There’s something delightfully light and indulgent about a Strawberry Mousse that makes it the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its fluffy texture and refreshing sweetness, this dessert can make even an ordinary day feel a bit more special.

I first tried strawberry mousse at a family gathering, and it quickly became a go-to favorite. This simple yet elegant dessert is always a hit, whether served in individual cups for a dinner party or a large bowl to share with friends. Let me show you how easy it is to whip up this delightful treat!

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Mousse

Get ready to savor a dessert that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious. This strawberry mousse will become your new favorite treat for many reasons.

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make! With only a handful of ingredients and no baking required, this mousse is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for last-minute dessert plans.

You’ll love how light and airy it is. The combination of whipped cream and strawberries creates a luscious texture that’s rich yet perfectly refreshing—ideal for warm weather or a light dessert after dinner.

Another bonus? Strawberries add a fresh, natural sweetness that makes this mousse taste like pure summer in a cup. Whether fresh or frozen, strawberries are the star ingredient that shines in every bite.

Finally, this recipe is easily customizable. You can play with flavors, garnish with extra berries, or even mix in a splash of lemon juice for added brightness. It’s versatile enough to suit any palate!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this strawberry mousse lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each plays an essential role in achieving the ideal flavor and texture.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are ideal for the most vibrant flavor, but frozen berries work beautifully too. They provide that natural sweetness and beautiful pink color. Make sure to blend them until smooth for the creamiest mousse.
Heavy Whipping Cream: This is what gives the mousse its airy, fluffy texture. Be sure to use heavy cream for the best results – it whips up more firmly and holds its shape better than regular cream.
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar enhances the sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them. Adjust based on the sweetness of your strawberries for the perfect balance.
Gelatin: A little gelatin helps the mousse set, giving it that smooth, silky consistency. If you prefer a vegetarian option, agar agar can be used as a substitute, but use slightly less to avoid a firmer texture.
Vanilla Extract: Just a hint of vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the strawberries. It’s optional but highly recommended for a truly balanced taste.

For this recipe, you’ll need a blender or food processor for the strawberries, as well as a hand or stand mixer for whipping the cream.

How To Make This Strawberry Mousse

Making strawberry mousse is simpler than you might think! Here’s how to create this light and refreshing dessert step by step.

Prepare the Strawberries: Begin by washing and hulling about 1 pound of fresh strawberries. If you’re using frozen strawberries, allow them to thaw slightly. Blend the strawberries into a smooth puree. You can strain it to remove seeds if you prefer a completely smooth mousse.
Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. Then, heat it gently in the microwave or on the stove until dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly before mixing it into the strawberry puree.
Sweeten and Flavor: Stir the sugar and vanilla extract into the strawberry puree. Taste the mixture and adjust the sugar if needed – remember, the mousse will taste slightly less sweet once chilled.
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can lead to a grainy texture.
Combine: Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream in two or three additions. Be careful to fold slowly and evenly to keep as much air in the mixture as possible.
Chill and Serve: Divide the mousse into individual serving glasses or a large bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a mint sprig for a pop of color if desired.

This strawberry mousse takes only about 20 minutes of hands-on time, plus chilling, making it an effortless yet impressive dessert!

Storage Options

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last!), here are the best ways to store your strawberry mousse.

Refrigerator: Store the mousse in an airtight container or covered glasses in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The whipped cream will start to lose some of its volume after the first day, but the mousse will still be delicious.
Freezer: For a more frozen treat, you can freeze strawberry mousse. Place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Reheating: Strawberry mousse is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply serve straight from the fridge or freezer!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this strawberry mousse is its versatility. Here are some fun ways to make it your own.

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: For a chocolate twist, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the strawberry mixture. This adds a rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Lemon Strawberry Mousse: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to the puree for a bright, citrusy flavor. It adds a nice tang and extra freshness to the mousse.
Berry Medley Mousse: Combine strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. This creates a beautiful, multi-berry flavor and adds some extra color.
Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener to make a lower-sugar mousse. Adjust the quantity to taste, as these substitutes tend to be much sweeter than regular sugar.
Vegan Strawberry Mousse: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and agar agar instead of gelatin for a vegan-friendly version. Coconut cream gives a slight tropical flavor that complements strawberries well.

Feel free to experiment and find your perfect version of strawberry mousse. Each variation brings something unique to the table, so have fun with it!