There's something magical about a spoonful of strawberry mousse—light, airy, and bursting with the fresh flavor of ripe strawberries. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for both special occasions and simple weeknight treats, and it always looks so elegant in a glass, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a few sliced strawberries for that extra wow factor.

I first made this strawberry mousse for a family gathering, hoping to bring a taste of summer to the table. Ever since, it’s become a go-to recipe, thanks to its refreshing flavor and surprisingly simple preparation. Ready to dive in?

Why You'll Love This Strawberry Mousse

This strawberry mousse isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s an all-around crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy patisserie. No baking required, making it perfect even in warm weather when you want to keep the kitchen cool.

Perfect for any occasion, this mousse is a versatile dessert that can be dressed up for a dinner party or served simply in cups for a casual snack. Whether you’re impressing guests or just treating yourself, this mousse adapts beautifully.

Another bonus? Strawberries are packed with natural sweetness and vibrant color, so this dessert needs minimal added sugar and no artificial coloring. The berries’ natural flavor shines, making each spoonful taste like pure summer.

Finally, strawberry mousse is light yet satisfying. It's the perfect dessert to end a meal on a refreshing note without feeling overly full, and it pairs well with a variety of toppings—from whipped cream to a sprinkle of crushed cookies for extra texture.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this strawberry mousse is carefully selected to create a balance of flavor and texture. Let’s take a look at what makes this recipe shine.

Fresh strawberries: The star of the show, fresh strawberries give the mousse its beautiful color and taste. Choose ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries are out of season, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch—just thaw them before using and drain any excess liquid.

Heavy cream: Heavy cream is what gives the mousse its light, fluffy texture. Be sure to use cream with at least 35% fat content, as this will whip up nicely and hold its shape. Keep it chilled until ready to whip for the best results.

Sugar: A touch of sugar enhances the strawberries' natural sweetness without overpowering them. Adjust to taste, especially if your strawberries are particularly sweet.

Gelatin: To help the mousse set and hold its airy texture, a small amount of unflavored gelatin is used. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute with agar-agar, though the texture will be slightly different.

Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla rounds out the flavor, adding a subtle depth that complements the strawberries perfectly. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

You'll also need a few basic tools: a blender or food processor for puréeing the strawberries, a mixer for whipping the cream, and small dessert cups or glasses for serving.

How To Make This Strawberry Mousse

Creating this refreshing strawberry mousse is easier than it looks. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a delicious, picture-perfect dessert in no time!

Start by preparing the strawberry purée. In a blender or food processor, blend the fresh strawberries until smooth. Pour the purée through a fine sieve to remove the seeds, giving you a smooth, velvety texture for the mousse.

Next, sweeten and set the purée. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberry purée with sugar over low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. In a separate bowl, dissolve the gelatin in a little water, letting it bloom for a few minutes before stirring it into the warm strawberry mixture. Let it cool completely before adding it to the whipped cream.

While the purée is cooling, whip the cream. In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream with a touch of vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the cream to turn grainy.

Once the purée has cooled to room temperature, fold it gently into the whipped cream. Use a spatula to fold the mixture carefully, ensuring you don’t lose the airiness of the whipped cream.

Spoon the mousse into dessert cups, cover with plastic wrap, and chill for at least two hours to allow it to set. The mousse can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it a great option for entertaining!

Storage Options

If you find yourself with extra mousse (a rare but happy problem!), you can store it in a few different ways.

In the fridge: Strawberry mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to prevent it from absorbing other flavors.

In the freezer: If you prefer a frozen treat, you can freeze strawberry mousse in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks. Just let it thaw for a few minutes before serving, or enjoy it frozen as a strawberry “ice cream.”

When reheating or softening mousse that has been in the freezer, avoid using a microwave, as this can affect the texture. Instead, let it sit at room temperature until it reaches the desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

The beauty of this strawberry mousse is its flexibility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own!

Mixed berry mousse: Add raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries to the strawberry purée for a mixed berry mousse. The combination of berries adds depth and an even richer color.

Chocolate strawberry mousse: For a decadent twist, fold in a small amount of melted dark chocolate after adding the strawberry purée. The chocolate will add a rich layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

Dairy-free version: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan and dairy-free option. Coconut cream whips up well and adds a subtle tropical note that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.

Lemon zest for a zesty touch: Add a little lemon zest to the strawberry purée for a bright, citrusy twist. This adds a touch of tartness and enhances the strawberries’ natural sweetness.

Herbal twist with basil or mint: For a unique flavor, add finely chopped basil or mint to the purée. Both herbs complement strawberries beautifully and add a fresh, unexpected twist.

Experiment with these variations or create your own! The possibilities are endless with this easy, customizable strawberry mousse.

Enjoy creating this simple, yet elegant strawberry mousse, and watch it quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. This recipe promises to bring a bit of summer sunshine to your table, no matter the season!