Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Introduction
Strawberry mousse is a light, airy dessert that perfectly captures the fresh sweetness of ripe strawberries. It’s simple to make and elegant enough for special occasions or a casual treat. This recipe combines fresh fruit, whipped cream, and gelatin for a delightful finish to any meal.

Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 pounds strawberries, divided
- 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (plus 1 – 1 1/2 cups more, to garnish, optional with powdered sugar)
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour the water into a small or medium bowl and sprinkle the gelatin on top. Mix until all the gelatin is saturated in the water. Set aside for about 5 minutes to bloom.
- Step 2: Hull and chop 1 pound of strawberries. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of sugar over them and let stand for about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Pulse the sugared strawberries a few times in a food processor or mash finely by hand.
- Step 4: Whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Step 5: Melt the gelatin in the microwave for about 30 seconds or on low heat on the stovetop until dissolved, but do not boil.
- Step 6: Stir the melted gelatin into the pureed strawberries, then gently fold this mixture into the whipped cream.
- Step 7: If serving within 12–18 hours, chop the remaining pound of strawberries and sprinkle with 1 1/2 to 3 tablespoons sugar, then mix.
- Step 8: Place about half of the chopped strawberries into the bottom of each serving container. Fill with mousse using a piping bag or spoon, taking care to avoid messiness.
- Step 9: Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for about 4 hours until set.
- Step 10: Garnish with the remaining chopped strawberries and whipped cream before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with Greek yogurt.
- To add depth, try folding in a tablespoon of lemon zest or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the strawberry puree.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
Storage
Store the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture is best on the first day but will remain enjoyable for a second. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled for optimal flavor and structure.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this mousse?
Fresh strawberries yield the best texture and flavor, but you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh are not available. Be sure to drain excess liquid before using.
How do I know when the whipped cream has reached stiff peaks?
When you lift the whisk from the cream, the peaks should stand straight without collapsing. This ensures the perfect airy texture for folding into the mousse.
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Strawberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This light and airy Strawberry Mousse combines fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla, bound together with gelatin to create a luscious dessert perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare with a food processor and no baking required, this mousse offers a delicate balance of sweetness and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Ingredients
Gelatin Mixture
- 1 Tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup water
Strawberries and Sugar
- 2 pounds strawberries, divided
- 6 Tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
Whipped Cream
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream (plus 1 – 1 1/2 cups more, to garnish, optional with powdered sugar)
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: Pour the 1/4 cup water into a small or medium bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the water and mix until the gelatin is fully saturated. Set aside for about 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
- Prepare Strawberries: Hull and chop 1 pound of strawberries. Sprinkle 3 Tablespoons of granulated sugar over the chopped strawberries and let sit for about 5 minutes to macerate.
- Puree Strawberries: Use a food processor to pulse the sugared strawberries a few times or mash them finely by hand until smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip 1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream with 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Melt the bloomed gelatin in the microwave for about 30 seconds or on the stovetop over low heat in a small saucepan just until dissolved. Be careful not to boil the gelatin.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the dissolved gelatin into the pureed strawberries and gently fold this mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth.
- Prepare Additional Strawberries (Optional): If serving within 12-18 hours, hull and chop the remaining 1 pound of strawberries. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 to 3 Tablespoons sugar and mix well for garnish.
- Assemble the Mousse: Place about half of the chopped sugared strawberries evenly into the bottom of individual serving containers. Transfer the mousse mixture into a large ziplock bag, cut off a corner, and pipe or spoon the mousse evenly over the strawberries in each container.
- Chill: Refrigerate the mousse for about 4 hours until it is fully set and firm.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each serving with the remaining chopped strawberries and additional whipped cream (whipped with powdered sugar if desired) before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the gelatin does not boil when melting as this will affect its setting ability.
- Macerating the strawberries in sugar helps to enhance their natural sweetness and flavor.
- For a lighter mousse, use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% fat content to achieve stable whipped peaks.
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and aroma.
- The mousse is best served chilled and eaten within 18 hours for optimal freshness.
- You can substitute gelatin with a vegetarian alternative like agar agar but adjust cooking instructions accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Strawberry mousse, easy dessert, no-bake mousse, whipped cream dessert, summer dessert, fresh berries mousse

