Strawberry Mousse Recipe

Sweet, airy, and utterly irresistible, Strawberry Mousse is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves to celebrate the natural vibrancy of fresh strawberries. With a creamy, pillowy texture and a burst of berry flavor in every bite, this simple yet elegant treat is sure to become your new go-to for spring gatherings, romantic dinners, or a quick pick-me-up when you need something special. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll love how easy this recipe is to master and how beautifully it showcases strawberries in their prime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of humble ingredients can transform into such a luscious, show-stopping Strawberry Mousse. Each component brings its own touch of flavor and texture, so be sure to select the best quality you can find for a truly memorable treat.

• Cream cheese or coconut cream: The foundation of your mousse, providing creaminess and body. Make sure it’s at room temperature for the smoothest blend.
• Yogurt (or more cream cheese or coconut cream): Adds a subtle tang and extra lightness for an airy finish.
• Powdered sugar (or sugar-free alternative): Sweetens everything without any graininess, melting seamlessly into the mix.
• Strawberries: The star player! Five medium berries are just enough to infuse your mousse with gorgeous color and true fruit flavor.
• Vanilla bean paste (optional): For a gently perfumed warmth and those beautiful vanilla flecks, if you want an extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse

Step 1: Prep the Dairy (or Dairy-Free) Base

If you’re using cream cheese, take a moment to let it come fully to room temperature — this makes it so much easier to whip up without any stray lumps. For coconut cream, crack open the can and peek inside to make sure you’ve got that luscious, thick and creamy consistency you want. Occasionally, you’ll find a can that’s dry and flaky, and trust me, it just won’t give you that dreamy mousse texture we’re aiming for!

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

Wash your strawberries, remove the stems, and toss them into a blender or food processor. Pulse until you have a smooth puree. If you don’t have a blender handy, simply mash them with a fork or potato masher — it’s rustic, but it works perfectly fine!

Step 3: Blend Everything Together

Add the cream cheese or coconut cream, your chosen yogurt, powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and the vanilla bean paste (if using) into your blender or food processor. Blend everything on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and evenly pink. If you’re using a hand mixer, just combine everything in a big bowl and beat well until unified and fluffy.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Spoon your Strawberry Mousse into serving dishes, glasses, or even little jars. Pop them into the refrigerator and let the mousse chill for at least two hours. This rest is where the magic happens — the mousse thickens up beautifully, melding all those flavors together into a light-as-air, creamy delight.

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse

Garnishes

The best part about Strawberry Mousse is how it welcomes a bit of flair. Try topping each serving with a swirl of whipped cream, a few extra sliced strawberries, or even a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for crunch and color. A sprig of mint makes it look instantly elegant and oh-so-fresh.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Mousse with delicate butter cookies, almond biscotti, or crisp shortbread. Each adds a satisfying texture to contrast the airy mousse. If you want to keep things on the lighter side, a simple plate of fresh seasonal fruit alongside works beautifully too.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Strawberry Mousse in vintage teacups for afternoon tea vibes, or layer it in clear dessert glasses with crumbled cookies or cake for an impressive parfait. You can even pipe it into little tart shells or use it as a creamy layer in trifles for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have extra Strawberry Mousse? Lucky you! Simply cover the servings tightly and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The mousse will keep its lovely texture, making it a perfect do-ahead treat for busy schedules.

Freezing

Strawberry Mousse is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Spoon any leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to one month. Let thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge — it’ll be a little firmer, almost like a semifreddo, but just as tasty.

Reheating

Since Strawberry Mousse is meant to be enjoyed cold, there’s no need to reheat. Just let frozen portions thaw gently in the fridge, and give them a good stir before serving to refresh their creamy, dreamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen berries thoroughly, drain off any excess liquid, and puree as you would with fresh berries. The flavor will still be delicious and the color vibrant.

Can I make Strawberry Mousse without a blender or food processor?

Yes, you can! Mash the strawberries very thoroughly by hand, and use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese and other ingredients until smooth. It might be a bit more rustic, but it’ll still taste amazing.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be! Simply opt for coconut cream (instead of cream cheese), use dairy-free or coconut yogurt, and make sure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. You’ll end up with a creamy, completely plant-based Strawberry Mousse.

How can I adjust the sweetness?

Feel free to taste the mousse before chilling and adjust the powdered sugar to your liking. If you want a naturally sweetened version, try using a bit of honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative.

Why did my mousse turn grainy?

If your mousse has a gritty or grainy texture, it’s usually because the base wasn’t fully softened or blended enough. Make sure everything is at room temperature and take a little extra time to blend until ultra-smooth for the dreamiest result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is easy, Strawberry Mousse checks all the boxes. Its refreshing flavor and creamy texture will have everyone asking for seconds, so don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen. Go on and give it a try — I’m rooting for you to fall in love with this berry-filled treat!

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