Fluffy Strawberry Mousse

Introduction

Strawberry Mousse is a light, fluffy, and delicious dessert that offers the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. With a smooth texture and vibrant flavor from fresh strawberries, this mousse is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether served as an elegant dessert for a dinner party or as a refreshing treat for a casual get-together, Strawberry Mousse is incredibly versatile and easy to make. The combination of cream cheese (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) and yogurt creates a creamy base, while the addition of fresh strawberries adds a burst of fruity flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. A hint of vanilla bean paste elevates the taste, giving the mousse an extra layer of richness. This recipe is perfect for those who love strawberry-flavored desserts but want something a little lighter than traditional cakes or pies. Best of all, it comes together in just a few simple steps and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect option for a make-ahead dessert that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Light and Fluffy: The mousse has a delicate, airy texture that melts in your mouth with every bite.
2. Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this dessert is incredibly easy to prepare.
3. Versatile: You can easily customize the mousse by adding other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries, or even mango, for a unique twist.
4. Dairy-Free Option: By swapping in coconut cream and yogurt, this mousse can be made dairy-free, making it suitable for different dietary preferences.
5. Make-Ahead: Strawberry Mousse can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for several hours or overnight, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free dessert when the time comes.

Ingredients

• 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
• 5 medium-sized strawberries (optional)
• 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste

this RECIPE

Variations

• Fruit Variations: Swap out the strawberries for other berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Dairy-Free: To make this mousse completely dairy-free, use coconut cream and dairy-free yogurt, ensuring the mousse remains rich and creamy.
• Sweetener Swap: If you prefer a sugar-free version, substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative such as stevia or erythritol.
• Toppings: Top the mousse with fresh whipped cream, extra berries, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for added flair and texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Base

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese (or coconut cream) and yogurt (or additional cream cheese/coconut cream) until smooth and creamy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best texture.

Step 2: Sweeten the Mousse

Gradually add the powdered sugar (or sugar-free alternative) to the mixture, continuing to mix until well incorporated. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Add the vanilla bean paste to the mixture, stirring to combine. The vanilla enhances the flavor, giving the mousse a luxurious richness.

Step 4: Puree the Strawberries

If you’re using fresh strawberries, wash and hull them, then blend them in a blender or food processor until smooth. Add the strawberry puree to the mixture and stir until evenly incorporated. If you prefer a stronger strawberry flavor, you can add more strawberries or a few drops of strawberry extract.

Step 5: Chill the Mousse

Transfer the mousse into serving bowls or glasses, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or until set. For best results, chill overnight to allow the flavors to develop fully.

Step 6: Serve

Once chilled, the mousse will have a light, airy texture that’s perfect for serving. Garnish with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts for extra flavor and presentation.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Room Temperature Cream Cheese: To avoid lumps in the mousse, make sure the cream cheese (or coconut cream) is at room temperature before mixing it with the yogurt or other ingredients.
• Smooth Strawberry Puree: Ensure the strawberries are blended into a smooth puree so that the mousse has a silky, uniform texture.
• Chill Before Serving: Be sure to chill the mousse for at least 2 hours so it can set properly. The longer it sits, the better the flavors will meld together.
• No Strawberry Puree?: If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use strawberry jam or preserves in place of the puree, just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

How to Serve

Serve the mousse in individual bowls, glasses, or even small mason jars for an elegant presentation. Garnish with additional fresh strawberries, mint leaves, whipped cream, or a drizzle of honey. For a fun twist, serve with a few shortbread cookies or a handful of granola for added crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it covered so it stays fresh and doesn’t absorb any odors from the fridge.

Freezing

While mousse generally doesn’t freeze well due to its delicate texture, you can freeze individual portions if needed. To thaw, place in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. However, freezing may slightly affect the texture.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat mousse as it is best served cold or chilled. Simply enjoy it directly from the fridge.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used. Just thaw and blend them before adding them to the mousse mixture.

2. Can I make this mousse without strawberries?

Absolutely! You can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make this mousse dairy-free?

Yes, replace the cream cheese with coconut cream and the yogurt with dairy-free yogurt to make it completely dairy-free.

4. How long does the mousse need to chill?

The mousse should chill for at least 2-3 hours, but overnight is ideal for the best texture and flavor.

5. Can I make this mousse sugar-free?

Yes, you can use a sugar-free alternative like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit to sweeten the mousse.

6. Can I add more vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, you can use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste, but use a little more (about 1/2 teaspoon) for a similar depth of flavor.

7. How can I thicken the mousse?

If the mousse isn’t thickening properly, you can whip it for a few more minutes or add a small amount of gelatin (dissolved in a little water) to help it set.

8. Can I add whipped cream to the mousse?

Yes, folding in some freshly whipped cream into the mousse mixture before chilling will give it an even lighter texture.

9. Can I serve this mousse in a cake or pie?

Yes, you can layer this mousse in a graham cracker crust or use it as a filling for a light, no-bake pie or cake.

10. Can I use a blender to mix the mousse?

Yes, you can use a blender to mix the mousse, but be careful not to over-mix as it could lose its light texture. A hand mixer or stand mixer is ideal for this recipe.

Conclusion

Strawberry Mousse is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the sweet, fresh flavor of strawberries combined with a creamy, fluffy texture. Whether you choose to make it with coconut cream for a dairy-free treat or stick to the classic cream cheese version, this mousse will impress guests and satisfy your cravings for a light yet indulgent dessert. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a versatile option that’s sure to become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

Print