Easy Strawberry Mousse Recipe – Light, Fluffy, and No-Bake Dessert Perfect for Summer
Some days, I just want a dessert that feels fancy without actually doing much work. You know what I mean? Something that looks like I spent hours in the kitchen but really took me, like, 10 minutes. That’s where this Easy Strawberry Mousse comes in. It’s light, creamy, and full of fresh strawberry flavor—basically, the kind of easy impressive dessert that makes people think you’ve got your life together. Spoiler: I don’t. But hey, at least I can whip up a quick strawberry mousse that tastes like a dream.
This strawberry mousse recipe is perfect when you want something sweet but don’t feel like turning on the oven. It’s a no-bake strawberry mousse, which means less effort and more time actually enjoying dessert (instead of washing a million dishes). Plus, it’s one of those mousse recipes easy enough for the kids to help with—but still fancy enough to serve at a dinner party. Or, you know, just eat straight from the bowl in your pajamas. No judgment here.
If you love fresh strawberry recipes, this one is a must-try. It’s a simple strawberry mousse that’s smooth, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just because you want something light and delicious, this strawberry mousse dessert is a winner. So grab some strawberries, some cream, and let’s make some magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to pull this off. Nothing fancy, nothing complicated, just good old-fashioned yum.
- 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (plus extra for topping if you’re feeling extra)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (or a little more if your berries aren’t super sweet)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because vanilla makes everything better)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (trust me, this makes the strawberries pop)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (the fluffy magic maker)
- 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin (optional, but it helps the mousse hold up better)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for the gelatin, if using)
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries
First things first, wash your strawberries. My kids always try to sneak a few while we’re doing this, so I just wash extra. Hull them (fancy word for “cut off the green tops”) and throw them in a blender. Blend until smooth. If you don’t love the little strawberry seeds, you can strain the puree, but honestly, I never do.
Step 2: Add Some Sweetness
Now, mix in the sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Give it a little taste—if your strawberries are sweet, you’re golden. If they’re a little tart, add a touch more sugar.
If you’re using gelatin (which helps the mousse hold its shape), sprinkle it over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for a minute or two to bloom, then microwave it for about 10 seconds until it’s fully dissolved. Stir it into your strawberry puree.
Step 3: Whip the Cream
Now for the fun part—whipping the cream. Grab a cold bowl (trust me, it helps) and pour in your heavy cream. Whip it with a hand mixer (or a stand mixer if you’re fancy like that) until you get stiff peaks. That just means when you lift the beaters, the cream holds its shape. But don’t go overboard, or you’ll end up with butter (ask me how I know).
Step 4: Fold it All Together
Take your whipped cream and gently fold it into the strawberry mixture. This is the part where you resist the urge to stir like a maniac—gentle is key. We’re trying to keep the mousse light and fluffy, not turn it into a sad, deflated mess.
Once it’s all combined, spoon it into little glasses or bowls. Or just leave it in the mixing bowl and grab a spoon, no judgment here.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Now comes the hardest part—waiting. Let the mousse chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you’re like my kids, you’ll check every 10 minutes, but I promise, patience pays off.
When it’s finally ready, top with more fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even some crushed cookies if you wanna get fancy. Then dig in.
FAQs About Easy Strawberry Mousse
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any extra liquid. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor, but if you’re craving light and fluffy mousse in the middle of winter, frozen will do the trick.
Do I have to use gelatin?
Nope! Gelatin helps the mousse hold its shape, but if you skip it, you’ll still get a soft, creamy texture. If you want a firmer strawberry mousse dessert, you can also use agar-agar as a substitute.
Can I make this mousse dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream (chilled overnight so it’s thick). It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be a delicious easy summer dessert with a tropical twist.
What should I serve with strawberry mousse?
This easy impressive dessert is perfect on its own, but you can also top it with:
Whipped cream
Fresh strawberries
Crushed graham crackers or cookies
Shaved chocolate
A drizzle of melted chocolate or strawberry sauce
How long does this mousse last in the fridge?
It’s best eaten within 2-3 days, but let’s be real—it probably won’t last that long.
Easy Strawberry Mousse
Strawberry Mousse
Ingredients
Method
- Wash, hull, and blend the strawberries until smooth. Strain if you prefer a seedless mousse.
- Mix in sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. If using gelatin, sprinkle it over cold water, let it bloom for 2 minutes, then microwave for 10 seconds until dissolved. Stir it into the strawberry puree.
- In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip!
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until smooth and fluffy.
- Spoon the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve chilled with fresh strawberries or whipped cream on top.
Notes
Tips & Variations
- Swap strawberries for raspberries, mango, or blueberries for a twist.
- For a dairy-free version, use chilled coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Layer with crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings for a fancy touch.
And just like that, you’ve got yourself a Strawberry Mousse Dessert that’s light, fluffy, and feels way fancier than the effort it actually takes. That’s my kind of recipe. Life is busy—especially with kids running around—so when I find a quick strawberry mousse that tastes amazing and doesn’t require baking, I call it a win.
This homemade mousse is one of those easy impressive desserts that works for everything. Need a sweet treat after dinner? Done. Want to make something for a party but don’t feel like turning on the oven? Perfect. Just craving something creamy and delicious? This strawberry cream mousse has your back.
The best part? It’s so simple that even the kids can help (though fair warning, they’ll probably eat half before it even makes it to the fridge). Whether you’re looking for fresh strawberry recipes to use up summer berries or just want an easy mousse that doesn’t take all day, this one is a keeper.
So go ahead, grab those strawberries, whip up this simple strawberry mousse, and enjoy a little moment of dessert bliss. Trust me, once you try this no-bake strawberry mousse, you’ll be making it all the time.
