Easy Strawberry Mousse Recipe
If you’re craving a dreamy, cloud-like dessert that looks impressive but comes together in a flash, say hello to Easy Strawberry Mousse. With a handful of everyday ingredients and zero fuss, this sweet delight showcases juicy strawberries in their most luscious form. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want a fun treat to brighten your day, this mousse is pure magic in every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Mousse:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Create the Strawberry Base
Start by combining the strawberries, half the sugar, and a couple of tablespoons of water in a small saucepan. Gently cook over medium heat, stirring now and then, until the berries soften and release their wonderful juices—about five or six minutes. Once soft, remove from heat and puree until perfectly smooth. Stir in that teaspoon of lemon juice, and you’ve got a flavor-packed base that’s already smelling irresistible.
Step 2: Bloom and Add the Gelatin
While your strawberry mixture is cooling slightly, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over two tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for at least five minutes—this “blooming” step is crucial and lets the gelatin hydrate so it will dissolve evenly. Once bloomed, swirl this gelatin mixture into the warm (not hot) strawberry puree. Stir until there’s no trace of gelatin, then set aside to cool completely to room temperature.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, it’s time to break out the big guns—heavy whipping cream and the rest of your sugar. Whip them together until soft peaks form. You want a light, fluffy texture here so that the final Easy Strawberry Mousse practically melts on your tongue.
Step 4: Fold It All Together
Gently fold the cooled strawberry-gelatin mixture into your whipped cream, taking care not to deflate all that lovely air you whipped in. Work with a light touch and stop as soon as everything is incorporated—tiny streaks are perfectly okay. The goal is to marry the strawberry goodness with the creaminess so every bite is balanced.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Spoon or pipe your beautiful pink mousse into glasses or small bowls. Pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours so they have time to chill and set up. When you’re ready to serve, top each portion with fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint. It’s a little touch that delivers big on presentation and flavor. Now, dig in and enjoy your Easy Strawberry Mousse!
How to Serve Easy Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
Elevate your Easy Strawberry Mousse with sliced fresh strawberries and a few sprigs of mint. Not only do they add a pop of color, they also give a fragrant, refreshing bite that contrasts beautifully with the mousse’s creamy sweetness. If you’re feeling a bit extra, a whisper of finely grated lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar takes the look (and taste) over the top.
Side Dishes
Pair this mousse with buttery shortbread cookies or crisp ladyfingers for some satisfying contrast. Light, simple cookies allow the strawberries to shine, and dipping them into the mousse is pure bliss. For a brunch spread, try serving Easy Strawberry Mousse alongside a platter of fresh berries and a chilled glass of rosé.
Creative Ways to Present
You can really let your creativity shine here! Spoon the mousse into elegant wine glasses, cute little jars, or even shot glasses for a party appetizer vibe. Layer with crushed graham crackers or vanilla cake cubes for party parfaits. Small ramekins work beautifully for casual family dinners, and you can scale everything up or down as needed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers (or planning ahead)? Cover your serving glasses or ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. Easy Strawberry Mousse will stay wonderfully fresh and airy for up to three days, maintaining both its flavor and fluffy texture. Just remove from the fridge right before serving for optimal taste.
Freezing
While mousse is best fresh, you can freeze Easy Strawberry Mousse for up to a month. Store in an airtight container, leaving room for a little expansion. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight. The texture may be slightly less airy, but the flavor will still be absolutely delightful.
Reheating
No reheating required—this treat is at its most delicious when cold and silky! If your mousse accidentally sits out longer than planned, just pop it back in the fridge until perfectly chilled again. That’s truly all it needs to shine.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Simply thaw the berries and drain any excess liquid before cooking them as directed. The flavor will still be delicious, though you might want to add a bit more sugar if your frozen berries are tart.
Can I make this Easy Strawberry Mousse dairy free?
Yes, you can swap the heavy whipping cream for whipped coconut cream. The result is a mousse that’s still light and creamy, with a subtle coconut note that works surprisingly well with strawberries.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?
Agar-agar is a popular vegetarian substitute. Use about half the amount (1/2 teaspoon), dissolve it in the strawberry mixture, and proceed as usual. Just know that agar sets a little firmer than gelatin, so the texture will be slightly different but still delightful.
Can I make Easy Strawberry Mousse ahead for parties?
Definitely! This mousse is perfect for preparing a day or two in advance. Cover and chill as directed, then garnish just before serving. Your guests will think you worked for hours!
What other fruits can I use?
Try raspberries, blackberries, or a mix of your favorite berries for a fun twist. Mango puree also works beautifully, turning this dessert into a tropical treat.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dessert that’s both effortlessly elegant and joyfully simple, Easy Strawberry Mousse deserves a spot at your table. Give it a try, and you’ll see how a few humble ingredients can whip up a restaurant-worthy treat—no baking, no stress, just pure strawberry bliss with every spoonful!
Print
Easy Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 2 hours chilling
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the refreshing sweetness of this Easy Strawberry Mousse recipe that combines the natural flavors of fresh strawberries with the light creaminess of whipped cream. A delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Puree:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Mousse:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Fresh strawberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons water. Cook until soft, then puree and add lemon juice.
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water, let stand, then add to puree.
- Whip the Cream: Beat cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
- Combine: Gently fold strawberry puree into whipped cream.
- Chill: Spoon mousse into serving dishes and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish: Garnish with strawberries and mint leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half the whipped cream with whipped coconut cream.
- This recipe can be made with raspberries or a mix of berries for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling, No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 20 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
