If there’s one dessert that conjures up sunshine and pure joy in every spoonful, it’s this Fluffy Strawberry Mousse. Picture a cloud of whipped cream mingling with the juiciest, freshest strawberries, delicately sweetened and light as air. Every bite is a celebration of summer flavor, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a moment of pure bliss. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a make-ahead treat, Fluffy Strawberry Mousse delivers a French-inspired elegance that’s delightfully simple, every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Gelatin Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Mousse
Step 1: Cook the Strawberries
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat. Let everything gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring now and then. You’ll know it’s ready when the strawberries are soft, fragrant, and swimming in their own sweet, ruby-red juices.
Step 2: Blend to Perfection
Remove the pan from the heat and either use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Puree until completely smooth. This step locks in the berry flavor and ensures your Fluffy Strawberry Mousse is silky from top to bottom. For a truly velvety result, you can even strain the puree to catch any lingering seeds.
Step 3: Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for five minutes—this “blooming” process gives you a mousse with just the right amount of wobble and cloud-like lightness. No gritty texture here!
Step 4: Combine Gelatin with Berry Puree
Stir the bloomed gelatin straight into the warm strawberry puree. Whisk well until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature; this is key so it won’t melt the whipped cream later.
Step 5: Whip Cream and Combine
In a separate, chilled bowl, whip together the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until you see soft peaks forming—the kind that hold their shape but are still silky. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, working carefully to keep all that lovely air in. This is where the Fluffy Strawberry Mousse magic really happens!
Step 6: Portion and Chill
Spoon the combined mousse mixture into serving glasses or ramekins. Pop them in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until the mousse is set and delightfully scoopable. Serve chilled and enjoy the dreamy, fruity results.
How to Serve Fluffy Strawberry Mousse
Garnishes
The finishing touch can be as simple or dazzling as you like! Try fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint for a hit of color, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Even a few white chocolate curls take this Fluffy Strawberry Mousse to a whole new level of elegance.
Side Dishes
Pair this mousse with crisp butter cookies, almond biscotti, or a few delicate shortbread rounds. The contrasting textures make every bite even more satisfying, and a cup of espresso alongside is almost irresistible.
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your Fluffy Strawberry Mousse in small mason jars for a picnic, pipe it into chocolate cups for a decadent treat, or create a parfait with layers of crushed meringue and berries. However you serve it, expect plenty of “wow” moments at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have extras, cover your mousse glasses tightly with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge. The Fluffy Strawberry Mousse will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, making it perfect for do-ahead entertaining.
Freezing
While traditional mousse is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze your Fluffy Strawberry Mousse for up to a month. Freeze in individual portions, covered well. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before eating—the texture stays surprisingly lovely.
Reheating
This dessert is at its best when served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you’ve frozen portions, just allow them to thaw slowly in the fridge until they’re perfectly soft and airy once again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! You can substitute frozen strawberries, just thaw and drain them before cooking. They’ll still provide the bright flavor and beautiful color your Fluffy Strawberry Mousse deserves.
What can I use instead of gelatin?
For a vegetarian version, try agar agar powder, though the texture may turn out slightly firmer. Be sure to follow package instructions for blooming it properly.
How can I make the mousse sweeter or less sweet?
If you like things extra sweet, simply add an extra tablespoon of granulated sugar to the strawberry mixture. For a lighter touch, reduce the powdered sugar in the cream or the granulated sugar with the berries to suit your taste.
Do I have to strain the puree?
Straining isn’t required, but if you want an ultra-smooth, elegant mousse or if your strawberries are particularly seedy, a quick pass through a fine-mesh sieve will give your Fluffy Strawberry Mousse a truly silky finish.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Absolutely! This mousse is a dream for planning ahead. Simply prepare and chill it a day in advance, keeping it covered until you’re ready to serve. It only gets better as it sits!
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright delightful about making and sharing this Fluffy Strawberry Mousse. It’s bright, gentle, and guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by just how simple, stunning, and crowd-pleasing this airy dessert can be!
Print
Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the light and airy delight of this Fluffy Strawberry Mousse. This no-bake dessert is a perfect combination of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a hint of lemon, creating a luscious treat that’s ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Gelatin Mixture:
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Whipped Cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cook Strawberry Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until soft, then blend until smooth.
- Prepare Gelatin: Dissolve gelatin in water, then mix into the strawberry puree.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip cream, sugar, and vanilla to soft peaks.
- Combine: Fold strawberry mixture into whipped cream gently.
- Chill: Spoon into glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled, topped with fresh strawberries or mint.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree before adding gelatin.
- You can prepare the mousse a day ahead for easy entertaining.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
