There’s something so delightful about a creamy, airy Strawberry Mousse that’s brimming with fresh berry flavor. This easy, no-bake dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with a light, velvety texture that feels like a cloud on your tongue.

I first discovered this recipe on a warm summer day, looking for a cool treat that wouldn’t require an oven. Now, it’s a family favorite that makes any occasion feel a little extra special. Ready to learn how to make it? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse

If you’re searching for a quick, delicious dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes, this Strawberry Mousse is going to become your new go-to recipe.

Firstly, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal steps, you can create a dessert that feels elegant and tastes divine. Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or just a little self-indulgence.

The mousse has a delightful, fluffy texture. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, with the rich creaminess balanced by the fresh, bright flavor of strawberries. Plus, you can make it ahead of time, which is a lifesaver if you’re hosting guests or planning a special meal.

It’s a light, refreshing treat that feels indulgent without being too heavy. And because it’s gluten-free and easily adaptable, it’s a versatile dessert that nearly everyone can enjoy.

Now, let’s talk about the key ingredients that make this dessert so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

This Strawberry Mousse is made with just a handful of ingredients, each chosen to highlight the flavor and texture of fresh strawberries. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Strawberries: The star of this dessert, fresh strawberries add natural sweetness, a beautiful color, and a refreshing flavor. You can also use frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available, just be sure to thaw and drain them well.
Heavy Cream: This gives the mousse its rich and creamy base. When whipped, it adds a light, airy texture that’s essential to the dessert. If you prefer a dairy-free option, try using chilled coconut cream for a similar consistency with a hint of coconut flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries. You can adjust the amount based on your taste or the ripeness of your berries, or substitute it with a sweetener of choice.
Gelatin: Gelatin helps the mousse set, giving it a stable yet fluffy texture. If you’re vegan, you can use agar-agar powder, although the texture will be slightly different.
Vanilla Extract: A small splash of vanilla brings warmth and depth to the dessert, complementing the strawberry flavor beautifully.

All you need in terms of equipment is a blender or food processor to puree the strawberries and an electric mixer to whip the cream, making this recipe accessible and easy.

How To Make This Strawberry Mousse

Making Strawberry Mousse at home is surprisingly simple. Here’s how to create this luscious dessert from scratch:

Prepare the Strawberry Purée: Start by placing the strawberries in a blender or food processor, blending until smooth. You can strain the purée to remove seeds if you prefer a smoother texture, but this step is optional.
Sweeten and Set the Mixture: Pour the purée into a small saucepan over low heat. Add sugar and sprinkle in the gelatin, stirring constantly until both dissolve completely. Allow this mixture to cool to room temperature, which will help it set without melting the whipped cream.
Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. The cream should be fluffy, so be careful not to over-whip.
Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. This folding technique keeps the mousse airy and light, so work carefully until the color is evenly mixed.
Chill and Serve: Divide the mousse into serving glasses or small bowls, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or a mint leaf for a pop of color and added flavor.

This dessert requires only about 20 minutes of active prep, and the mousse will be ready to enjoy after it chills, firming up while staying soft and fluffy.

Storage Options

Strawberry mousse is best enjoyed fresh, but if you’d like to make it in advance or have leftovers, here’s how to store it properly.

Refrigeration: Cover the mousse with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. The mousse may slightly firm up over time, but it will still taste delicious.
Freezing: For a unique treat, freeze the mousse in an airtight container for up to 1 month. It will have more of an ice cream-like texture when frozen. When ready to serve, allow it to thaw slightly for 15-20 minutes before eating.
Individual Portions: Store the mousse in individual containers or jars in the fridge or freezer. This makes it easy to grab single servings when you’re ready to enjoy them.

To serve after freezing, leave the mousse at room temperature for a few minutes to soften for the perfect creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the great things about Strawberry Mousse is its adaptability. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Mixed Berry Mousse: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a delicious twist. This mix creates a more complex berry flavor and a gorgeous color.
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Add a layer of melted chocolate to the serving glasses before adding the mousse, or drizzle some on top for a decadent chocolate-strawberry combination.
Vegan Option: Use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream and agar-agar instead of gelatin. This creates a slightly different texture but is still creamy and delicious.
Low-Sugar Option: For a reduced-sugar version, substitute sugar with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia or erythritol. Adjust the amount to taste based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
Garnish Variations: Top with crushed graham crackers, shaved chocolate, or fresh mint for extra flavor and texture.

With this Strawberry Mousse, you’ll have a refreshing, versatile dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy experimenting with these variations and making it your own special treat!