If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as refreshing as it is delightful, Strawberry Mousse is the answer. With its irresistible lightness, blushing pink hue, and bright berry flavor, it’s the kind of treat that makes people pause and savor every spoonful. This mousse celebrates strawberries in their prime, transforming them into a creamy, dreamy confection that tastes like pure summer in a glass. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply want to indulge yourself, Strawberry Mousse brings a touch of joy to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create something so elegant. Each element is carefully chosen to let the strawberries shine and give the mousse its signature silky, airy texture.
- Strawberries: Pick ripe, juicy berries for the sweetest, most flavorful mousse!
- Granulated Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the strawberries and balance their tanginess.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: A splash lifts the strawberry flavor and keeps things bright.
- Unflavored Gelatin: A little bit gives the mousse that lovely, stable cloud-like structure.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it’s what makes your mousse extra fluffy and indulgent.
- Vanilla Extract: For a whisper of warmth that rounds out the fruitiness.
- Pinch of Salt: Just a tiny bit to sharpen flavors and keep things from tasting flat.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Start by rinsing your strawberries and removing the stems. Slice them up and toss them into a blender or food processor. Purée until smooth and vibrant. There’s something magic about the aroma when fresh berries are blitzed like this—your kitchen will already smell like a patisserie!
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor
Scoop the puréed strawberries into a saucepan. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice, and a dash of salt. Set over medium-low heat, stirring gently as the sugar dissolves. This soft simmer concentrates the berry flavor and ensures your Strawberry Mousse has a bold, rich taste. Once the mixture is warm and the sugar has melted, take it off the heat.
Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin
While your berries are cooling for a moment, sprinkle the gelatin over a couple tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Give it a quick stir and let it stand for a few minutes—it’ll look a bit like applesauce. This step is key: blooming gelatin like this prevents lumps and guarantees a perfectly smooth mousse.
Step 4: Combine the Gelatin and Berry Base
Now, stir the gelatin into your warm strawberry mixture until it’s completely dissolved. You want all those grains of gelatin totally melted and incorporated. Let the mixture cool to room temperature—if it’s still hot, it’ll melt your whipped cream in the next step!
Step 5: Whip the Cream
Pour the heavy cream and vanilla into a chilled mixing bowl. Whip it until you see soft, billowy peaks. Don’t overdo it—a gentle, cloud-like texture is what you’re aiming for to keep your Strawberry Mousse light as air.
Step 6: Fold Together and Chill
Fold the cooled berry mixture into the whipped cream in gentle batches. Use a soft spatula and a folding motion to keep the mixture airy—nobody wants a deflated mousse! Once it’s fully combined and a beautiful pale pink, spoon or pipe it into your favorite serving glasses. Pop them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or until set and gloriously spoonable.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
The way you finish your mousse elevates both looks and flavor! A flourish of freshly sliced strawberries on top is simply classic. Try a sprig of fresh mint or a dainty sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of charm. For extra elegance, chocolate curls or crisp meringue kisses add both texture and a playful contrast.
Side Dishes
Strawberry Mousse pairs beautifully with crisp, buttery shortbread or thin almond cookies. If you’re hosting a brunch or afternoon tea, serve it alongside an assortment of fresh berries or a simple lemon pound cake for a perfectly balanced treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the ramekin! Try layering your Strawberry Mousse in clear glasses with crushed vanilla wafers for a playful parfait, or pipe it into chocolate cups for a decadent twist. Mini jars or shot glasses are darling for parties and make each portion feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Strawberry Mousse in an airtight container and tuck it into the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and fluffy for up to 3 days—the texture actually holds up beautifully, making it a great dessert to make in advance.
Freezing
You can freeze Strawberry Mousse, though the texture may become a bit denser upon thawing. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers, seal well, and freeze for up to a month. Simply thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
Mousse is meant to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. If your mousse was frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed in the refrigerator before serving to restore its creamy, airy texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Mousse?
Absolutely! Thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid first. Frozen berries can be just as sweet and flavorful, especially when strawberries aren’t in season.
Do I have to use gelatin, or is there a vegetarian option?
Gelatin is classic for setting mousse, but you can substitute powdered agar agar for a vegetarian twist. Use about half as much agar agar as you would gelatin, and dissolve it thoroughly according to the package instructions.
Can I make Strawberry Mousse ahead of time?
Yes, Strawberry Mousse is a make-ahead dream! Prepare it a day in advance, and the flavors will meld beautifully while the mousse sets perfectly in the fridge.
Why didn’t my mousse set properly?
This is often due to underbloomed or overheated gelatin, or folding in the whipped cream when the berry mixture was still too warm. Be sure to let the strawberry base cool to room temperature before combining.
What’s the best way to get a silky-smooth Strawberry Mousse?
Straining your strawberry purée before adding sugar and flavorings removes the seeds and pulp, resulting in a super smooth texture that’s restaurant-quality.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll treat yourself to the pure delight that is Strawberry Mousse. It’s the kind of dessert that wins hearts, brightens tables, and always disappears quickly! There’s real joy in every bite, so I can’t recommend enough that you grab some fresh strawberries and give it a try. Happy spooning!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This luscious strawberry mousse is a delightful and refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Made with fresh strawberries and fluffy whipped cream, it’s a light and fruity treat that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
For the strawberry puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
For the mousse:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry puree: In a blender, puree the strawberries and sugar until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove any seeds, then set aside.
- Make the mousse: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Gently fold in the strawberry puree until well combined.
- Chill: Divide the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh strawberries and mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness of the mousse by adding more or less powdered sugar, depending on your preference.
- For a lighter version, you can use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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