There’s nothing like a creamy, fluffy strawberry mousse to brighten your day! This light, refreshing dessert is a delightful treat, with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries perfectly balanced by a smooth, velvety texture. It's a family favorite that I first tried when looking for a way to use up a bounty of strawberries – and it quickly became a go-to for warm weather gatherings.

Whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quiet night in, this strawberry mousse is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into what makes this dessert so special!

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Mousse

This strawberry mousse isn’t just tasty – it’s a must-have recipe for any dessert lover.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make! With a few simple steps, you can transform fresh strawberries into a creamy, restaurant-quality dessert without breaking a sweat. The recipe is straightforward, even if you’re new to mousse-making.

It's also wonderfully light, making it a great way to finish a meal. Many desserts can feel heavy, but this mousse is airy and delicate, thanks to the whipped cream that gives it that perfect cloud-like consistency.

If you love the taste of fresh strawberries, this dessert has you covered. We use real, ripe strawberries to get that pure, sweet flavor – no artificial flavors here!

Plus, it’s versatile! This mousse works as a beautiful standalone dessert, but you can also layer it in parfait glasses with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or even a sprinkle of crushed cookies for added texture and flavor.

Ready to get started? Let’s go over what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients for this strawberry mousse are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create the best possible flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Look for ripe, red strawberries for the best flavor and sweetness. If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work well too – just make sure to thaw and drain them before blending.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and creaminess to the mousse. Whipping the cream introduces air into the mousse, giving it that signature light texture. For a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the mousse may be slightly less rich.
Gelatin: Unflavored gelatin helps the mousse set up, giving it structure while keeping it smooth and creamy. You’ll dissolve it in a bit of water before adding it to the mousse mixture.
Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the strawberries’ natural sweetness. Adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your strawberries – you may not need much if they’re naturally sweet.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds depth. It’s optional, but I find it brings a nice warmth that complements the strawberries beautifully.

A hand mixer or stand mixer will come in handy to whip the cream, while a blender or food processor is perfect for pureeing the strawberries. Let’s get into the step-by-step!

How to Make This Strawberry Mousse

Making this strawberry mousse is simple, and with these steps, you’ll have it ready in no time.

Prepare the Strawberries: Start by washing and hulling your strawberries. Place them in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you prefer a silky-smooth texture, you can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over a couple of tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom, then microwave for 10 seconds or until fully dissolved. Stir and set aside.
Combine the Strawberry Puree and Gelatin: Pour the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree, stirring well to combine. This will help the mousse set without being too firm, giving it a soft and airy texture.
Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour the heavy cream and add the sugar and vanilla extract (if using). Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until the cream reaches stiff peaks. This step is crucial for creating the mousse’s light, airy texture.
Fold Everything Together: Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, using a spatula to combine. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could deflate the mousse.
Chill and Set: Spoon the mousse into individual serving glasses or a larger serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the mousse to set and develop its flavors.

After a couple of hours in the fridge, your strawberry mousse is ready to serve! The total prep time is around 20 minutes, with a couple of hours of chilling, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Storage Options

If you have leftover strawberry mousse, it stores beautifully in the fridge. Here are some tips for keeping it fresh:

In the Fridge: Cover the mousse with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day or two for optimal fluffiness.
In the Freezer: Believe it or not, you can freeze this mousse! Spoon it into a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to a month. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge for a few hours until it reaches a creamy, spoonable consistency.

To re-fluff any leftovers, give the mousse a gentle stir. It won’t be as airy as the first day, but it’ll still be delicious.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this strawberry mousse recipe is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Mixed Berry Mousse: Replace half of the strawberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry twist. Just be sure to blend well for a smooth texture.
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Add 2-3 tablespoons of melted chocolate to the strawberry puree before folding it into the whipped cream. It’ll add a rich, chocolatey layer to this already delicious treat.
Low-Sugar Option: If you’re watching your sugar intake, try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, as these sweeteners are often more potent than sugar.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free whipped topping to make this recipe vegan-friendly. Just be sure to chill the coconut cream before whipping for the best results.

Feel free to experiment and create your own unique version of this mousse – it’s a dessert that loves a creative twist!

This strawberry mousse is bound to become a staple in your dessert repertoire. It’s light, luscious, and bursting with fresh berry flavor – everything a mousse should be! So go ahead, give it a try, and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite.