This light and fluffy strawberry mousse is the perfect dessert for any occasion. Made with rich cream cheese or coconut cream, smooth yogurt, and sweetened with powdered sugar, this mousse delivers a burst of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a refreshing summer treat, a special holiday dessert, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this strawberry mousse is sure to impress. Its smooth, velvety texture and delicate sweetness make it an instant favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple and Quick

This strawberry mousse is incredibly easy to make with only a few ingredients. It comes together quickly and doesn’t require any complicated steps.

2. Light and Refreshing

The mousse is light and airy, making it a perfect dessert for warm weather or after a heavy meal. It’s sweet, but not overly rich, giving you a refreshing finish.

3. Customizable

You can easily adjust the sweetness level by using powdered sugar or a sugar-free alternative, depending on your preference. You can also experiment with using coconut cream instead of cream cheese for a dairy-free option.

4. Fresh and Fruity

Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and color, making this mousse both delicious and visually appealing. The fruitiness balances perfectly with the creamy base.

5. Versatile

Serve it in individual cups or layer it with other desserts like cake or graham crackers for a unique and fun dessert experience. It also works great as a topping for cakes or waffles.

Ingredients

Cream cheese or coconut cream
Yogurt or additional cream cheese or coconut cream
Powdered sugar or sugar-free alternative
Fresh strawberries (optional)
Vanilla bean paste (optional)

Variations

Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt to make this mousse entirely dairy-free. It will still be creamy and delicious!
Add Fresh Berries: Blend fresh berries such as raspberries or blueberries into the mousse for a mixed berry version.
Sugar-Free: Replace the powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative to make the mousse more diet-friendly.
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Add some melted chocolate or cocoa powder to the mousse for a chocolate-strawberry twist.
Lemon Flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrusy twist that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese (or coconut cream) and yogurt (or additional cream cheese). Beat together until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Sweeten the Mousse

Add powdered sugar or your preferred sugar substitute to the mixture and continue to mix until the sugar is completely incorporated.

Step 3: Add Strawberry Flavor

Puree the fresh strawberries (if using) in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the strawberry puree to the mixture and mix until combined. If you like a stronger strawberry flavor, feel free to add more berries.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

Stir in the vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract) for an extra depth of flavor. This step is optional but highly recommended for a richer taste.

Step 5: Chill

Refrigerate the mousse for at least 1-2 hours to allow it to set and develop its creamy, airy texture. You can also make it ahead of time and let it chill overnight.

Step 6: Serve

Once chilled, scoop the mousse into serving bowls or glasses. You can garnish with fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help avoid lumps and give the mousse a smoother texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mousse before chilling and adjust the sweetness as needed. You can always add more powdered sugar or a sugar alternative to suit your taste.
Whip It Up: If you prefer a fluffier texture, use an electric mixer to beat the mousse until it’s light and airy. This will add volume and make the mousse even smoother.
Strawberry Puree: If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, you can use freeze-dried strawberries and blend them into a powder, then mix into the mousse.

How to Serve

Serve the strawberry mousse in individual cups, bowls, or jars for a cute presentation. Garnish with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or mint leaves for an added touch. You can also layer the mousse with crushed cookies, cake, or graham crackers to create a fun parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover strawberry mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best served chilled, so make sure to refrigerate it promptly after serving.

Freezing

This mousse can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, scoop the mousse into airtight containers and place a piece of plastic wrap on the surface to prevent freezer burn. When ready to serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator for several hours.

Reheating

There is no need to reheat this dessert. It’s best enjoyed chilled directly from the refrigerator.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them before blending, and drain any excess liquid.

2. Can I make this mousse without yogurt?

Yes, you can skip the yogurt and use only cream cheese or coconut cream for the base. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.

3. How can I make the mousse thicker?

To make the mousse thicker, reduce the amount of yogurt or cream used or add more cream cheese. You can also use a stabilizer like gelatin if you want a firmer mousse.

4. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can replace powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative such as Stevia, Monk Fruit, or Erythritol to suit your dietary needs.

5. Can I add whipped cream to the mousse?

Yes, you can fold in whipped cream to make the mousse even lighter and fluffier.

6. Can I add lemon zest to this mousse?

Yes, a little lemon zest can complement the strawberry flavor and add a refreshing citrus note.

7. How long should I chill the mousse?

Chill the mousse for at least 1-2 hours for the best texture. However, you can refrigerate it overnight for a firmer mousse.

8. Can I make this mousse dairy-free?

Yes, use coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt for a completely dairy-free version of this strawberry mousse.

9. How can I make the mousse more strawberry-flavored?

For a stronger strawberry flavor, use more strawberries or add a splash of strawberry extract. Freeze-dried strawberry powder is another option.

10. Can I make this in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mousse ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

This strawberry mousse recipe is a simple yet delightful treat that combines the richness of cream cheese or coconut cream with the natural sweetness of strawberries. It’s versatile, quick to make, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it on its own or as part of a layered dessert, this mousse will bring a burst of fruity flavor to your table. Easy to prepare and fun to customize, it’s a dessert everyone will love!