There's something magical about a spoonful of strawberry mousse. With its silky, airy texture and bursts of juicy strawberry flavor, this dessert feels like a sweet, cloud-like indulgence. Made with fresh strawberries, this mousse offers a light yet satisfying sweetness that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, or anytime you crave something refreshing yet creamy.

I first discovered this recipe while looking for a way to make a simple yet elegant dessert for a family brunch. Little did I know, it would become a family favorite, requested at every holiday! Let's dive into the details of this delightful strawberry mousse.

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Mousse

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dessert! This strawberry mousse is the perfect combination of fresh flavors and luxurious texture, making it a favorite for all ages.

First off, this mousse is incredibly light yet satisfying. Unlike heavier desserts, it has a melt-in-your-mouth quality that leaves you feeling refreshed rather than overly full, making it ideal as a finisher to any meal.

You'll also love how simple it is to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe comes together quickly. No need to spend hours in the kitchen, but the result looks and tastes like you did!

Lastly, the flavor of fresh strawberries shines through in every bite. By using ripe strawberries, this dessert captures the true essence of the fruit without overpowering sweetness. Whether you’re a fan of strawberries or just looking for a crowd-pleaser, this mousse checks all the boxes.

Ready to get started? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this strawberry mousse lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving that perfect blend of flavor and texture.

Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Using fresh, ripe strawberries will give your mousse a bright, natural sweetness. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with frozen ones, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the mousse creamy and fluffy. Heavy cream has the right fat content to whip up beautifully and hold its shape, giving the mousse its luxurious, airy texture. Make sure the cream is well-chilled before whipping to achieve the best volume.
Granulated Sugar: A little sugar helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the strawberries and balance the creaminess. You can adjust the sugar to taste, especially if your strawberries are extra sweet.
Gelatin Powder: This ingredient is optional but recommended if you want your mousse to have a firmer consistency. It helps stabilize the mousse, making it easier to serve in neat scoops or layers. You can skip it if you prefer a softer, spoonable texture.
Lemon Juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and adds a slight tanginess that complements the sweetness perfectly.

You'll also need a blender or food processor, mixing bowls, and a hand mixer (or stand mixer) for whipping the cream.

How To Make This Strawberry Mousse

Creating this delicious strawberry mousse is easier than you might think! Follow these simple steps for a flawless, fruity dessert.

Prepare the Strawberry Puree
Begin by washing and hulling your strawberries. Add them to a blender or food processor along with the sugar and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, creating a fresh, vibrant strawberry puree. If you prefer a smoother mousse, you can strain the puree to remove any seeds, but this is optional.
Dissolve the Gelatin (Optional)
If you’re using gelatin, sprinkle it over a small amount of cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Afterward, gently heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until fully dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly before adding it to the strawberry puree. This step helps the mousse hold its shape, making it perfect for layered desserts or neat servings.
Whip the Cream
Pour the heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl and beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, as you want the cream to be light and airy, not stiff and grainy.
Combine the Strawberry and Cream Mixtures
Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the mixture. Use a spatula to fold until just combined, creating a beautiful pink color with visible swirls of strawberry throughout.
Chill and Serve
Divide the mousse into serving dishes or glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing it to set. When ready to serve, you can add fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprig of mint for garnish.

This mousse takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus chilling time. The end result is well worth the wait!

Storage Options

This strawberry mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead option for entertaining.

Refrigerate: Cover the mousse tightly with plastic wrap or store it in airtight containers to prevent it from absorbing any other fridge odors. For the best texture, serve it within a day or two.
Freezing: While freezing might affect the texture slightly, you can freeze mousse if you prefer a firmer texture. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store for up to a month. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge for a couple of hours. Note that the consistency will be a bit denser after freezing.

When reheating or refreshing the mousse after chilling, give it a gentle stir to bring back some of the airy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious! Here are some variations you can try to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: For a chocolate twist, add 2-3 tablespoons of melted dark chocolate to the strawberry puree. This creates a rich, chocolate-covered strawberry flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Vegan Strawberry Mousse: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of gelatin. The coconut adds a hint of tropical flavor, which pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Berry Medley Mousse: Replace half of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry mousse. This adds depth to the flavor and a fun color variation.
Alcohol-Infused Mousse: Add a splash of Grand Marnier or a fruity liqueur to the strawberry puree for an adult version of this dessert. The liqueur enhances the berry flavor and adds a little extra sophistication.

Feel free to experiment with this recipe and make it your own! Whether you’re a strawberry purist or like a twist of flavor, this mousse is sure to impress.

Now that you’ve got all the details, it's time to whip up this airy, flavorful strawberry mousse and enjoy every sweet spoonful!