Strawberry Mousse Recipe

There’s something wonderfully light and refreshing about Strawberry Mousse. With each bite, you’re greeted by a burst of fresh strawberry flavor, a smooth texture, and just the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for spring and summer, this mousse makes a delightful dessert for family gatherings, brunches, or simply to treat yourself.

I first came across this recipe while searching for ways to make the most of fresh, ripe strawberries. After a few tweaks, it quickly became my go-to dessert for warmer days – it’s elegant yet easy to prepare, with no need to turn on the oven! Let’s dive in and make this luscious strawberry mousse that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse

Get ready to be swept away by the light, fluffy goodness of homemade strawberry mousse! There’s so much to love about this dessert.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make – just a few simple steps and minimal ingredients bring this dish together. No need to worry about complex techniques or long prep times.

Another reason to love this mousse? It’s naturally refreshing! The fresh strawberries bring a delicate sweetness and tang, perfectly complemented by the airy, whipped texture of the mousse.

Plus, this recipe is very versatile. You can serve it as-is or layer it with crushed cookies, whipped cream, or even fresh berries for added texture and flavor.

Finally, it’s a make-ahead dessert. Prepare it a few hours (or even a day) before you need it, so it’s ready to go when it’s time to serve. This convenience makes it perfect for hosting or any time you want a special treat on hand.

Ingredients Notes

This strawberry mousse shines because of its fresh, simple ingredients. Each one has a role in creating the light, airy texture and bright flavor of this dessert.

• Fresh Strawberries: These are the heart of this mousse. Look for ripe, red strawberries for the best flavor. If strawberries are out of season, you can also use frozen strawberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well.
• Sugar: Just a bit of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries and balances the tanginess. Adjust the amount to your taste, especially if your strawberries are very sweet.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the mousse its signature fluffy texture. Whipping heavy cream to soft peaks adds a luscious creaminess that pairs perfectly with the strawberries. Be sure to use heavy cream rather than milk or light cream for the best results.
• Gelatin: This helps set the mousse, giving it that smooth, spoonable texture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute with agar-agar, though the texture might differ slightly.

For equipment, you’ll need a blender or food processor to puree the strawberries, a mixing bowl, and a whisk or electric mixer for whipping the cream. Small dessert cups or ramekins work great for serving.

How to Make This Strawberry Mousse

Creating this strawberry mousse is as easy as blending, whipping, and folding. Let’s walk through each step to make this delicious dessert.

1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Start by washing and hulling about 1 cup of fresh strawberries. Place them in a blender or food processor with a bit of sugar, and blend until completely smooth. For an extra-smooth mousse, strain the puree to remove seeds.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold water and let it sit for a few minutes to bloom. Then, warm the mixture gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until it’s fully dissolved. Stir the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree until well combined.
3. Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, pour in your cold heavy cream. Whip it to soft peaks – when you lift the whisk, the cream should hold a gentle peak that softens slightly at the tip. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can make the mousse dense.
4. Fold Everything Together: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the mixture. Use a spatula and fold until everything is just combined, giving you a beautifully pink, airy mousse.
5. Chill and Set: Spoon the mousse into individual dessert cups or one larger serving dish. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set and chilled. Serve with fresh strawberries on top if desired.

In under 15 minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a stunning strawberry mousse chilling in the fridge, ready to enjoy in a few hours!

Storage Options

Strawberry mousse stores well, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert. Here are a few storage tips to keep it fresh.

If you have leftovers, store the mousse in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days, although it’s best enjoyed within the first day for optimal texture.

Avoid freezing the mousse, as the whipped cream’s texture will change once thawed, becoming grainy rather than smooth and fluffy.

For a quick snack, you can make mini mousse cups in jars or small containers that are easy to grab from the fridge when the craving hits.

When ready to serve, enjoy the mousse chilled, garnished with additional sliced strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe can be tailored to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are a few ways to make this mousse your own.

• Use Different Berries: If you’re in the mood for something new, try swapping strawberries for raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. Each berry will bring its own unique flavor to the mousse.
• Make It Vegan: For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and agar-agar in place of gelatin. Coconut cream has a similar texture when whipped and adds a subtle tropical note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Add a Layer of Crunch: For a parfait-style mousse, layer the strawberry mixture with crushed graham crackers, shortbread cookies, or granola in between mousse layers.
• Enhance with Flavors: A hint of vanilla extract or a splash of lemon juice can enhance the flavor of the strawberries. If you like a touch of citrus, adding a bit of zest is also a great option.

Feel free to get creative with your strawberry mousse! Whether you serve it as a simple mousse or dress it up with layers and toppings, this recipe is adaptable to whatever you’re craving.

Enjoy every light, fruity spoonful! This strawberry mousse is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert lineup.

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