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Easy Strawberry Mousse

Strawberry mousse is an elegant and refreshing dessert that combines the vibrant sweetness of strawberries with a creamy, airy texture. This Easy Strawberry Mousse recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a rich, smooth flavor with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether served at a dinner party, as a special treat, or simply to satisfy a sweet craving, this mousse will surely impress. It’s an adaptable dessert that can be made ahead of time and served chilled, making it a great option for busy days when you want something indulgent without the hassle of last-minute prep.

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Easy Strawberry Mousse

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🍓💫 Light, fluffy, and berrylicious! This Easy Strawberry Mousse is the perfect way to indulge in a creamy, fruity treat. 🌟 With a smooth, airy texture and fresh strawberry flavor, it’s a refreshing dessert that melts in your mouth. Ideal for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant dinners. 🍴💖

#StrawberryMousse #EasyDesserts #FluffyGoodness #BerrySweet #RefreshingTreat #DessertDelight #MoussePerfection #FruitAndCream #SweetAndLight #FoodieFavorites 🍓✨

  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • Strawberries (2 pounds): Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert. They provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor that forms the base of the mousse. The strawberries are processed into a puree, creating a smooth, vibrant texture.
  • Sugar (½ cup, divided): Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the strawberry mixture and the whipped cream, helping to balance the natural tartness of the fruit.
  • Salt (Pinch): A pinch of salt is added to enhance the sweetness of the strawberries and bring out their flavor.
  • Heavy Cream (½ cup): Heavy cream is essential for whipping and creating the mousse’s airy texture. It helps to stabilize the mousse while adding richness.
  • Raspberry Liqueur (1 tablespoon, Chambord preferred): A splash of raspberry liqueur enhances the berry flavor and adds a touch of complexity. While this ingredient is optional, it helps elevate the mousse’s taste.
  • Unflavored Gelatin (1Âľ teaspoons): Gelatin is used to stabilize the mousse, giving it structure without making it too firm. It helps achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the mousse. Make sure it’s softened to ensure a smooth texture when combined with the other ingredients.
  • Whipped Cream: For garnish, you can use extra whipped cream to top the mousse before serving. It adds a light, creamy touch and pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by reserving 3 strawberries to use as garnish later. Then, pulse the remaining strawberries in a food processor in two batches until most of the pieces are about ½ to ¼ inch thick. This should take approximately 6-10 pulses. Transfer the processed strawberries to a bowl and toss them with ¼ cup of sugar and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture sit for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the sugar to dissolve and the strawberries to release their juices. Do not wash the food processor, as you’ll use it again for the next step.

Step 2: Strain the Strawberry Juice

After the strawberries have rested, strain them through a fine-mesh strainer set over a small saucepan to extract at least ⅔ cup of strawberry juice. Set the juice aside. Don’t wash the bowl—you’ll be using it again.

Once the juice is strained, return the remaining strawberries to the food processor and blend until smooth (15-20 seconds). Strain the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into the same bowl, pressing on the solids to remove any seeds and pulp. You should have about 1â…” cups of smooth strawberry puree.

Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin

Place the raspberry liqueur (or Chambord) in a small bowl, then sprinkle the gelatin over the liqueur and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften. This will allow the gelatin to bloom and dissolve properly when added to the warm syrup.

Step 4: Reduce the Strawberry Juice

Meanwhile, cook the reserved strawberry juice over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and let it reduce until it reaches about 3 tablespoons (this should take about 10 minutes). The syrup will thicken, making the strawberry flavor more concentrated. Once reduced, remove the syrup from the heat.

Step 5: Combine the Gelatin and Syrup

Pour the softened gelatin mixture over the hot syrup and whisk to dissolve. Next, add the softened cream cheese and whisk vigorously until smooth. Then, add the 1â…” cups of strawberry puree to the mixture and whisk until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

Now, place the heavy cream and the remaining ÂĽ cup of sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Whisk the cream on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. The cream should be firm enough to hold its shape, but not over-whipped. This will give the mousse its light and airy texture.

