There is something truly magical about a dessert that feels light, luscious, and bursting with fresh flavor, and this Strawberry Mousse Recipe checks every box. Combining creamy, tangy elements with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of ripe strawberries, this mousse becomes an irresistible treat that delights both the eye and the palate. Whether you’re looking for an elegant dessert to impress guests or a refreshing finish to a cozy family meal, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is an absolute showstopper you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward a wonderfully smooth and flavorful strawberry mousse. These simple staples each play a crucial role in delivering the mousse’s perfect texture and inviting taste.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz): Provides a rich, creamy base; for dairy-free, substitute with coconut cream for a luxuriously smooth texture.
- Yogurt (4 oz): Adds a gentle tang and lightness; can be swapped for extra cream cheese or coconut cream if desired.
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the mousse evenly; feel free to use a sugar-free alternative to suit your taste.
- Fresh Strawberries (5 medium-sized): The star ingredient delivering fresh, fruity sweetness and beautiful pink color.
- Vanilla Bean Paste (1/4 tsp): Enhances all the flavors with its warm, aromatic notes.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Strawberries
Start by carefully washing and hulling the strawberries to ensure they’re clean and ready for blending. Cutting them into smaller pieces helps achieve a smoother puree, making the mousse beautifully consistent without any unwanted chunks unless you prefer a bit of texture. This preparation step unlocks the fresh strawberry flavor that defines this recipe.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and yogurt together until the mixture is fully smooth and creamy. This combination carefully balances richness with a touch of tang, creating the perfect foundation for your mousse. For a dairy-free alternative, simply use coconut cream in place of the cream cheese, stirring until luscious and silky.
Step 3: Add Sweetness
Slowly beat in the powdered sugar, ensuring it dissolves completely into the creamy base. This step is where the mousse gains its delicate sweetness, blending harmoniously with the tangy elements. Using a sugar alternative here keeps the mousse light while respecting different dietary needs.
Step 4: Stir in the Vanilla Bean Paste
Vanilla bean paste is the secret touch that elevates the strawberry mousse from simple to spectacular. Stir it gently into your mix to infuse each bite with warm, fragrant undertones that complement the fresh berries perfectly.
Step 5: Puree the Strawberries
Now, toss the prepared strawberries into a blender or food processor and puree them until smooth. If you love a little textural variation, pulse the fruit instead to retain some small strawberry pieces that add body and bursts of flavor throughout the mousse.
Step 6: Fold Everything Together
Carefully fold the pureed strawberries into the creamy mixture, blending until the color and flavor are fully incorporated. This gentle folding technique preserves the airiness of the mousse, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth delight every strawberry mousse deserves.
Step 7: Chill to Set
Transfer your concoction into serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the mousse to firm up beautifully, intensifying the flavors and developing that classic light yet creamy texture that makes this strawberry mousse recipe a favorite for dessert lovers everywhere.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once chilled, your strawberry mousse is ready to delight! Dress it up with your favorite toppings or enjoy it simply as is—a fresh, fruity treat that’s sure to impress.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a thoughtful garnish can make your strawberry mousse even more inviting. Fresh sliced strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves add not only a pop of color but also enhance the flavor profile with refreshing contrasts. Don’t be shy—the little touches make a big difference in presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Strawberry mousse pairs wonderfully with light, complementary sides. Crisp shortbread cookies or delicate almond biscotti provide just the right crunch. For something a bit more indulgent, try serving it alongside a warm slice of pound cake or rich chocolate brownies, creating a delightful harmony between textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not have fun with your presentation? Serve the mousse in elegant martini glasses, mason jars, or even hollowed-out strawberries for an unexpected flair. Layer it with granola or fruit compote to turn it into a parfait, or pipe it into small pastry shells for charming bite-sized treats. Your Strawberry Mousse Recipe is a canvas for creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover strawberry mousse keeps beautifully in the fridge, tightly covered to maintain freshness. Keep it chilled and consume within 2 to 3 days for the best flavor and texture—any longer, and the mousse might start to lose its airy charm.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your strawberry mousse later, freezing is an option, but remember it might impact the texture slightly. Transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight rather than at room temperature to best preserve its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Since strawberry mousse is best served chilled, reheating is generally not recommended. Rather than warming it up, allow it to soften slightly at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to enhance its supple texture and bring out the full flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries can work well, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before blending to avoid diluting the mousse.
Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?
Yes! Simply swap the cream cheese for coconut cream and use a dairy-free yogurt or additional coconut cream for a luscious dairy-free version of this Strawberry Mousse Recipe.
How long does it take to chill properly?
A minimum of 2 hours in the refrigerator is recommended to let the mousse set perfectly, but longer chilling can deepen the flavor and texture even more.
Can I make the mousse sweeter or less sweet?
Definitely. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar or sugar substitute to match your sweetness preference. Taste as you go for the best results.
What is the best way to get a chunkier texture in the mousse?
If you enjoy some texture, pulse the strawberries lightly in the blender or food processor rather than pureeing completely. This leaves delightful little bits of fruit throughout the mousse.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Mousse Recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate fresh, vibrant flavors with a creamy, airy texture that’s downright addictive. It’s easy to make, endlessly flexible, and always impresses at the table. Take a moment, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this spectacular dessert. You’ll be smiling with every spoonful.
Print
Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Strawberry Mousse is a light and creamy dessert that combines the smooth richness of cream cheese or coconut cream with the fresh, fruity flavor of strawberries. It is a simple no-cook recipe that sets in the refrigerator, making it perfect for a quick yet elegant treat. Suitable for dairy-free variations by using coconut cream, this mousse is sweetened with powdered sugar and enhanced with vanilla bean paste for a deliciously smooth and flavorful finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 4 oz yogurt (or additional cream cheese or coconut cream)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or a sugar-free alternative)
- 5 medium-sized strawberries (optional, but recommended for flavor)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: If using strawberries, wash and hull them. Cut them into small pieces for easier blending.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese (or coconut cream) and yogurt (or additional cream cheese) together until smooth and creamy.
- Sweeten the mousse: Gradually add the powdered sugar (or sugar-free alternative) to the mixture, beating until fully combined.
- Add the vanilla: Stir in the vanilla bean paste for added flavor.
- Blend the strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier mousse, you can pulse them to leave small bits of strawberry in the mixture.
- Combine and chill: Gently fold the pureed strawberries into the cream mixture until fully incorporated.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours or until it firms up and sets.
- Serve: Once chilled, serve in individual bowls or glasses, and garnish with extra strawberries or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
- This mousse can be made dairy-free by substituting cream cheese and yogurt with coconut cream.
- For a sugar-free version, use a powdered sugar alternative such as erythritol or stevia blend.
- Adjust the sweetness according to taste preference.
- Ensure the mousse is refrigerated long enough to set properly for the best texture.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries or whipped cream to enhance presentation and flavor.
