There's something so refreshing about the creamy, airy texture of strawberry mousse. This dessert is light, yet bursting with the sweet, fresh taste of strawberries, making it perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to an elegant dinner party. It’s a treat I love to make during strawberry season when berries are at their juiciest, but you can enjoy this dessert year-round with frozen strawberries.
Get ready to whip up this delightful dessert that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Let's dive into why this strawberry mousse deserves a spot on your dessert menu!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse

This strawberry mousse is a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also incredibly versatile, working well as a make-ahead treat or as the finishing touch for any meal.
First, this mousse is light and fluffy. The whipped cream folded into the strawberry mixture creates a cloud-like texture that’s both satisfying and gentle on the palate. It’s sweet but not overpowering, with just the right balance of creaminess and strawberry flavor.
You’ll also appreciate how simple and quick this recipe is. With only a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely have on hand, this dessert comes together in less than 30 minutes. After a few hours of chilling, it’s ready to enjoy – perfect for busy cooks who still want to make something special.
Best of all, this recipe can be easily adjusted to fit dietary preferences. Need a dairy-free option? Substitute coconut cream for whipped cream. Looking to reduce sugar? Just use a natural sweetener, like honey or agave.
Whether you're hosting a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this strawberry mousse will add a pop of color and flavor to your table.
Ingredients Notes

Creating this delicious mousse starts with a few simple, fresh ingredients. Each one adds to the overall flavor and texture, making every spoonful taste like a bit of heaven.
- Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the show! Fresh strawberries bring a vibrant, juicy flavor to the mousse. If strawberries aren’t in season, you can also use frozen strawberries – just thaw them before blending.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste, or swap it out with honey or a sugar substitute if you prefer.
- Heavy Cream: This is what gives the mousse its airy, whipped texture. For best results, use heavy cream with at least 35% fat. If you want a dairy-free option, try using chilled coconut cream.
- Unflavored Gelatin: This helps the mousse set, giving it a firmer structure that holds its shape. If you prefer a softer mousse, you can reduce the amount of gelatin slightly or omit it for a looser texture.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe, but a blender or food processor will make it easier to puree the strawberries, and an electric mixer will help you achieve perfectly whipped cream.
How To Make This Strawberry Mousse
Making strawberry mousse is simpler than it may seem! Follow these steps for a perfectly airy, delicious dessert.
- Start with the strawberries: Wash and hull your strawberries, then blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth. If you prefer a smoother texture, strain the puree to remove the seeds. Pour the puree into a small saucepan and add the sugar, heating gently until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over a few tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes thick. Gently warm the gelatin in the microwave or on the stove just until it dissolves, then stir it into the cooled strawberry puree.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overbeat, as you want the whipped cream to be soft and airy.
- Combine and fold: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry puree, being careful not to deflate the cream. Fold until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, with a light pink color throughout.
- Chill the mousse: Divide the mousse into serving glasses or bowls, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until set. This will allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to firm up beautifully.
Once set, the mousse will have a delicate, airy texture. It’s now ready to serve and enjoy!
Storage Options
Strawberry mousse can be stored easily, making it a convenient dessert to prepare in advance.
- Refrigerator: Cover the mousse cups or bowls with plastic wrap, or transfer the mousse to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed within 24-48 hours for the freshest flavor and texture.
- Freezing: If you’d like to make the mousse well ahead of time, you can freeze it! Just pour the mousse into freezer-safe containers and cover tightly. Thaw it in the fridge before serving, though be aware the texture may be slightly softer than when freshly made.
When you’re ready to serve, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the great things about this strawberry mousse is its adaptability. Here are some fun ways to customize it!
- Dairy-Free Mousse: Swap the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist. The subtle coconut flavor pairs beautifully with strawberries.
- Berry Blend Mousse: Try mixing strawberries with other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Blend them together with the strawberries for a mixed berry mousse that’s full of color and flavor.
- Lighter Mousse: Use Greek yogurt in place of some of the heavy cream for a tangy, slightly lighter mousse. It adds a unique flavor and extra protein, making it a bit more nutritious.
- Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Melt a few ounces of dark chocolate and gently fold it into the mousse mixture along with the whipped cream. The result is a rich, chocolate-strawberry twist that’s irresistibly indulgent.
Feel free to experiment with this recipe and make it your own. This strawberry mousse is as versatile as it is delicious, so have fun creating your perfect version!
PrintStrawberry Mousse Recipe
This strawberry mousse recipe is a delightful, airy dessert that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor. Made with real strawberries, it’s a simple, no-bake treat that combines whipped cream with a fruit puree for a perfectly balanced sweetness. Ideal for summer gatherings or anytime you want a light and refreshing dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- Fresh strawberries, for garnish
Instructions
- Puree the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream until well combined.
- Spoon into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste.
- Chill the mousse for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 15mg
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