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If you’re craving a dessert that’s light, luscious, and bursting with fresh fruit flavor, this Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a dreamy blend of silky whipped cream and vibrant strawberry puree that melts in your mouth, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a delightful treat to brighten your day, this mousse combines simple ingredients into an elegant, memorable dessert that anyone can make with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe lies in a few straightforward, fresh ingredients, each chosen to enhance the mousse’s texture, flavor, and color beautifully. These essentials come together effortlessly, making the preparation just as enjoyable as the taste.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries: The star of the dish, they provide natural sweetness and a vibrant pink hue.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the natural tartness of the strawberries perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth to the fruit’s bright flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of acidity enhances freshness and brightens the overall taste.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: Whipped to fluffy perfection, this gives the mousse its signature creamy texture.
- 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin (optional): Provides extra stability if you want a firmer mousse that holds shape well.
- 2 tablespoons cold water (if using gelatin): Needed to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves smoothly.
How to Make Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Strawberries
Start by washing and hulling your strawberries, then toss them into a blender until smooth. For an ultra-silky mousse, strain the puree using a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds, resulting in a beautifully smooth consistency.
Step 2: Add Sweetener & Flavor
Into your vibrant strawberry puree, stir in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. If you’re using powdered gelatin for sturdiness, sprinkle it over cold water and let it bloom for a couple of minutes. Then, gently warm it in the microwave for about 10 seconds until fully dissolved, and blend that into your strawberry mixture. This step ensures your mousse sets up nicely without losing softness.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Pour the heavy whipping cream into a chilled bowl and whip it until stiff peaks form. This step is crucial to create that airy, cloud-like texture. Be careful not to overwhip as it could turn buttery, but once you see nice firm peaks that hold shape, you’re good to go.
Step 4: Fold & Combine
Now for the fun part: gently fold your whipped cream into the strawberry puree. Use a spatula to carefully combine the two, preserving as much air as possible. The result will be a light, fluffy mousse with an irresistible rosy color.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
Spoon your mousse into pretty glasses or bowls, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld and the texture set perfectly. When ready to serve, top with a few fresh strawberry slices or an extra dollop of whipped cream for that final wow factor.
How to Serve Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes elevate this dessert to showstopper status. Fresh strawberry slices, a few mint leaves, or a sprinkle of grated white chocolate add visual appeal and enhance the delicate flavors. You can also drizzle a little strawberry syrup on top for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
While the mousse shines beautifully on its own, pairing it with something like buttery shortbread cookies or a crisp almond biscuit offers a delightful contrast in texture. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit salad can also complement the creaminess without overpowering the mousse.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe presentation by layering it with crushed graham crackers or mixing in crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a textured surprise. Serving in mason jars, elegant martini glasses, or even hollowed-out strawberries can turn this simple dessert into a charming and shareable delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, maintaining their fresh flavor and fluffy texture. Just stir gently before serving if any separation occurs.
Freezing
Freezing is not generally recommended for mousse because the texture can be compromised, but if you must, freeze in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight and expect a slight change in creaminess, though the flavor will remain delicious.
Reheating
Since mousse is best served chilled, reheating doesn’t apply here. Simply bring it out of the fridge a few minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly, ensuring the silken texture remains intact for a perfect mouthfeel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this mousse?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water diluting the mousse. This will still maintain a lovely strawberry flavor.
Is gelatin necessary for this recipe?
Gelatin is optional in the Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe. It helps the mousse hold its shape better, especially if you want firmer servings, but if you prefer a lighter, softer mousse, you can skip it.
How long does the mousse need to chill?
Chilling for at least 2 hours is important to let the flavors meld and the mousse set properly. Overnight chilling will only enhance the taste and texture further.
Can I make this dessert vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan or dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of gelatin. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to fold the whipped cream into the strawberry puree?
Use a gentle folding technique with a spatula, cutting down through the mixture and turning it over repeatedly. This preserves the airy texture of the whipped cream, ensuring a light and fluffy mousse.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite as delightful as making and sharing this Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe with loved ones. Its perfect balance of fresh fruitiness and fluffy cream makes every spoonful feel like a sweet celebration. Give it a try and watch how quickly this simple yet elegant dessert becomes a favorite in your home.
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Creamy Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and airy strawberry mousse made with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla and lemon, optionally stabilized with gelatin for a perfect texture. This refreshing dessert is easy to prepare and ideal for summer gatherings or as a delightful treat anytime.
Ingredients
Strawberry Base
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Gelatin (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Cream
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Blend the Strawberries: Wash, hull, and blend the strawberries until smooth. Strain the puree if you prefer a seedless mousse for a smoother texture.
- Add Sweetener & Flavor: Mix in the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice into the strawberry puree. If using gelatin, sprinkle it over cold water, allow it to bloom for 2 minutes, then microwave for 10 seconds until dissolved. Stir the gelatin mixture thoroughly into the strawberry puree.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Take care not to over-whip to maintain a smooth and fluffy texture.
- Fold & Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until evenly combined, resulting in a light and airy mousse.
- Chill & Serve: Spoon the mousse into serving glasses, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly. Serve chilled, topped with fresh strawberries or additional whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- For a seedless mousse, strain the blended strawberries through a fine mesh sieve.
- Gelatin is optional but recommended for extra stability, especially if making the mousse ahead of time.
- Use chilled cream and bowl for better whipping results.
- Adjust sugar to taste depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- Serve within 24 hours for the best texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 seconds (to dissolve gelatin)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
