I love desserts that feel fancy but are actually very easy to make, and this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is one of my absolute favorites. It’s light, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor that feels refreshing instead of heavy.
I usually make this mousse when I want something sweet without turning on the oven, especially during warm days or when guests are coming over. It’s perfect after lunch, dinner, or even as a mid-day treat when you want something cool and fruity.
I like how smooth and airy it feels with every spoonful, and the natural strawberry taste really shines through. This is the kind of dessert that looks impressive in glasses but takes very little effort to prepare.
Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at the recipe details so you know exactly what to expect.
Quick Recipe Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe Name | Strawberry Mousse |
| Servings | 4 |
| Calories (approx.) | 220 per serving |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Gluten-Free | Yes |
| Vegetarian | Yes |
| Vegan | No |
| No-Bake | Yes |
| Best Served | Chilled |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is incredibly light and fluffy, making it perfect when you want a dessert that doesn’t feel too rich. The smooth texture almost melts in your mouth with every bite.
It uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, and you don’t need any special equipment to make it. A basic hand mixer or whisk is enough to get perfect results.
The fresh strawberry flavor makes it taste bright and natural instead of overly sweet. This makes it great for both kids and adults.
It’s also a great make-ahead dessert for parties, family dinners, or special occasions. You can prepare it in advance and simply serve it chilled.
This mousse is versatile and can be dressed up or kept simple depending on the occasion. You can serve it in fancy glasses or casual bowls.
Ingredients to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe uses a short list of ingredients, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Using fresh and good-quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference in the final result.
Fresh Strawberries – 1½ cups (washed and hulled)
Fresh strawberries are the star of this recipe and give the mousse its natural color and flavor. Ripe strawberries work best because they are sweeter and more aromatic.
You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available, but make sure to thaw and drain them well. Excess water can affect the texture of the mousse.
Granulated Sugar – ¼ cup
Sugar balances the natural tartness of the strawberries and enhances their flavor. You can adjust the amount slightly depending on how sweet your strawberries are.
If you prefer a lighter sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by a tablespoon without affecting the structure too much.
Heavy Whipping Cream – 1 cup (cold)
Heavy cream is what gives the mousse its airy and creamy texture. It must be cold so it whips properly and holds its shape.
Whipped cream adds volume and lightness, turning the strawberry mixture into a soft and fluffy dessert.
Gelatin Powder – 1 teaspoon
Gelatin helps the mousse set while keeping it smooth and silky. It gives structure without making the mousse firm like jelly.
This ingredient is important if you want neat, spoonable servings that hold their shape in glasses.
Water – 2 tablespoons
Water is used to bloom the gelatin before mixing it into the strawberry puree. This step ensures the gelatin dissolves evenly.
Properly bloomed gelatin prevents lumps and creates a smooth final texture.
Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon
Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the strawberry flavor. It enhances the overall taste without overpowering the fruit.
Using pure vanilla extract gives a cleaner and more balanced flavor.
Steps to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Making this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is simple and beginner-friendly, even if you have never made mousse before. Each step builds on the previous one to create a light and creamy dessert.
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Add the fresh strawberries and sugar to a blender or food processor. Blend until you get a smooth and glossy puree with no visible chunks.
Taste the puree and adjust the sweetness if needed before moving to the next step. This ensures the flavor is just right from the start.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the gelatin to absorb the water and soften properly.
Once bloomed, gently heat the gelatin mixture until it becomes completely liquid. Make sure it does not boil.
Step 3: Combine Gelatin with Strawberry Puree
Slowly pour the warm gelatin into the strawberry puree while stirring continuously. This helps distribute the gelatin evenly without forming lumps.
Mix well until the puree looks smooth and uniform. Let it cool slightly before adding the cream.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, add the cold heavy whipping cream and vanilla extract. Whip until soft peaks form and the cream looks fluffy.
Be careful not to overwhip, as this can make the cream grainy and heavy.
Step 5: Fold Everything Together
Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Use slow and light movements to keep the mousse airy.
Continue folding until the mixture is evenly combined and has a light pink color.
Step 6: Chill the Mousse
Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Smooth the tops for a clean finish.
Refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours until the mousse is fully set and chilled before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe tastes best when served well chilled and fresh from the refrigerator. The cool temperature enhances the light texture and makes every bite feel refreshing.
You can serve the mousse in clear glasses to show off its soft pink color and airy layers. Small dessert cups or ramekins also work beautifully for casual serving.
