If you’re looking for a light, fruity dessert that’s easy to make, this Strawberry Mousse is just the treat you need. With a fluffy, creamy texture and a refreshing strawberry flavor, it’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings or whenever you’re craving something sweet and delicate. Made with real strawberries and just a few simple ingredients, this mousse is as beautiful as it is delicious.

I first tried making strawberry mousse for a friend’s birthday picnic, and it was an instant hit. The bright pink color and the delicate, airy texture make it feel extra special. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare! Let’s dive into this easy, elegant recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse

Get ready to fall in love with this light and luscious Strawberry Mousse! This recipe is not only delicious but also simple to make, with just a few ingredients and no baking required.

First, this strawberry mousse is incredibly light and airy. Whipping cream into the mousse gives it a fluffy, cloud-like texture that melts in your mouth, making it a perfect dessert after a big meal.

Secondly, it has a refreshing strawberry flavor. Made with real strawberries, this mousse captures the essence of summer, making it an ideal dessert for warm-weather gatherings.

Finally, this recipe is easy to make ahead. You can whip it up a day in advance and keep it chilled, so it’s ready to serve whenever you’re ready. Plus, it’s beautiful served in small glasses or bowls, topped with fresh strawberries or a sprig of mint.

Ingredients Notes

This Strawberry Mousse is made with just a handful of ingredients, each one contributing to the flavor and texture of this delicious dessert.

Fresh Strawberries: The star of the mousse! Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. Fresh strawberries are ideal, but you can also use frozen strawberries if that’s what you have on hand.
Granulated Sugar: A bit of sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and balances the tartness. You can adjust the amount to taste based on how sweet your strawberries are.
Unflavored Gelatin: Gelatin helps stabilize the mousse and gives it a light, fluffy texture. It’s essential for the mousse to set properly, so don’t skip it. If you’re vegetarian, you can use agar-agar as a substitute.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Heavy cream adds richness and makes the mousse light and airy. Make sure it’s well-chilled before whipping to get the perfect texture.
Vanilla Extract (optional): A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor and adds a warm note that complements the strawberries beautifully.

This recipe doesn’t require any special equipment – just a blender or food processor, a whisk, and some small serving glasses for presentation.

How To Make This Strawberry Mousse

Making this Strawberry Mousse is as easy as blending, folding, and chilling. Here’s how to create this light and fruity dessert.

Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries. Place them in a blender or food processor along with the sugar, and blend until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
Bloom the Gelatin: In a small bowl, add the gelatin to a few tablespoons of cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to “bloom.” This step is essential for the gelatin to dissolve evenly in the mousse.
Warm the Strawberry Mixture: Pour the strawberry puree into a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until it’s fully dissolved, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to over-whip; you want the cream to be light and fluffy, not stiff.
Combine and Fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled strawberry mixture until fully combined. Use a light hand to keep the mousse airy and fluffy.
Chill and Set: Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or bowls, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. For best results, let it chill for 4 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a mint leaf, or a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant presentation.

Storage Options

This Strawberry Mousse stores well, so you can make it ahead for gatherings or keep any leftovers for later.

Refrigerator: Store the mousse in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for up to 3 days. It’s a great make-ahead dessert that stays fresh and creamy.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the mousse. Cover it tightly and store it for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This Strawberry Mousse is delicious as-is, but here are a few ideas to change things up or make it fit specific dietary preferences.

Mixed Berry Mousse: Substitute half of the strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry flavor. This creates a vibrant and colorful dessert.
Lemon Strawberry Mousse: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the strawberry mixture for a refreshing citrus twist.
Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream. It will add a slight coconut flavor, but it pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: For a chocolate twist, add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache to the bottom of the serving glasses before adding the mousse. This creates a delicious strawberries-and-chocolate combo.
Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar. Just add to taste and adjust based on the sweetness of the strawberries.

With these variations, you can create a new twist on this Strawberry Mousse each time you make it!

Conclusion

This Strawberry Mousse is a light, fruity dessert that’s simple, elegant, and delicious. With its beautiful pink color and refreshing flavor, it’s perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat on a warm day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want something sweet, this mousse is sure to please everyone.

Give it a try – this strawberry delight is bound to become a favorite in your dessert lineup!