If you are craving a dessert that is as light as a cloud yet bursting with fresh, fruity flavor, you are in for a treat with this Strawberry Mousse Recipe. Combining the creamy richness of cream cheese or coconut cream with the natural sweetness and vibrant color of ripe strawberries, this mousse is a joyous celebration of simplicity and taste. It whips up in just minutes, making it perfect for both spontaneous cravings and elegant dinner parties. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, delivering a perfect balance between silkiness and the bright zing of strawberries that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delightful strawberry mousse relies on just a few essential ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each one adds a unique element—whether it’s the creamy base, the sweet touch, or the fresh strawberry flavor—making this Strawberry Mousse Recipe as simple as it is delicious.
- Cream cheese or coconut cream: Provides the luscious, creamy foundation, with coconut cream offering a dairy-free alternative.
- Yogurt (or additional cream cheese/coconut cream): Adds a subtle tang and lightness, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
- Powdered sugar (or sugar-free alternative): Sweetens the mousse gently, melting smoothly into the cream.
- Strawberries: Fresh and vibrant, these bring that unmistakable strawberry flavor and a lovely pink hue to the mousse.
- Vanilla bean paste (optional): Offers a warm, aromatic depth, elevating the flavor to a decadent level.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cream Base
If you choose cream cheese, start by letting it come to room temperature so it blends into a smooth and velvety mixture. For those opting for coconut cream, open the can and ensure the cream is thick and creamy; occasionally, some cans can be flaky, which won’t work as well for the mousse’s texture.
Step 2: Puree the Strawberries
Remove the stems from your fresh strawberries and either mash them by hand for a rustic feel or blend them until silky smooth for a refined texture. This step captures that bright, natural strawberry essence that defines the recipe.
Step 3: Combine and Blend
Add the cream base, powdered sugar, yogurt, and the optional vanilla bean paste into the fruit puree. Use a food processor, blender, or hand mixer to blend until everything is completely smooth and fluffy. This is where the magic happens—the ingredients come together to create a perfectly airy strawberry mousse.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Transfer your mousse into serving dishes or glasses. Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the mousse to thicken and develop its creamy, luscious texture. The wait might be hard, but it’s worth every minute!
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh strawberry slices, a dollop of whipped cream, or a few mint leaves can make your mousse even more enticing. These garnishes add pops of color, fresh textures, and an inviting finishing touch that’s perfect whether you’re serving family or guests.
Side Dishes
This strawberry mousse shines as a sweet note after a light meal. Pair it with buttery shortbread cookies, crispy biscotti, or even a tangy lemon tart to balance the creaminess. The mousse’s airy texture complements crunchy and zesty sides beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, layer this strawberry mousse with crushed graham crackers or granola in a parfait glass, creating visual appeal and delightful contrasts in texture. Another idea is to pipe the mousse into small jars or mini dessert cups for an elegant party spread that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover strawberry mousse keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to maintain its delicate texture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to keep your mousse longer, freezing is an option, although it can slightly alter the texture. Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Strawberry mousse is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is uncommon. If you notice any separation after thawing, a gentle stir usually revives the texture nicely without any loss of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before pureeing to avoid a watery mousse.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, if you use coconut cream and a plant-based yogurt alternative, plus a vegan powdered sugar substitute, this Strawberry Mousse Recipe can be made completely vegan while still being deliciously creamy.
How long does it take for the mousse to set properly?
Typically, chilling for at least 2 hours is needed for the mousse to thicken perfectly, but leaving it overnight will enhance the flavor and texture even more.
Can I substitute cream cheese with something else?
You can definitely swap cream cheese with coconut cream for a dairy-free option or even mascarpone for a richer mousse variant.
What is the purpose of the vanilla bean paste?
The vanilla bean paste adds a fragrant depth and subtle sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the fresh strawberry notes.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Mousse Recipe is truly a joyful experience, from the effortless preparation to savoring each spoonful of airy, fruity delight. It’s a dessert that feels special yet never fussy—a perfect way to treat yourself or impress your loved ones. Give it a try, and I promise this mousse will become one of your go-to favorites for a fresh, creamy dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
PrintStrawberry Mousse Recipe
This light and creamy Strawberry Mousse is a quick and easy dessert made with cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt, and fresh strawberries. Whipped into a smooth, airy texture, it offers a refreshing fruity flavor perfect for any occasion. The mousse requires minimal ingredients and only takes about 5 minutes to prepare, making it a delightful treat you can whip up in no time.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Base
- 8 oz cream cheese or coconut cream
- 4 oz yogurt (or additional cream cheese or coconut cream)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or sugar free alternative)
- Optional: 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste
Fruit
- 5 medium size strawberries, stems removed
Instructions
- Prepare the dairy or coconut base: If using cream cheese, let it come to room temperature to ensure smooth blending. If using coconut cream, open the can and check that the contents are thick and creamy. Discard any cans with hard or flaky cream as they won’t blend well for mousse.
- Puree the strawberries: Remove stems from the strawberries, then blend or mash them until smooth to create a fresh strawberry puree for the mousse.
- Combine ingredients and blend: In a food processor, blender, or using a hand mixer, add the strawberry puree, cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt, powdered sugar, and optional vanilla bean paste. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy.
- Chill and set: Transfer the mousse into serving dishes and refrigerate. The mousse will thicken considerably as it chills, reaching the perfect texture for serving.
Notes
- Room temperature cream cheese blends more easily for a smooth mousse.
- Coconut cream should be thick, not watery, for optimal mousse texture.
- Use sugar-free powdered sugar for a lower sugar alternative.
- Vanilla bean paste is optional but enhances flavor.
- Chilling time is recommended for best texture, although preparation time is just about 5 minutes.
- This recipe serves 6, perfect for small gatherings or family desserts.
