There’s something magical about the light and airy texture of a homemade strawberry mousse. With its vibrant pink color and sweet-tart strawberry flavor, this dessert feels like a celebration with every spoonful. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or just a treat to make any day feel special, this strawberry mousse is both elegant and easy to make.

I stumbled upon this recipe one spring when I had a surplus of fresh strawberries, and it’s been a hit ever since. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up this treat with just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse

Get ready to fall head over heels for this delightful strawberry mousse! Whether you're making it for a fancy dinner or as a light summer dessert, there are plenty of reasons this recipe will be a new favorite.

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. This mousse requires just a few simple steps and a handful of ingredients, so you can enjoy a light and fluffy dessert with minimal effort.

It’s naturally beautiful and eye-catching. The color is a soft pink, making it an ideal dessert for any celebration, from birthdays to anniversaries. Plus, it’s served in individual cups or bowls, which adds a touch of elegance to any table.

This recipe uses fresh strawberries, meaning it’s packed with natural strawberry flavor and a hint of tartness that makes it taste refreshing rather than overly sweet.

Finally, this mousse is versatile and customizable. You can layer it with fresh fruit, add a dollop of whipped cream on top, or even add a hint of lemon for extra brightness.

With all these perks, you’ll find yourself making this strawberry mousse again and again!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this strawberry mousse lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients, each one plays a key role in making this dessert absolutely delicious.

Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are the star of this recipe. Look for strawberries that are fragrant and slightly soft for the best flavor. You’ll be blending them into a puree, so any imperfect berries are perfect to use up here!
Sugar: A bit of sugar brings out the natural sweetness in the strawberries. You can adjust the sugar based on your strawberries' sweetness level; if they're very ripe, a bit less sugar might be needed.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is essential for achieving that fluffy, light texture. It’s whipped to soft peaks, giving the mousse its structure. Be sure to chill the cream well before whipping for the best results.
Gelatin: A touch of unflavored gelatin helps stabilize the mousse so it holds its airy texture for longer. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can use agar-agar, although you’ll need to follow package instructions as the process may vary slightly.

You’ll also need a blender or food processor for the strawberries, a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds, and a few serving glasses or dessert cups to present the mousse beautifully.

How to Make This Strawberry Mousse

Making strawberry mousse is easier than you might think! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect, airy dessert in no time.

Prepare the Strawberry Puree: Start by rinsing and hulling your strawberries. Place them in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth. For an extra-smooth mousse, pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer to remove seeds.
Sweeten the Puree: Pour the strawberry puree into a small saucepan and add the sugar. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Once it’s dissolved, remove the puree from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Dissolve the Gelatin: While the puree cools, sprinkle the gelatin over a small amount of water in a small bowl, letting it "bloom" for a few minutes. Once the gelatin has absorbed the water, gently heat it in the microwave or over a double boiler until it melts. Stir it into the cooled strawberry puree, mixing thoroughly.
Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, or it may turn grainy. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until combined, taking care not to deflate the cream too much.
Chill and Serve: Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a mint sprig right before serving.

This strawberry mousse takes about 20 minutes of active prep time, with 2 hours needed for chilling, giving you a make-ahead dessert that’s both simple and impressive.

Storage Options

This strawberry mousse keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for prepping in advance.

Refrigerator: Store the mousse in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. The gelatin helps it stay stable, so you don’t have to worry about it deflating. For best results, add any garnishes just before serving.
Freezing: Although mousse generally doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy, you can try freezing it for up to one month. If frozen, thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. Be aware that the texture may change slightly once frozen and thawed.
Serving Leftovers: For any leftovers, simply keep them in their serving cups in the fridge. This mousse makes a delicious next-day treat, too!

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this strawberry mousse is that it’s easily adaptable! Here are some ideas to make it your own.

Try Different Fruits: Swap out strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile. Each fruit brings its own unique sweetness and color.
Add a Citrus Twist: For extra brightness, add the zest of a lemon or lime to the puree. This enhances the strawberry flavor while adding a slight tang that complements the sweetness.
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Melt a small amount of dark chocolate and fold it into the mousse mixture for a chocolate-strawberry twist. The rich chocolate flavor balances the sweetness of the strawberries beautifully.
Vegan Option: Swap the heavy cream with chilled coconut cream, and use agar-agar instead of gelatin for a vegan version. The coconut cream will add a subtle tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
Serve with Crunchy Toppings: Add a bit of texture with toppings like crushed graham crackers, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.

No matter how you choose to make this recipe your own, this strawberry mousse will always be a delight! The soft, fluffy texture and fresh strawberry flavor make it a treat that’s sure to impress and satisfy.