If you’re seeking a dessert that elegantly floats between creamy and airy, with a bright pop of berry flavor, look no further than this luscious Strawberry Mousse. It’s the kind of treat that transforms fresh strawberries into something magical—simple but impressive, and perfect for dazzling guests or delighting your family on a sunny afternoon. Each bite delivers a burst of real fruit, a whisper of rich cream, and a touch of sweetness that’s just right. This is a must-make for strawberry lovers, and once you try it, you’ll want to make Strawberry Mousse all summer long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Mousse Base:
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Puree the Strawberries
Start by placing your hulled and chopped strawberries into a blender or food processor. Blitz them until they form a completely smooth puree, ensuring no chunky bits remain. This base captures all the strawberry’s brightness and sets the stage for a light, fruit-packed mousse.
Step 2: Cook the Strawberry Mixture
Pour your strawberry puree into a small saucepan. Add the granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of water, then set over medium heat. Stir as it gently simmers, coaxing the sugar to dissolve and intensifying the fruit flavor. After about 5 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and mix in the fresh lemon juice for a little zing. Let it cool slightly—you want it warm, not hot, for the next step.
Step 3: Bloom and Dissolve the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle your unflavored gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water. Allow it to sit and hydrate for 5 minutes; you’ll see it expand and soften. After blooming, give it a quick 10-second spin in the microwave to melt, then whisk the dissolved gelatin into your warm strawberry mixture until you can’t spot any streaks.
Step 4: Let the Strawberry Mixture Cool
For the best Strawberry Mousse texture, let this thickened, gelatin-laced strawberry blend cool down to room temperature. This ensures your whipped cream stays fluffy and light when you fold everything together—instead of ending up runny or melted.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
Grab a cold mixing bowl and pour in your heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar. Whip with a hand mixer or stand mixer until you see stiff peaks. The cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters. For extra depth, add a splash of vanilla extract if you’re feeling fancy!
Step 6: Fold It All Together
Now for the magic moment: gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into your whipped cream. Use a soft spatula and smooth, circular motions to blend without deflating the cream. Your mousse should look pale pink and perfectly smooth when you’re done, with no streaks of fruit or cream.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Spoon the Strawberry Mousse into individual glasses or dessert bowls—this is your chance to get creative! Slide them into the fridge and let them chill for at least 2 hours, so the mousse can set and transform into a cloud-like finish.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
A simple garnish makes your Strawberry Mousse completely irresistible. Try fanning out a few slices of fresh strawberries on top and adding a sprig of mint for a restaurant-worthy finish. Edible flowers also make a beautiful touch if you’re serving for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
While Strawberry Mousse shines on its own, pair it with crisp butter cookies, delicate ladyfingers, or even a handful of dark chocolate shavings for extra indulgence. A cup of strong espresso or a floral tea makes a delightful contrast with the mousse’s sweet, fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your mousse in fancy stemmed glasses, tiny mason jars, or even espresso cups for a fun twist. For a dinner party, layer the mousse with cubes of vanilla cake or sprinkle in some crushed shortbread for a parfait-style treat. The more playful you get, the more memorable your Strawberry Mousse becomes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover leftover Strawberry Mousse tightly with plastic wrap or store in a lidded container in the refrigerator. It’s at its best within 2 days, keeping its airy texture and fresh flavor for whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
Surprisingly, you can freeze Strawberry Mousse! Scoop it into freezer-safe containers and press a piece of wax paper onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Defrost gently in the fridge overnight before serving. The texture may be slightly looser but the flavor stays on point.
Reheating
Mousse is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. If your Strawberry Mousse firms up too much after chilling, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before enjoying for perfect scoopability.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen strawberries first and drain any excess liquid before pureeing. This helps ensure your Strawberry Mousse is thick and flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?
You can use powdered agar-agar instead of gelatin, though quantities and blooming times may vary. Always check package instructions, and dissolve the agar fully before adding to your strawberry mixture for the best results.
How long can I keep Strawberry Mousse in the fridge?
The mousse keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days. After that, it may start to lose its airy texture, so enjoy it while it’s fresh!
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try folding in a handful of chopped berries for extra texture, swirling in a bit of lemon zest, or even a spoonful of raspberry puree for a flavor twist. Vanilla extract in the cream is another delicious addition.
Why did my mousse end up runny?
Usually this happens if the gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved, if the strawberry mixture was too warm when added to the whipped cream, or if the mousse wasn’t chilled long enough. Be sure each step is cool and the mixture has enough time to set.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your taste buds (and your friends), don’t wait to make this Strawberry Mousse. From its fresh strawberry flavor to its dreamy texture, this dessert is a true celebration of summer—and so simple, anyone can master it. Happy spooning!
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Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the luscious delight of Strawberry Mousse, a creamy and fruity dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This no-bake treat is easy to prepare and bursting with the fresh flavors of strawberries.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Mousse Base:
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for blooming gelatin)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Puree the Strawberries: In a blender, puree the strawberries until smooth. Cook the puree with sugar and water in a saucepan.
- Prepare the Gelatin: Bloom gelatin in cold water, then mix into the strawberry mixture.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream and sugar to stiff peaks.
- Combine and Chill: Fold strawberry mixture into whipped cream. Chill the mousse until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Add garnishes of fresh strawberries and mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- Enhance the flavor with a touch of vanilla extract in the whipped cream.
- Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
