Strawberry Mousse Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth and a love for light, airy desserts, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. It’s a silky smooth, luscious delight bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, perfectly balanced with the richness of whipped cream and a hint of vanilla. What’s so wonderful about this recipe is how effortlessly it combines simple ingredients into a dessert that looks and tastes like a dream, making it perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Mousse Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries to the creamy texture provided by fresh cream and a little help from gelatin to set it all perfectly. These essentials come together to create that cloud-like mousse you’ll want to dive into again and again.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best natural sweetness and bright color.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adjust to fit your sweetness preference; it balances the tartness of the strawberries.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This adds the richness and fluffy texture that mousse is known for.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla enhances the strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder: Helps the mousse set to the perfect soft yet stable consistency.
- 3 tablespoons water: To bloom the gelatin so it blends smoothly into the mousse.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Puree and Sweeten the Strawberries
Start by blending your fresh, hulled strawberries until silky smooth. Mix in the granulated sugar and let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sugar to dissolve and the strawberry flavor to intensify, ensuring every bite bursts with natural sweetness.
Step 2: Whip the Cream to Soft Peaks
Next, whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This means the cream holds its shape but still has a gentle softness to it. This step is crucial because the whipped cream gives the mousse that signature airy lightness that practically melts on your tongue.
Step 3: Fold the Strawberry Puree into the Whipped Cream
Gently combine the strawberry puree with your whipped cream by folding them together. Take care to maintain as much airiness as possible in the cream for a fluffy mousse. This is where the mousse starts to come alive with its stunning pink color and fresh strawberry aroma.
Step 4: Prepare and Add the Gelatin
Dissolve the unflavored gelatin in warm water, then let it cool slightly. Once it’s just warm to the touch, fold it carefully into your mousse mixture. The gelatin provides just enough structure so the mousse stays firm yet tender, making it easy to serve and enjoy.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Pour the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least four hours. This chilling step is essential to let the mousse fully set and develop its creamy, luscious texture that is the hallmark of this Strawberry Mousse Recipe.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries sliced on top add a beautiful, juicy contrast and extra burst of color. A sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar can elevate the presentation, making it look as elegant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Pair your strawberry mousse with crisp, buttery shortbread cookies or light vanilla wafers for added texture and a delightful crunch. A simple cup of black coffee or a glass of sparkling rosé complements the sweet, creamy dessert wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning display, layer the strawberry mousse with crushed graham crackers or a berry compote in clear glasses. Another fun idea is to pipe the mousse into chocolate cups or hollowed-out strawberries for bite-sized indulgence that wow guests at parties or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Strawberry Mousse Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to preserve its freshness and texture without absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the mousse in airtight containers for about one month. Thaw it gradually in the refrigerator overnight before serving, though note that the texture might soften a little upon freezing.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Serving it chilled ensures that perfect airy texture and refreshing taste are maintained every time.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before blending to avoid a watery mousse.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?
Absolutely! Agar-agar powder is a great plant-based substitute; just use the recommended amount for the equivalent gelatin and dissolve it properly before adding to the mousse.
Can I make this mousse sugar-free?
Yes, simply swap granulated sugar for a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia that measures cup-for-cup, adjusting sweetness to taste.
How long does the mousse need to chill before serving?
At least 4 hours is best to ensure the mousse sets fully and attains the right consistency, though overnight chilling works even better.
Can I double this Strawberry Mousse Recipe?
Definitely! Just double the quantities of all ingredients and use a larger container or multiple smaller ones. The preparation steps remain the same.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is such a delightful way to celebrate fresh strawberries in an elegant yet approachable dessert. I can’t recommend trying it enough whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or simply craving a sweet treat that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Go ahead, whip up this luscious mousse and watch it become a cherished favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A light and airy Strawberry Mousse made from fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and gelatin, offering a sweet and creamy dessert perfect for warm days or special occasions.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Gelatin
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Blend the hulled strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Mix in the granulated sugar and allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes to macerate and release natural juices.
- Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract using a mixer until soft peaks form, ensuring a light and fluffy texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream, blending carefully to maintain the airy texture of the mousse.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin powder over warm water and stir until fully dissolved. Let it cool slightly but do not let it set.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Slowly mix the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry-cream mixture, folding gently to combine without deflating the mousse.
- Chill: Pour the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is fully set and firm to the touch.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Adjust sugar depending on how sweet your strawberries are or personal preference.
- Gelatin must be dissolved properly to avoid lumps in the mousse.
- Chilling time is crucial for mousse to set properly—do not skip refrigeration.
- For a lighter version, substitute some heavy cream with whipped aquafaba for a vegan option, though gelatin would need to be replaced as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