Step 7: Combine the Mixtures

Add the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream and mix on low speed until just combined. Be gentle to avoid deflating the whipped cream, and make sure there are no white streaks remaining. This should take about 10-15 seconds.

Step 8: Chill the Mousse

Portion the mousse into individual dessert dishes or a large serving bowl. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it is set and firm to the touch. The chilling process helps the mousse achieve its creamy, mousse-like consistency.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once the mousse has set, garnish with extra whipped cream and strawberry halves for a beautiful, fresh presentation. You can also drizzle with strawberry syrup or add additional fresh berries for added flair.

Notes

  • Gelatin Tip: Be sure to let the gelatin bloom in the raspberry liqueur before adding it to the syrup. This step helps prevent clumps in the mousse and ensures a smooth texture.
  • Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the mousse. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it quickly.
  • Whipped Cream Consistency: Be careful not to over-whip the cream. If it turns to butter, it will affect the mousse’s texture.
  • Make Ahead: This mousse can be made up to 48 hours ahead of time. Simply cover it and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

The Appeal of Strawberry Mousse

Strawberry mousse is a delicate dessert that balances fresh fruit with a creamy, fluffy texture. What makes this mousse particularly appealing is its ability to highlight the natural sweetness of strawberries while maintaining a light and airy consistency. The combination of fresh strawberries and whipped cream creates a satisfying yet refreshing experience, while the addition of raspberry liqueur enhances the berry flavor, giving it a depth of complexity. This dessert is perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, but it can be enjoyed year-round.

The mousse also stands out for its versatility. You can adjust the sweetness to your preference, garnish it with fresh berries or whipped cream, and even make it ahead of time, making it a convenient option for any gathering. Whether you’re serving it in individual cups or a large bowl for a crowd, this dessert will surely be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why this Easy Strawberry Mousse recipe will become a go-to in your dessert repertoire:

  • Fresh and Fluffy: The whipped cream and strawberry puree combine to create a mousse with a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth.
  • Perfectly Sweetened: The balance between the natural sweetness of strawberries and the added sugar ensures a dessert that’s neither too sweet nor too tart.
  • Simple Ingredients: With just a few key ingredients—strawberries, heavy cream, cream cheese, and gelatin—this dessert is easy to make but still impresses with its flavor and presentation.
  • Make-Ahead Dessert: The mousse can be made in advance and stored for up to 48 hours, which makes it ideal for parties or gatherings.
  • Customizable: Garnish with extra berries, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of strawberry syrup for an added touch.

Ingredients Breakdown

To make this Easy Strawberry Mousse, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that combine to create a smooth, flavorful dessert. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient:

For the Mousse

  • Strawberries (2 pounds): Fresh strawberries are the star of this dessert. They provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor that forms the base of the mousse. The strawberries are processed into a puree, creating a smooth, vibrant texture.
  • Sugar (½ cup, divided): Granulated sugar is used to sweeten the strawberry mixture and the whipped cream, helping to balance the natural tartness of the fruit.
  • Salt (Pinch): A pinch of salt is added to enhance the sweetness of the strawberries and bring out their flavor.
  • Heavy Cream (½ cup): Heavy cream is essential for whipping and creating the mousse’s airy texture. It helps to stabilize the mousse while adding richness.
  • Raspberry Liqueur (1 tablespoon, Chambord preferred): A splash of raspberry liqueur enhances the berry flavor and adds a touch of complexity. While this ingredient is optional, it helps elevate the mousse’s taste.
  • Unflavored Gelatin (1Âľ teaspoons): Gelatin is used to stabilize the mousse, giving it structure without making it too firm. It helps achieve the perfect consistency.
  • Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened): Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to the mousse. Make sure it’s softened to ensure a smooth texture when combined with the other ingredients.
  • Whipped Cream: For garnish, you can use extra whipped cream to top the mousse before serving. It adds a light, creamy touch and pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to making this indulgent yet light Strawberry Mousse:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by reserving 3 strawberries to use as garnish later. Then, pulse the remaining strawberries in a food processor in two batches until most of the pieces are about ½ to ¼ inch thick. This should take approximately 6-10 pulses. Transfer the processed strawberries to a bowl and toss them with ¼ cup of sugar and a pinch of salt. Let this mixture sit for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the sugar to dissolve and the strawberries to release their juices. Do not wash the food processor, as you’ll use it again for the next step.

