If you are looking for a delightful dessert that balances fruity freshness with creamy indulgence, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is an absolute winner. Its light and fluffy texture combined with the vibrant natural sweetness of fresh strawberries creates a treat that feels both elegant and comfortingly familiar. Whether for a special occasion or a simple sweet craving, this mousse offers a beautiful burst of color and flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe requires a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role. From the juicy strawberries that provide bright flavor and color to the whipped cream that brings luscious texture, every component is essential in crafting the perfect mousse experience.
- Fresh strawberries (2 cups): The heart of the recipe, choose ripe, sweet berries for the best flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Balances the tartness of the strawberries and helps create a smooth puree.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Adds brightness and enhances the strawberry’s natural taste.
- Heavy whipping cream (1 cup): Chilled cream whips to a light, airy texture, essential for mousse richness.
- Powdered sugar (2 tablespoons): Sweetens the cream without adding grittiness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings warm depth and complements the fruit perfectly.
- Unflavored gelatin (1/2 tablespoon, optional): Adds stability if you want a firmer mousse.
- Water (2 tablespoons, if using gelatin): Needed to bloom the gelatin properly.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Start by blending fresh strawberries in a food processor until completely smooth. Then strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds for that silky mouthfeel. Transfer this seedless puree to a saucepan, add sugar and lemon juice, and cook over medium heat for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Let it cool to room temperature before moving on.
Step 2: Optional Gelatin Stabilizer
If you want your mousse to hold its shape more firmly, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Then microwave it just enough to dissolve completely—about 10 seconds. Stir this dissolved gelatin gently into the cooled strawberry puree to create a stable base that will set nicely when chilled.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Chill your heavy whipping cream beforehand for the best volume when whipping. Beat the cream along with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial for achieving the light, fluffy texture that defines a great mousse.
Step 4: Combine the Mousse
Carefully fold the cooled strawberry puree into the whipped cream. The key is to do this gently to avoid deflating the air you just whipped into the cream. This careful incorporation keeps the mousse airy and soft, ensuring every bite feels like a cloud of strawberry delight.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Divide the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses, cover them, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and helps the mousse set perfectly. Before serving, garnish with extra fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sliced strawberries make the perfect garnish, enhancing the strawberry flavor and adding a fresh bite. You can also sprinkle some finely grated white chocolate or a few mint leaves for an extra pop of color and aroma. These little touches elevate the presentation and make the dessert feel special.
Side Dishes
This mousse pairs beautifully with light, crisp accompaniments such as buttery shortbread cookies or delicate ladyfingers. The crunch contrasts wonderfully with the smooth mousse, creating an enjoyable texture combination in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the strawberry mousse with crushed graham crackers or a berry compote in clear glasses for a stunning parfait look. Alternatively, piping the mousse into decorative swirls using a pastry bag can give your dessert an elegant, professional flair that’s perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Strawberry mousse keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors and to maintain its creamy texture. Gently stir before serving if it separates slightly.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the mousse in airtight containers. However, freezing may slightly change the texture, making it less airy once thawed. Allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
Mousse is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. If you want a less firm texture after refrigeration or freezing, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Mousse Recipe?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery mousse.
Is the gelatin necessary for the mousse?
Gelatin is optional and mainly used to give the mousse extra stability and firmness. If you prefer a lighter, softer mousse, you can skip it and still enjoy a delicious result.
Can I make this mousse vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Keep in mind the flavor and texture may differ slightly but still be delightful.
How long does it take for the mousse to set properly?
Chilling the mousse for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator is necessary for it to firm up and develop its signature texture. If you can wait longer, up to 4 hours or overnight, the flavors will deepen even more.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are the star of this mousse, you can experiment by folding in raspberries or pureed mango for a twist. Just keep in mind how the flavors will blend to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is like inviting a burst of summer into your kitchen anytime you want. It’s approachable, wonderfully flavorful, and undeniably charming in its simplicity. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy that comes with every spoonful of this irresistible dessert.
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and airy Strawberry Mousse made from fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a touch of gelatin for stability. This dessert features a smooth, slightly sweet strawberry puree combined with fluffy whipped cream, chilled to perfection for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
Strawberry Puree
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Mousse
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (optional, for added stability)
- 2 tablespoons water (if using gelatin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Blend the fresh strawberries in a food processor until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, then transfer to a saucepan. Add sugar and lemon juice, and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let it cool to room temperature.
- Optional Gelatin Stabilizer: If using gelatin, sprinkle it over 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl. Let it bloom for 5 minutes, then microwave for 10 seconds to dissolve. Stir the gelatin into the cooled strawberry puree.
- Whip the Cream: Beat the chilled whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Combine the Mousse: Gently fold the cooled strawberry puree into the whipped cream until fully incorporated without deflating the cream.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Garnish with fresh strawberries and whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Using gelatin is optional but helps the mousse hold its shape longer.
- Make sure the whipped cream is chilled for better volume when whipped.
- Straining the strawberry puree removes seeds for a smooth texture.
- You can garnish with fresh mint for added color and aroma.
- Serve chilled to maintain mousse texture and flavor.
