Strawberry Mousse Recipe
If there’s one dessert that truly embodies the freshness of summer and the lightness of clouds, it has to be Strawberry Mousse. Silky and creamy with an irresistible sweet-tart strawberry flavor, this mousse takes only a handful of ingredients but delivers maximum delight. Whether you’re making it for a festive brunch, date night, or just when you want to treat yourself, this no-bake dessert is every bit as luxurious as it looks—and even easier than you’d think to whip up at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Garnish:
- Optional fresh strawberries and mint for garnish
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Start by placing your hulled and chopped strawberries into a blender or food processor. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice right on top. Blend everything until the mixture is perfectly smooth and bright pink. If you want that dreamy, silky texture in your mousse, don’t skip the next step—strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, then stir in the vanilla extract. The resulting purée will be packed with vibrant strawberry flavor and ultra-smooth.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
Pour the cold heavy cream into a mixing bowl, sprinkle in the powdered sugar, and break out your hand mixer. Whip on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form—this usually takes just a couple of minutes. You’ll know you’re there when the whipped cream holds its shape beautifully and feels soft yet sturdy. This is the secret to a fluffy, cloud-like Strawberry Mousse!
Step 3: Fold the Purée Into the Cream
This part always feels magical. Gently fold the strawberry purée into the whipped cream in batches, being careful not to deflate all that lovely air you just whipped into it. Gradually combine until the mixture is uniform in color and gorgeously pink. Resist the urge to stir vigorously—gentle folding will keep your mousse light and airy.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Spoon or pipe the finished mixture into your favorite serving glasses or bowls. Let the Strawberry Mousse chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. The cold not only firms up the dessert to the ideal consistency but also deepens and melds the flavors so every spoonful is heavenly.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
The right garnish can really make your Strawberry Mousse shine. Try topping each serving with extra slices of fresh strawberries for a pop of color, or add a sprig of fresh mint for a fragrant, refreshing contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar or some shaved white chocolate can also add a pretty, festive touch.
Side Dishes
While this mousse is perfectly elegant on its own, you can make your dessert table feel even more celebratory by pairing it with simple butter cookies, crisp ladyfingers, or a handful of almond biscotti. These add just the right amount of crunch and complement that airy, velvety mousse.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re looking to serve Strawberry Mousse in a special way, try piping it into mini tartlet shells for a bite-sized treat, layering it with cake cubes for a strawberry trifle, or spooning it into chocolate cups for a decadent twist. These playful presentations make it great for parties or picnics, and they’re sure to impress your friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Strawberry Mousse (though that’s a big “if” in my house!), keep it covered and refrigerated. It will stay fresh and dreamy for up to 3 days, though the texture is best within the first couple of days as it starts to absorb extra moisture over time.
Freezing
Strawberry Mousse can be frozen for up to a month. Portion it into airtight containers or ramekins, cover tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture may be a bit firmer after freezing, but it’s still delicious, especially in the summertime as a cool treat.
Reheating
This dessert doesn’t require (or like!) reheating, as it’s meant to be enjoyed cold. If frozen, simply let it thaw gradually in the refrigerator before serving again. Quick tip: avoid defrosting at room temperature or in the microwave, as it can cause the mousse to separate or become watery.
FAQs
Can I make Strawberry Mousse with frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain your frozen strawberries thoroughly before blending. This will keep your mousse from becoming watery and ensure that you get rich, concentrated berry flavor in every spoonful.
Is it possible to make the mousse ahead of time for a party?
Yes—it’s actually a perfect make-ahead dessert! Prepare your Strawberry Mousse the night before, refrigerate it, and simply garnish before serving. It only gets better as the flavors have time to meld and it chills to the perfect consistency.
Can I add gelatin to make a firmer mousse?
Certainly. If you prefer a more set, sliceable mousse, dissolve a teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in a tablespoon or two of warm water, then stir it into your strawberry purée before folding into the whipped cream. This will help the mousse hold its shape, especially if you’re unmolding it or serving outside on a warm day.
How do I know when whipped cream has reached stiff peaks?
You’ll notice the whipped cream stands up firmly when you lift the beaters, holding a peak without collapsing or drooping. Be careful not to over-whip, or your cream can turn grainy—stop as soon as you see those sturdy peaks.
What’s the best way to fold the strawberry purée into the cream?
Use a large silicone spatula and a gentle hand. Pour the purée into the whipped cream in batches, folding by running your spatula around the edge of the bowl and up through the center, rotating as you go. This method keeps your mousse impossibly light.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade Strawberry Mousse is a joyful way to celebrate all that’s sweet, fresh, and light about dessert. I hope you’ll dive in, whip up a batch, and share it with the people you love most. Once you see those rosy pink swirls and taste that cloud-like texture, I bet you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat all season long!
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Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing and delightful flavors of this Strawberry Mousse. A creamy and airy dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of strawberries with a hint of vanilla.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
Garnish:
- Optional fresh strawberries and mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Purée: In a blender, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Strain the purée through a sieve, then mix in vanilla extract.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold the strawberry purée into the whipped cream until smooth.
- Chill and Serve: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with strawberries and mint before serving.
Notes
- Use thawed and drained frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
- For a firmer mousse, dissolve 1 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in warm water and mix it into the purée.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
