If you’ve been searching for a dessert that’s as light as a cloud yet bursting with fresh, vibrant flavor, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s delightfully creamy, perfectly sweetened, and showcases the natural juiciness of ripe strawberries in every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or a special celebration, this mousse offers a refreshing and elegant finish that’s surprisingly simple to make. I’m excited to share how easy it is to bring this gorgeous dessert to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Strawberry Mousse Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the ripe strawberries that bring natural sweetness and color, to the heavy cream that creates that dreamy, velvety texture. These few ingredients come together effortlessly to give you a luscious dessert that feels indulgent without any fuss.
- 12½ ounces strawberries (3/4 pound): Choose fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor and a beautiful rosy color.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the mousse perfectly while helping to macerate the strawberries for a juicy puree.
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold): The secret to the mousse’s airy, creamy texture; chilling it beforehand helps it whip up beautifully.
- Extra strawberries for topping: Adds a fresh and decorative touch that elevates presentation and texture.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling your strawberries, then slicing them in half. Toss these halves with ¼ cup of sugar and let them sit for about 15 minutes. This process, known as maceration, softens the berries and draws out their natural juices, turning the mixture into a luscious base for your mousse that’s bursting with strawberry goodness.
Step 2: Blend Into Puree
Once the strawberries have macerated, blend them into a smooth puree. Don’t forget to save a few whole or halved strawberries aside for garnishing later—they add a lovely fresh contrast to the silky mousse.
Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin
Gelatin helps the mousse set with a delicate firmness. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over some water and let it bloom for 5 minutes, allowing it to soften fully. Then, gently heat the mixture until the gelatin dissolves completely, avoiding any lumps that could ruin the mousse’s texture.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Next, whip your cold heavy cream together with the remaining sugar until soft peaks form. This step is crucial for that classic mousse fluffiness. The cream should be airy but stable, ready to blend seamlessly with the strawberry mixture.
Step 5: Combine Puree and Cream
Stir the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree, mixing thoroughly but gently. Then, fold in the whipped cream with care, preserving all that fluffy airiness. This gentle folding ensures your mousse stays light and airy, not dense or heavy.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Finally, spoon the strawberry mousse evenly into serving cups or bowls. Place them in the refrigerator and let the dessert chill and firm up for at least 2 hours. The waiting is worth it as the mousse transforms into a delicate, creamy delight ready to impress.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes not only enhances the visual appeal but also introduces texture and flavor contrasts. Fresh strawberry halves or slices are a classic choice, offering a refreshing burst alongside the creamy mousse. For an extra special touch, a sprig of mint or a dusting of powdered sugar can make your presentation feel like a restaurant dessert.
Side Dishes
While strawberry mousse shines on its own, pairing it with light accompaniments can elevate the eating experience. Consider a crisp biscotti, a thin almond tuile, or even a small fruit salad with citrus notes to balance the sweetness. These add a bit of crunch and complexity to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not dazzle your guests with creative presentation ideas? Serve the mousse in elegant wine glasses or small mason jars for a rustic-chic vibe. Layer it with crushed cookies or sponge cake for a parfait effect, or pipe it into decorative shapes using a piping bag to impress with flair. The Strawberry Mousse Recipe is versatile enough to suit any occasion or style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The mousse can stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining its creamy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor.
Freezing
Freezing strawberry mousse can be tricky due to its delicate texture, but it’s possible. Freeze it in airtight containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. When ready to serve, thaw in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind the mousse may lose a bit of its original lightness but will still be delicious.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow frozen mousse to thaw slowly in the refrigerator for best texture retention. If you want a warm strawberry dish, try a quick compote on the stove instead!
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this mousse?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well, especially when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid to avoid watering down your mousse.
Is gelatin necessary in the Strawberry Mousse Recipe?
Gelatin helps give the mousse structure and a silky set. Without it, the mousse may be too soft and more like a whipped cream dessert rather than a fluffy, spoonable treat.
How long can I keep the mousse refrigerated?
You can safely refrigerate the mousse for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor might begin to degrade.
Can I make the mousse dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream. The flavor will be a bit different, but still wonderfully rich and creamy.
What is the best way to fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture?
Use a spatula to gently fold in the whipped cream using a lifting motion. This helps maintain the mousse’s airy texture without deflating the cream.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is truly a gem in any dessert repertoire—light, luscious, and packed with irresistible fresh strawberry flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this mousse offers a simple yet impressive way to delight your family and friends. Give it a try and watch it become a steady on every special occasion table!
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Strawberry Mousse is a light and airy dessert that combines fresh strawberries with whipped cream and gelatin for a smooth, creamy texture. Perfect for a refreshing treat, it requires no baking and is elegantly topped with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Mousse:
- 12½ ounces strawberries (3/4 pound)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- Extra strawberries for topping
- Gelatin (amount not specified, but typically 1 tablespoon) and water (for blooming gelatin)
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: Wash and hull the strawberries, then slice them in half. Sprinkle with ¼ cup of the sugar and let them sit for 15 minutes to macerate and release their juices.
- Make Strawberry Puree: Blend the macerated strawberries into a smooth puree. Set aside a small amount of puree or strawberries for garnish later.
- Bloom and Dissolve Gelatin: In a small bowl, combine gelatin with water and let it bloom (absorb the water) for 5 minutes. Then gently heat the mixture until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
- Whip Cream: Whip the cold heavy cream together with the remaining sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the strawberry puree with the dissolved gelatin. Then gently fold this mixture into the whipped cream, ensuring the mousse remains airy and light.
- Chill and Set: Spoon the mousse into serving cups or bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let it set and develop its texture. Before serving, garnish with the reserved fresh strawberries.
Notes
- Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved to avoid lumps in the mousse.
- Use cold heavy cream for best whipping results.
- You can adjust the sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- For a vegan version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.
