There is nothing quite as delightfully airy and luscious as this Strawberry Mousse Recipe, a perfect blend of fresh berries, whipped cream, and just a touch of gelatin that sets it into a dreamy dessert you’ll want to make again and again. Its vibrant pink color and sweet-tart flavor capture the essence of summertime happiness in every spoonful. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this mousse feels indulgent without being complicated, making it a timeless favorite you’ll cherish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Strawberry Mousse Recipe. From the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries to the rich creaminess of whipped cream, every component makes this dessert come alive.
- Fresh strawberries, 2 cups: The star of the dish, offering juiciness and natural sweetness that defines the mousse.
- Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup: Sweetens the puree just right while helping to balance the berry’s tartness.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Adds a gentle zing to brighten the flavor and enhance the strawberries’ vibrancy.
- Unflavored gelatin, 1 teaspoon: Essential for giving the mousse its light but stable structure without heaviness.
- Cold water, 2 tablespoons: Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves evenly for a smooth texture.
- Heavy whipping cream, 1 cup: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates that cloud-like, creamy consistency that defines mousse.
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves (optional): Perfect garnishes that add a fresh, eye-catching finish to your dessert.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Start by pureeing your hulled and chopped strawberries in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. This fresh puree forms the base of your mousse, delivering that irresistible berry flavor and vibrant color. Pour the puree into a saucepan, add sugar and lemon juice, and gently warm it just until the sugar dissolves. This process melds the flavors beautifully without cooking away the fresh fruit essence.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over cold water to let it bloom for about five minutes. This step ensures the gelatin becomes soft and ready to melt evenly into your strawberry mixture. It’s a small but crucial technique for achieving that perfectly light yet stable mousse texture.
Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Strawberry Mixture
Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture until completely dissolved. Make sure it’s well incorporated so the mousse will set properly without any lumps. Then, let this mixture cool down to room temperature before moving on—this patience pays off in silky smooth mousse later.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until soft peaks just form. This fluffy whipped cream is what makes the Strawberry Mousse Recipe so indulgently light and airy. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want it to gently fold into the strawberry mixture without losing that tender texture.
Step 5: Fold and Chill
Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, combining everything until smooth and evenly blended. Then, spoon the mousse into pretty serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the mousse to set beautifully into a delicate and satisfying dessert.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh strawberries and a few mint leaves on top not only makes your mousse look irresistible but also adds refreshing bursts of flavor and color contrast. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Side Dishes
This strawberry mousse pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments such as crisp biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or even a simple almond tuile. These sides bring a delightful crunch that complements the mousse’s creamy texture, crafting a well-rounded dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the traditional bowl: layer your mousse with crushed graham crackers and extra chopped strawberries for a parfait effect, or pipe it into delicate waffle cups for a playful twist. Serving it in clear glasses showcases the vibrant color, making your Strawberry Mousse Recipe a standout centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover mousse should be covered tightly and refrigerated. It’s best enjoyed within two days to maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture. Before serving leftovers, give the mousse a gentle stir if it has settled.
Freezing
You can freeze strawberry mousse, but be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze it in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results, then gently whisk before serving to restore some of its original fluffiness.
Reheating
This mousse is designed to be served cold, so avoid reheating. If it has been frozen and thawed, simply bring it to room temperature briefly before serving rather than applying heat, to keep the perfect mousse texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work well if fresh ones aren’t in season. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess water, which can affect the mousse’s texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream whipped to soft peaks for a delicious dairy-free version. The flavor will be a bit different but still wonderfully creamy.
How long does the mousse need to chill before serving?
A minimum of two hours in the refrigerator is recommended to allow the gelatin to set and the flavors to meld properly. For best texture, chilling overnight is even better.
Can I prepare the mousse ahead of time for a party?
Definitely! This mousse is perfect for making a day ahead. Just prepare it as directed, refrigerate covered, and garnish fresh right before serving to wow your guests.
Why is gelatin used in this recipe?
Gelatin acts as a gentle setting agent that holds the mousse together while keeping it light and airy. Without gelatin, the mousse would be too soft and might not hold its shape well.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about sharing this Strawberry Mousse Recipe with friends and family: it’s simple, elegant, and bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re new to making mousse or looking for a reliable classic, this recipe delivers consistently delightful results that will keep everyone asking for more. Give it a try soon and make your dessert moments extra memorable!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and airy no-bake strawberry mousse made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a hint of lemon juice, perfect for a refreshing summer dessert.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Garnish
- Fresh strawberries (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Puree Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth to create a fresh strawberry base.
- Heat Mixture: Pour the puree into a saucepan and stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat for about 3–4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.
- Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes until it blooms and softens.
- Combine Gelatin: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture until fully dissolved, then remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature.
- Whip Cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Fold Mixtures: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth without deflating the cream.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves if desired before serving for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds before heating.
- You can substitute frozen strawberries (thawed and drained) if fresh ones aren’t available.