Step 2: Strain the Strawberry Juice

After the strawberries have rested, strain them through a fine-mesh strainer set over a small saucepan to extract at least ⅔ cup of strawberry juice. Set the juice aside. Don’t wash the bowl—you’ll be using it again.

Once the juice is strained, return the remaining strawberries to the food processor and blend until smooth (15-20 seconds). Strain the puree through a fine-mesh strainer into the same bowl, pressing on the solids to remove any seeds and pulp. You should have about 1â…” cups of smooth strawberry puree.

Step 3: Prepare the Gelatin

Place the raspberry liqueur (or Chambord) in a small bowl, then sprinkle the gelatin over the liqueur and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften. This will allow the gelatin to bloom and dissolve properly when added to the warm syrup.

Step 4: Reduce the Strawberry Juice

Meanwhile, cook the reserved strawberry juice over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally and let it reduce until it reaches about 3 tablespoons (this should take about 10 minutes). The syrup will thicken, making the strawberry flavor more concentrated. Once reduced, remove the syrup from the heat.

Step 5: Combine the Gelatin and Syrup

Pour the softened gelatin mixture over the hot syrup and whisk to dissolve. Next, add the softened cream cheese and whisk vigorously until smooth. Then, add the 1â…” cups of strawberry puree to the mixture and whisk until fully combined. Set this mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

Now, place the heavy cream and the remaining ÂĽ cup of sugar in a stand mixer bowl. Whisk the cream on high speed until it forms stiff peaks. The cream should be firm enough to hold its shape, but not over-whipped. This will give the mousse its light and airy texture.

Step 7: Combine the Mixtures

Add the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream and mix on low speed until just combined. Be gentle to avoid deflating the whipped cream, and make sure there are no white streaks remaining. This should take about 10-15 seconds.

Step 8: Chill the Mousse

Portion the mousse into individual dessert dishes or a large serving bowl. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it is set and firm to the touch. The chilling process helps the mousse achieve its creamy, mousse-like consistency.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once the mousse has set, garnish with extra whipped cream and strawberry halves for a beautiful, fresh presentation. You can also drizzle with strawberry syrup or add additional fresh berries for added flair.

Tips for Success

  • Gelatin Tip: Be sure to let the gelatin bloom in the raspberry liqueur before adding it to the syrup. This step helps prevent clumps in the mousse and ensures a smooth texture.
  • Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps in the mousse. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it quickly.
  • Whipped Cream Consistency: Be careful not to over-whip the cream. If it turns to butter, it will affect the mousse’s texture.
  • Make Ahead: This mousse can be made up to 48 hours ahead of time. Simply cover it and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Variations and Substitutes

  • Dairy-Free Option: To make this mousse dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped cream.
  • Alcohol-Free: If you prefer to skip the raspberry liqueur, you can substitute it with a splash of fruit juice or simply omit it. The mousse will still be delicious.
  • Other Berries: While this recipe uses strawberries, you can experiment with other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Easy Strawberry Mousse is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the combination of fresh strawberries and creamy, airy textures. It’s a light yet indulgent treat that’s sure to impress your guests or provide you with a satisfying dessert for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this mousse is a fantastic dessert for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Serve it chilled, garnish with fresh berries, and enjoy a light, elegant dessert that everyone will love!

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