each serving with a crown of fresh strawberry slices and a little sprig of mint. The bright red berries and vibrant green herbs make each glass look like it came straight out of a patisserie, and the touch of mint adds a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the mousse.
Side Dishes
To turn your Strawberry Mousse into part of a special dessert platter, pair it with crisp butter cookies, delicate almond biscotti, or a scattering of candied nuts for delightful crunch. Even a few squares of dark chocolate on the side are a lovely match for the mousse’s fruity lightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl by serving your mousse in shot glasses for a playful, bite-sized treat, or layer it in a parfait glass with crumbled shortbread for a make-ahead trifle. You could even use the mousse as a filling for tart shells or layer it between thin sponge cake rounds for a showy, strawberry-filled dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry Mousse keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to cover each glass tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers, so the mousse maintains its airy texture and delicate flavor.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Strawberry Mousse, be aware that the texture might become a bit denser once thawed. If you plan to freeze, place mousse in well-sealed, freezer-safe containers and consume within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge—never on the counter—to keep it as creamy as possible.
Reheating
Luckily, Strawberry Mousse doesn’t require any reheating! Simply allow your servings to rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before enjoying, which takes the chill off and lets the flavors shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well when fresh are out of season. Just thaw and drain them before use to avoid watering down your Strawberry Mousse. You may need to simmer a few extra minutes to cook off excess liquid.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?
Yes! You can try powdered agar-agar in place of gelatin. Agar sets a bit more firmly, so use about half the quantity and dissolve it thoroughly in the strawberry purée before folding in the cream.
Can I make Strawberry Mousse dairy-free?
Certainly! Swap the heavy cream for your favorite plant-based whipping cream alternative. Coconut cream is especially delicious with strawberries and whips up beautifully for a dairy-free dessert.
How long should I chill the mousse before serving?
Aim for at least 2 hours in the fridge, which allows the Strawberry Mousse to set to that perfect, spoonable consistency. For an even firmer result, overnight chilling is great for prepping ahead of time.
Can I strain the strawberries for a smoother mousse?
Definitely! After puréeing the cooked berries, push the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp if you want a silky-smooth Strawberry Mousse. It’s an extra step, but well worth it for a super refined texture.
Final Thoughts
If you love berry desserts with a hint of French flair, Strawberry Mousse deserves a special spot on your table. This cheery, no-bake treat is just as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s guaranteed to impress at any gathering. Give it a try and let every spoonful remind you just how deliciously simple homemade desserts can be!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy, fruity, and light, this Strawberry Mousse is a delightful no-bake dessert perfect for summer. Made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, it’s an easy and elegant treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Mousse:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries and mint (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a saucepan, cook chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until soft. Puree the mixture.
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, let sit, and then stir into the warm strawberry puree.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Combine and Chill: Fold strawberry mixture into whipped cream. Spoon into glasses, refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint, if desired.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the puréed strawberries before adding gelatin.
- This mousse is light, fruity, and perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