I love topping it with sliced fresh strawberries for extra freshness and visual appeal. A few whole berries placed on top instantly make it look more elegant.
Whipped cream on top adds an extra layer of creaminess and makes the dessert feel more indulgent. Keep the topping light so it doesn’t overpower the mousse itself.
This mousse pairs well with crisp cookies like shortbread or ladyfingers on the side. The crunchy texture balances the smooth and creamy mousse perfectly.
You can also serve it as part of a dessert platter with other fruit-based treats. It works especially well after a heavy meal because it feels light and not filling.
Meal Prep Tips: Can We Make Strawberry Mousse in Advance?
Yes, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is perfect for making in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after it has had time to chill and set properly.
You can prepare the mousse up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This makes it an excellent choice for parties and special occasions.
If you are making it in advance, cover each serving glass with plastic wrap. This prevents the mousse from absorbing any odors from the fridge.
Avoid adding toppings like whipped cream or fruit until just before serving. Fresh toppings look better and keep their texture when added at the last moment.
If you want to prepare a larger batch, simply double the ingredients and follow the same steps. The recipe scales up easily without affecting the texture.
Making it ahead also reduces stress on the day of serving. You can focus on presentation instead of last-minute preparation.
Cooking Tips
Always use cold heavy cream for whipping to get the best volume and texture. Warm cream will not whip properly and can ruin the mousse.
Make sure the strawberry puree is smooth and free of seeds if possible. Straining the puree can give an extra silky finish.
Let the gelatin mixture cool slightly before adding it to the cream. Hot gelatin can deflate the whipped cream and make the mousse dense.
Fold the mixture gently and slowly to keep the mousse airy. Rough mixing can knock out the air and affect the final texture.
Taste the strawberry puree before combining everything. Adjust the sweetness early so you don’t have to fix it later.
Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Underripe fruit can make the mousse taste flat or sour.
Variations of Strawberry Mousse Recipe
You can make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This gives the mousse a subtle tropical flavor.
For a vegan option, replace gelatin with agar-agar and use plant-based cream. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
You can turn this into a mixed berry mousse by adding raspberries or blueberries. Blend them together with strawberries for a deeper flavor.
Adding a layer of crushed cookies at the bottom creates a parfait-style dessert. This adds crunch and makes it more filling.
Chocolate lovers can add shaved dark chocolate on top for contrast. The bitterness of chocolate pairs beautifully with strawberries.
You can also swirl in a little strawberry jam for extra sweetness and color. This works well if your strawberries are not very sweet.
Storage Instructions
Store the prepared Strawberry Mousse Recipe in the refrigerator at all times. It should always be kept chilled for food safety and texture.
Cover the mousse tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents drying out.
The mousse stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly. After that, the texture may start to break down.
Avoid storing it near strong-smelling foods in the fridge. Cream-based desserts can absorb odors easily.
If the mousse releases a little liquid after storage, gently stir before serving. This usually happens if it sits for too long.
Always check the smell and appearance before serving leftovers. If anything seems off, it’s best to discard it.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable. Make sure to thaw and drain them completely before blending.
Why is my mousse not setting properly?
This usually happens if the gelatin was not bloomed correctly or measured accurately. Using too little gelatin can also cause this issue.
Can I skip gelatin altogether?
Gelatin helps the mousse hold its shape, so skipping it will make the dessert softer. Without gelatin, it will be more like a strawberry cream.
How do I make the mousse sweeter?
You can add a little extra sugar or powdered sugar to the strawberry puree. Always taste before mixing with the cream.
Can I pipe the mousse for decoration?
Yes, once fully chilled, the mousse can be piped using a piping bag. Make sure it is set firmly before piping.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is kid-friendly and made with simple ingredients. Kids usually love its creamy texture and fruity taste.
Conclusion
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is a simple yet elegant dessert that anyone can make at home. It combines fresh fruit flavor with a light and creamy texture that feels special.
I love how easy it is to prepare while still looking impressive when served. It’s perfect for both everyday treats and special occasions.
The recipe is flexible and allows for many variations based on your preferences. You can easily adapt it to suit different dietary needs.
Making it in advance saves time and makes entertaining stress-free. The mousse only gets better after chilling.
If you enjoy light, fruity desserts, this recipe is definitely worth trying. It’s refreshing, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
I hope you enjoy making and sharing this Strawberry Mousse Recipe as much as I do. It’s one dessert that never fails to impress.
