A luscious and creamy mascarpone mousse topped with juicy roasted strawberries, this dessert is rich, smooth, and just the right amount of tangy. It’s a stunning yet simple treat that feels indulgent without being overly complicated—perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or any moment when you want something elegant and effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mascarpone Mousse with Roasted Strawberries is the perfect combination of creamy and fruity. The mousse is light yet decadent, with a smooth texture and subtle sweetness. Roasting the strawberries brings out their natural juices and intensifies their flavor, adding a beautifully caramelized touch that pairs perfectly with the tangy mascarpone. Best of all, it’s a no-bake dessert that can be made ahead of time.

Mascarpone Mousse with Roasted Strawberries

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Roasted Strawberries:

2 cups strawberries, quartered
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Mascarpone Mousse:

8 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

Roast the Strawberries:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
Add the quartered strawberries to the dish. Sprinkle with sugar and drizzle with vanilla extract. Toss gently to coat.
Spread strawberries in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, until tender and juicy. Let them cool slightly.

Make the Mousse:

In a large bowl, beat together the mascarpone, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture until fully combined and light in texture.

Assemble:

Spoon or pipe the mousse into 6 dessert cups or small glasses.
Top each with a generous spoonful of the roasted strawberries—either warm or cooled, depending on preference.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 desserts
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per serving

Variations

Berry Mix: Add raspberries or blueberries to the strawberries before roasting.
Citrus Zest: Stir in a little lemon or orange zest to the mousse for added brightness.
Chocolate Swirl: Fold in some melted dark chocolate or drizzle on top before serving.
Nut Crunch: Garnish with toasted almonds or pistachios for texture.
Biscuit Base: Layer mousse over crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a parfait-style dessert.

Storage/Reheating

Store assembled mousse cups in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying. The roasted strawberries can also be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 3 days. This dessert is served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, the mousse and strawberries can be prepared a day in advance. Assemble and chill until ready to serve.

Do I need to roast the strawberries?

Roasting adds depth and sweetness, but you can also use fresh macerated strawberries if preferred.

Can I use only cream cheese instead of mascarpone?

You can, but the flavor and texture will be more tangy and less silky than mascarpone.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, thaw and drain them first. Roasting time may need to be adjusted slightly due to extra moisture.

What if I don’t have a piping bag?

Use a spoon to fill the dessert cups. It will taste just as delicious.

Can I make this mousse without a mixer?

Yes, but whipping the cream by hand will take longer. A hand whisk and some patience will get the job done.

Is this dessert very sweet?

It’s moderately sweet. You can adjust the sugar in both the mousse and strawberries to your taste.

Can I serve the strawberries warm over cold mousse?

Yes, the temperature contrast adds a lovely touch. Just don’t serve them piping hot.

Can I freeze the mousse?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may become grainy once thawed.

What’s the best way to serve this dessert?

In clear glasses or small ramekins to show off the layers. Garnish with mint or a few fresh berries if desired.

Conclusion

Mascarpone Mousse with Roasted Strawberries is a dessert that looks and tastes luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make. With its velvety texture and vibrant topping, it offers a delightful finish to any meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this easy, elegant dessert is sure to impress.

Emma