Creamy Strawberry Mousse: A Cozy Dessert to Brighten Your Day
There’s something truly magical about the arrival of sunny days filled with deliciously sweet strawberries. I vividly remember picking fresh strawberries with my grandma in her garden, the air buzzing with laughter and the tangy aroma of ripe berries. Those vibrant days inspired me to create this creamy strawberry mousse, a delightful dessert that captures the joy of sunny afternoons. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this easy, no-bake dessert is as comforting as a warm hug. Trust me, this is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: This strawberry mousse is a no-bake dessert that comes together in just a few simple steps.
- Fresh & Fruity: Made with fresh strawberries, this dessert bursts with spring flavors that are bright and refreshing.
- Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Look no further for an impressive dessert that will delight family and friends.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer picnic or a cozy night in, this mousse fits perfectly into your dessert lineup.
- Beautiful Presentation: Served in individual dishes, it’s not only delicious but visually stunning too!
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Let’s Make It Together:
In a blender, puree the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth. The sweet scent of strawberries will fill your kitchen, inviting you to take in that nostalgic flavor!
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it blooms. This is a crucial step for the perfect texture.
Heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for about 10 seconds to dissolve. Stir gently—it’ll be warm and ready to incorporate!
Stir the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree. Make sure it’s well mixed, as this will help set your mousse beautifully.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Watch as the cream transforms into a luscious cloud!
Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until well combined. The fluffy cream will make your mousse light and airy, embodying comfort in every bite.
Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Patience is key! You’ll be rewarded with a creamy textural delight.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this strawberry mousse is a singular joy, feel free to explore these creative twists:
Berry Medley Mousse: Add a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a zesty burst of flavor that complements the strawberries.
Chocolate Strawberry Indulgence: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top or fold in some cocoa powder for a rich, decadent twist.
Coconut Cream Bliss: Replace half of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical feel that screams vacation vibes!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead Magic: This mousse can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
Substituting Ingredients: If you’re out of gelatin, you can try agar-agar (though the setting texture may vary), or use a vegan whip for dairy-free mousse.
Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But trust me, it’s hard to have any leftovers!
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: Approx. 220
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 16g
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 40mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead?
Certainly! You can prepare it a day before to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.Can I use different ingredients?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute different berries or swap the vanilla extract for almond extract for a unique twist.How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.How long does it last?
This strawberry mousse is best enjoyed within three days for optimal freshness and flavor.
A Cozy Closing Note
This creamy strawberry mousse isn’t just a dessert; it’s a reminder of joyful moments and sweet summer days. With every spoonful, you’ll taste the love and care that goes into this delightful treat. So gather your ingredients and let the magic unfold in your kitchen. Save this Strawberry Mousse to your dessert board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
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Creamy Strawberry Mousse
- Total Time: 120 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful no-bake dessert that captures the joy of sunny afternoons with fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- In a blender, puree the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes until it blooms.
- Heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for about 10 seconds to dissolve.
- Stir the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until well combined.
- Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes and refrigerate for at least 120 minutes before serving.
Notes
This mousse can be prepared a day in advance for better flavor development. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: strawberry mousse, dessert, no-bake, summer dessert, easy recipe