Imagine all the lush sweetness of strawberries transformed into a cloud-like dessert that’s both elegant and easy—welcome to Strawberry Mousse. This is the kind of treat that turns any dinner into a celebration and every day into summer, loaded with natural flavor and a wonderfully creamy, light texture. Whether you’re hosting a party or treating yourself after dinner, this dreamy, berry-rich mousse is pure dessert bliss in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Mousse comes from its utter simplicity—just a handful of classic ingredients that build something far greater than the sum of their parts. Each choice brings out the best in those peak-season berries, making every bite irresistible.
- Fresh strawberries: Nothing beats ripe, brilliantly red strawberries for vibrant flavor and color—make sure they’re juicy and fragrant!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the berries and helps balance their natural tartness, giving the mousse a perfectly luscious taste.
- Lemon juice: A splash of fresh lemon sharpens the flavor and brightens up the mousse, making those strawberry notes pop.
- Heavy whipping cream: This is key for creating that luxurious, cloud-like texture—cold cream whips up into pillowy peaks that define the mousse.
- Unflavored gelatin: Just a bit gives the mousse its lovely set without making it stiff, so it stays silky and spoonable.
- Water: Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it melts smoothly into the mixture for an even set.
- Vanilla extract: A dab of vanilla adds warmth and depth, rounding out the strawberry flavor beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Begin by hulling and slicing your strawberries, then toss them into a blender or food processor with the sugar and lemon juice. Process until completely smooth. For the silkiest mousse, press this puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove any tiny seeds or pulp—this step is well worth it for that elegant texture and dazzling pink color.
Step 2: Bloom and Melt the Gelatin
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over a small amount of cold water, letting it stand a few minutes so it can absorb the liquid—a process called blooming. Gently heat this mixture (either in the microwave or over simmering water) until the gelatin completely dissolves. This ensures the Strawberry Mousse sets perfectly without any lumps or graininess.
Step 3: Combine Gelatin and Strawberry Puree
Quickly whisk the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree while both are still warm, making sure everything blends smoothly. The gelatin will help the puree firm up just enough without losing that creamy, airy feeling you expect from a classic Strawberry Mousse.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, beat the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form—when you lift your whisk, it should hold a gentle shape but still look soft and billowy. Be careful not to overwhip; you want mousse, not butter!
Step 5: Fold Everything Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled strawberry-gelatin mixture in two or three batches using a spatula. Use delicate strokes so the mixture stays fluffy and light. This is where your Strawberry Mousse gets its signature airy texture—don’t rush this step!
Step 6: Chill and Set
Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or a large serving bowl. Pop them into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until set and beautifully jiggly. The wait is the hardest part—but completely worth it.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
Keep things fresh and pretty with a few sliced strawberries on top, maybe a sprig of mint for color, or a dusting of powdered sugar. For a show-stopping finish, consider a swirl of whipped cream or a sprinkling of shaved white chocolate—each garnish complements your Strawberry Mousse with style and a pop of extra flavor.
Side Dishes
This mousse sings alongside simple butter cookies, crisp ladyfingers, or even a warm vanilla madeleine. If you want to make it special for guests, try pairing it with a shortbread biscuit or a tiny glass of chilled dessert wine for an unforgettable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Strawberry Mousse is as versatile as it is gorgeous. For brunch, serve it in small glass jars. For date night, use elegant wine glasses. Or, make a layered parfait—swirl in crumbled cookies or alternate with a spoonful of lemon curd for a fun twist that really wows.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Strawberry Mousse left, keep it covered in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, though the temptation to sneak a spoonful every time you open the fridge is very real!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze Strawberry Mousse in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Be aware: the texture may lose a bit of its signature fluffiness, but the flavor will still be terrific.
Reheating
Since this mousse is meant to be served chilled, there’s no need to reheat. If it’s been in the fridge, just let it soften at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture and taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If strawberries are out of season, grab a bag of frozen ones. Just thaw and drain them well first to avoid excess liquid, and the flavor will still shine through beautifully in your Strawberry Mousse.
How can I make this mousse vegetarian?
You can swap the gelatin for a vegetarian alternative like agar-agar. Use about half the amount and dissolve it thoroughly before combining with the puree; just know that agar can set a little firmer than gelatin, but it works nicely.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, if your strawberries are especially sweet, you can cut back on the sugar to taste. Start with a little less, blend, and then taste the puree before proceeding—you’re in control of the sweetness!
Is it possible to make Strawberry Mousse ahead for a party?
Strawberry Mousse is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Prepare and spoon into your serving glasses the day before, then garnish just before serving for a stress-free, show-stopping finish.
What can I do if my mousse doesn’t set?
If your mousse doesn’t set after chilling, it’s likely the gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved or activated. Try gently re-warming the mixture until smooth, add a little more dissolved gelatin, and allow it to chill again. It’s rare, but fixable!
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of delight that comes with each spoonful of Strawberry Mousse—fresh, bright, creamy, and almost too pretty to eat (but far too good not to). Gather your berries, invite some friends over, and make this effortlessly elegant dessert your new signature. You won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This light and airy strawberry mousse is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Perfect for a summer treat or a sweet ending to any meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- Fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and whipped cream for garnish
Instructions
- Puree the Strawberries: In a blender, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain to remove seeds, if desired.
- Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the strawberry puree, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in the Strawberry Mixture: Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon the strawberry mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with fresh strawberries, mint leaves, and a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Notes
Notes:
- For a lighter version, you can use light whipped topping in place of heavy cream.
- Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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