Strawberry Mousse is a light and elegant dessert that combines fresh strawberries with a hint of lemon for a refreshing treat. This airy and creamy mousse is perfect for summer entertaining, special occasions, or simply when you want a delicious and refined dessert. With a luscious strawberry sauce and a dollop of whipped cream, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry mousse is the ideal dessert for warm weather, with its light, fluffy texture and refreshing strawberry flavor. The combination of fresh strawberries, lemon zest, and creamy whipped cream makes each bite a delightful experience. The strawberry sauce adds an extra layer of sweetness, and the mousse can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to something special, this mousse will impress.

Ingredients

For the Mousse:

¼ cup cold water
1 package (2 ½ teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
1 ½ pints strawberries, hulled and sliced
¼ cup granulated sugar
Zest from ½ lemon
1 cup heavy whipping cream
3 tablespoons powdered sugar

For the Sauce:

½ pint strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Zest from ½ lemon
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Serving:

Sweetened whipped cream

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

Directions

Prepare the Mousse:

Place the cold water in a small saucepan and sprinkle the gelatin over the top. Let it sit for 1 minute to soften. Turn the heat to low and stir until the gelatin dissolves. Remove from heat.
In a food processor or blender, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon zest, and gelatin mixture. Puree the mixture until smooth, then transfer it to a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for about an hour to let the flavors combine and the mixture set slightly.

Whip the Cream:

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it starts to thicken. Add the powdered sugar and continue to whip until soft peaks form.
Stir ¼ of the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until the mousse is light and airy. Cover and chill the mousse for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.

Make the Sauce:

In a food processor or blender, combine the remaining strawberries, sugar, and lemon zest. Puree the mixture until smooth.
Pour the strawberry puree into a saucepan, then whisk in the cornstarch. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until cooled.

Serve:

To serve, spoon some of the strawberry sauce into the bottom of a serving dish or individual cups.
Top with the chilled mousse, then drizzle more sauce over the mousse, if desired.
Finish with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream and serve cold. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Calories per serving: 240 kcal

Variations

Add other berries: You can mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries to the mousse for a different twist on flavor.
Use other fruit: Swap the strawberries for peaches, mangoes, or raspberries to create different fruit mousse variations.
Chocolate version: Add a few tablespoons of melted chocolate to the mousse for a chocolate-covered strawberry flavor.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream or almond cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this dessert.

Storage/reheating

Storage: Store the mousse and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Serve chilled, as this dessert is best enjoyed cold. No need for reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries for the mousse?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them before using them in the mousse and sauce.

2. How long can I store the mousse?

The mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s covered tightly to maintain its light texture.

3. Can I make this mousse without gelatin?

Gelatin helps give the mousse its light, airy texture. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan alternative, you could try using agar-agar as a substitute.

4. Can I make the mousse ahead of time?

Yes, this mousse is perfect for making ahead! Prepare it a day in advance, and let it chill in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.

5. Can I make the strawberry sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the strawberry sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

6. How can I make this mousse thicker?

If you want a thicker mousse, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly or add more gelatin to the mixture (be careful, though, as too much gelatin may affect the texture).

7. Can I serve this mousse in individual cups?

Yes, you can divide the mousse into individual serving cups for a more elegant presentation, making it easier to serve at parties or gatherings.

8. How do I prevent the mousse from deflating?

Be gentle when folding the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture, and avoid overmixing, which can cause the mousse to lose its airy texture.

9. Can I use store-bought strawberry puree?

You can use store-bought strawberry puree, but making your own will add a fresher flavor and control the sweetness.

10. Can I make this mousse without the sauce?

Yes, the mousse is delicious on its own, but the strawberry sauce adds extra flavor and a beautiful visual element to the dessert.

Conclusion

Strawberry Mousse is a perfect light and elegant dessert for any special occasion or just as a treat on a summer day. With its creamy texture, fresh strawberry flavor, and subtle hint of lemon, this mousse is sure to impress. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening, this dessert is a delightful choice for any time of year!