If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is abundantly fruity, Strawberry Mousse is about to become your new go-to treat. Fluffy, creamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, this classic French-American sweet fills every spoonful with summer energy. The gorgeous pastel pink color alone is enough to make you smile, and the flavor is pure nostalgia: sweet strawberries with just a hint of tang, folded into clouds of whipped cream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just wanting something light and refreshing, Strawberry Mousse turns even small moments into a celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
For Garnish (optional):
- Additional strawberries or mint
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Purée the Strawberries
Start by adding your hulled strawberries to a blender or food processor, then blend until super smooth. You’re looking for a silky purée with no big chunks, so let the machine run for an extra minute if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Mixture
Pour your puréed strawberries into a saucepan, stir in the sugar and lemon juice, and set over medium heat. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the mixture thickens slightly and the scent fills the kitchen. Take the pan off the heat, and stir in the vanilla extract to finish.
Step 3: Bloom and Dissolve the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit (this is called “blooming”) for 5 minutes so it gathers itself and gets ready to do its magic. Then microwave it for about 10 to 15 seconds, or just until it dissolves. Stir this directly into the warm strawberry mixture, making sure it’s well blended and smooth throughout.
Step 4: Cool Everything Down
Let the strawberry mixture cool down to room temperature. This is essential — you want it cool before mixing with the whipped cream so everything stays light and doesn’t melt together.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
With your heavy cream well-chilled, whip it in a clean bowl until you have stiff peaks. The cream should stand up proudly when you lift the beaters — that’s how you know it’s ready to work its magic and build the mousse’s dreamy texture.
Step 6: Fold Together
Now for the fun part: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. Use a spatula and light motions, trying not to deflate the mixture too much. The goal is to end up with a uniform, blush-pink mousse that’s airy and smooth.
Step 7: Spoon and Chill
Spoon your finished Strawberry Mousse into serving glasses or bowls, spreading it evenly. Refrigerate for at least two hours (resist the temptation to peek too early!) until the mousse is set and perfectly scoopable.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
No Strawberry Mousse is complete without a flourish on top! Try fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for an extra pop of color and sophistication. These little touches turn a simple dessert into a showstopper.
Side Dishes
While this mousse truly stands on its own, it pairs beautifully with crisp butter cookies, delicate shortbread, or a handful of vanilla wafers for dipping. For an extra elegant spread, add a platter of fresh berries or gently sweetened whipped cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation! Serve your Strawberry Mousse in stemmed wine glasses or small jars for a cozy touch. You can also layer it with crumbled cookies or sponge cake for a parfait effect. For parties, pipe the mousse into chocolate cups or mini tart shells for finger-friendly bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Strawberry Mousse keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just cover the dishes with plastic wrap or lids to protect their airy texture and color. If you’ve added garnishes, consider adding them just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can absolutely freeze your Strawberry Mousse! Portion it into airtight containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw gently overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to serve. Keep in mind the texture may be a bit less fluffy, but the flavor will still be delightful.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Strawberry Mousse — in fact, it’s at its very best served perfectly chilled. If it’s been in the freezer, just let it come to fridge temperature before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw and drain frozen strawberries well before using, so you don’t water down the mousse. The end result is just as flavorful and convenient outside of berry season.
Is there a vegetarian version without gelatin?
Yes, you can swap gelatin for agar-agar, a plant-based thickener. Follow the package instructions for conversion, since agar-agar works a bit differently, but the mousse will still set beautifully.
Can I make Strawberry Mousse in advance?
Yes! This recipe is actually perfect for making ahead, since it needs a few hours to chill and set. Prepare it up to a day in advance, then just garnish before serving for maximum freshness.
Can I lighten up this dessert?
Certainly! Use half whipped cream and half Greek yogurt to make a lighter mousse that’s still creamy and luscious, but with a bit more tang and fewer calories.
How do I know when the mousse is set?
Give it at least two hours in the fridge. When the top looks firm and jiggles just slightly when nudged (but doesn’t slosh or wobble), your Strawberry Mousse is ready to be enjoyed!
Final Thoughts
No matter the season, nothing livens up your dessert table quite like Strawberry Mousse. Light, lovely, and full of fresh flavor, it’s a breeze to make — and always delights. Give it a try soon and watch everyone’s eyes light up at this pink, fluffy masterpiece!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the light and airy delight of this refreshing Strawberry Mousse. Made with fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon, this no-bake dessert is perfect for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Mixture:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries (hulled)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
For Garnish (optional):
- Additional strawberries or mint
Instructions
- Purée the Strawberries: Blend the strawberries until smooth. Cook with sugar and lemon juice until thickened.
- Prepare Gelatin Mixture: Bloom gelatin in water, then add to warm strawberry mixture.
- Whip the Cream: Beat chilled cream to stiff peaks.
- Combine and Chill: Fold strawberry mix into cream, then refrigerate until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with strawberries or mint before serving.
Notes
- You can use thawed and drained frozen strawberries as a fresh alternative.
- For a lighter option, mix whipped cream with Greek yogurt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
