Strawberry Mousse

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in something sweet, light, and utterly delightful. One dessert that never fails to impress is strawberry mousse. Its airy texture and naturally sweet flavor make it a favorite for anyone craving a refreshing treat that doesn’t feel heavy. What’s more, it’s versatile enough to serve as a romantic treat for two or as a crowd-pleasing option for a gathering.

This easy strawberry mousse is a wonderful way to showcase fresh, ripe strawberries in a dessert that feels both elegant and effortless. Even if you don’t consider yourself a dessert expert, this recipe is approachable and forgiving, making it ideal for busy days or last-minute Valentine’s day dessert plans. It’s one of those recipes where the final presentation makes it look like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it’s incredibly simple to prepare.

Beyond just being a pretty dessert, strawberry mousse brings together flavors in a way that feels indulgent but light. The natural sweetness of the strawberries balances perfectly with the creamy base, creating a strawberry dessert that melts in your mouth. Whether you enjoy it chilled in a glass or served in a delicate dish, it’s a treat that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

The beauty of this simple strawberry mousse is that it doesn’t require complex ingredients or specialized tools. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh strawberries, you can whip up a dessert that feels special and festive. It’s perfect for Valentine’s day celebrations, brunches, or even a spontaneous sweet craving. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to strawberry dessert whenever you want something light, creamy, and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love It

• Delightfully Light and Fluffy – Unlike heavy desserts, this mousse has an airy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that feels indulgent without being overly rich. It’s the kind of dessert you can enjoy even after a full meal.
• Quick and Stress-Free – This easy strawberry mousse comes together in minutes. No complicated steps or long baking times, which makes it perfect for Valentine’s day dessert plans or last-minute treats.
• Fresh, Fruity Flavor – The strawberries take center stage, giving every bite a naturally sweet, slightly tangy flavor that feels fresh and vibrant. It’s a strawberry dessert that truly celebrates the fruit.
• Elegant Presentation – Serve it in a glass, a small bowl, or even in mini jars, and it instantly looks like a fancy dessert from a café. Perfect for impressing guests or a loved one.
• Versatile and Customizable – You can dress it up with chocolate shavings, whipped cream, or a few fresh berries on top. It’s a simple strawberry mousse that adapts to your style and occasion.

Ingredient List

For the Strawberry Mousse:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Chocolate shavings or curls
• Mint leaves

Ingredient Notes

• Fresh strawberries – I always pick the ripest ones I can find; it makes the flavor so much brighter. Frozen can work in a pinch, but fresh really elevates this strawberry dessert.
• Heavy cream – Don’t skip it! Whipping cream is what gives this mousse its light, fluffy texture. I usually use a brand with at least 36% fat—it whips beautifully.
• Sugar – Adjust based on how sweet your strawberries are. I love adding just a touch more if they’re a little tart.
• Lemon juice – This adds a subtle zing and keeps the strawberry flavor vibrant.
• Vanilla extract – I swear by pure vanilla extract; it gives a warm, homey flavor that makes this simple strawberry mousse feel special.
• Garnish – Totally optional, but fresh berries and a little chocolate make it feel extra festive—perfect for a Valentine’s day dessert.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls – For combining the strawberries and cream; I like using glass bowls so I can see everything clearly.
• Hand mixer or stand mixer – Essential for whipping the cream to soft peaks. I usually use my hand mixer; it’s quick and easy to clean.
• Blender or food processor – To puree the strawberries smoothly; my mini blender works perfectly for small batches.
• Spatula – For folding the whipped cream into the strawberry puree gently; I always use a silicone one—it’s soft and flexible.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements make a big difference, especially for sugar and cream.
• Serving glasses or bowls – For presenting the mousse beautifully; small mason jars are my personal favorite for a cute touch.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Wash and hull the strawberries, removing any green tops.
2. Slice them roughly to make them easier to puree.
3. Add the sliced strawberries to a blender or food processor along with the sugar and lemon juice.
4. Blend until smooth and slightly thickened.

Pro Tip: Taste your puree before adding vanilla—if the strawberries are a little tart, you can add a teaspoon more sugar.

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Step 2: Whip the Cream

1. Pour the heavy cream into a chilled mixing bowl.
2. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the cream on medium speed.
3. Stop occasionally to check the consistency. You’re aiming for soft peaks that hold shape but are still slightly droopy.

Pro Tip: Chilling the bowl and beaters beforehand helps the cream whip faster and stay fluffy.

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Step 3: Fold in the Strawberry Puree

1. Add the vanilla extract to the strawberry puree.
2. Take about a third of the whipped cream and gently fold it into the puree using a spatula.
3. Continue folding in the remaining whipped cream in batches until fully combined.
4. Be gentle—overmixing will deflate the mousse.

Pro Tip: Use a light hand and a spatula in a cutting-and-folding motion to keep the mousse airy.

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Step 4: Chill the Mousse

1. Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls.
2. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and place in the fridge.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.

Pro Tip: For an extra smooth texture, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the mousse to prevent a skin from forming.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Just before serving, top the mousse with fresh strawberries, chocolate shavings, or a mint leaf.
2. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Pro Tip: If you want a little extra flair for Valentine’s day dessert, drizzle a tiny bit of melted chocolate or a strawberry coulis on top—it looks fancy but is super easy.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Chill everything – Keep your mixing bowl and beaters cold for perfectly whipped cream every time.
• Fold gently – Overmixing can deflate your mousse, so use a light hand when combining the cream and strawberry puree.
• Sweetness check – Taste your strawberry puree before folding in the cream and adjust sugar if needed.
• Serve chilled – Mousse tastes best when cold; plan at least 2 hours of chilling time.
• Presentation matters – Even simple garnishes like sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of chocolate instantly make it feel special.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Strawberries – Frozen berries can be used if fresh aren’t available; just thaw and drain well first.
• Sugar – Honey or maple syrup works as a natural sweetener; adjust to taste.
• Cream – For a lighter version, use half-and-half or whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Add-ins – Fold in finely chopped white chocolate, crushed cookies, or a hint of liqueur for a twist.
• Flavor swaps – Replace some strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry mousse.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving this strawberry mousse in small glasses topped with a few fresh strawberry slices and a mint leaf—it feels light, fresh, and festive for Valentine’s day dessert.
• Spoon it into mini mason jars for a cute presentation at brunch or parties; guests always love the individual servings.
• Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a few chocolate curls on top for a slightly indulgent twist.
• Layer it with crushed cookies or sponge cake to make a quick strawberry mousse parfait—it’s like a little dessert celebration in every bite.
• Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make it extra creamy and decadent.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerate – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days; keep it chilled until ready to serve.
• Freeze – You can freeze for up to 1 month in freezer-safe containers; thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Avoid room temperature – Mousse is delicate, so keep it cold until just before serving.
• Do not reheat – Strawberry mousse is best enjoyed cold; reheating will ruin the texture.
• Garnish last – Add any toppings or garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh and visually appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries for this mousse?

Yes! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid. The mousse will still be light and creamy, though fresh strawberries give the brightest flavor.

How long does strawberry mousse last in the fridge?

It keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Make sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just add any garnishes right before serving to keep them fresh.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with whipped coconut cream. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’s still deliciously light and fluffy.

How do I make the mousse sweeter if my strawberries are tart?

Taste your strawberry puree before folding in the cream. If it’s too tart, add a little extra sugar or honey until it reaches your desired sweetness.

Can I freeze strawberry mousse?

You can! Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!