Light & Airy Strawberry Mousse with Strawberry Sauce

There’s something undeniably delightful about a dessert that’s both light as air and bursting with fresh fruit flavor. This strawberry mousse is exactly that—a cloud-like, silky-smooth treat with the sweet-tart essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Paired with a vibrant homemade strawberry sauce, it’s the perfect balance of creamy and fruity, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.

This mousse is perfect for spring and summer when strawberries are at their peak, but it can also bring a refreshing taste of sunshine during the colder months. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion, a dinner party, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress with its elegant yet simple presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and Fluffy Texture – This mousse is incredibly airy, thanks to the perfect balance of whipped cream and a stabilized strawberry mixture.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor – No artificial flavors here! This dessert highlights the natural sweetness and tang of real strawberries.
• Simple Ingredients – You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of common ingredients to create this luscious dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for preparing in advance, making it a great choice for dinner parties or celebrations.
• Versatile – Serve it in elegant glasses for a fancy touch, or layer it with cake and whipped cream for a fun twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Strawberry Mousse

• 1 ½ cups (225g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ teaspoons powdered gelatin
• 2 tablespoons water
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream, chilled

For the Strawberry Sauce

• 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

How to Make Light & Airy Strawberry Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Puree

Start by blending the fresh strawberries in a food processor or blender until you have a smooth puree. If you prefer a super silky texture, you can strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.

Pour the strawberry puree into a small saucepan, add the granulated sugar and lemon juice, and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and let it gently simmer for about 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Once done, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin

In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom. This step is essential, as it allows the gelatin to absorb the liquid and soften properly.

Once bloomed, microwave the gelatin mixture for 10-15 seconds until fully dissolved. Stir it into the warm strawberry puree, ensuring it’s evenly incorporated. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a chilled mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip—it should be fluffy but still smooth.

Once the strawberry mixture has cooled, gently fold it into the whipped cream in two additions. Use a spatula and light strokes to keep the mixture airy. The goal is to maintain the fluffy texture while evenly combining the flavors.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Spoon or pipe the strawberry mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Smooth the tops and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until set. The mousse will firm up slightly while still maintaining its light and creamy consistency.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Sauce

While the mousse is chilling, prepare the strawberry sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries break down and the sauce thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).

Remove from heat and let it cool before using. If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend and strain it to remove any seeds.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once the mousse is fully set, drizzle the strawberry sauce over the top. Garnish with extra fresh strawberries, mint leaves, or even a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant finish.

Enjoy this light and airy strawberry mousse as a refreshing treat on a warm day or as a sophisticated dessert for a special gathering!

Helpful Tips

• Use ripe strawberries – The sweeter and more flavorful your strawberries are, the better your mousse will taste.
• Chill your bowl and beaters – This helps the heavy cream whip up faster and hold its structure better.
• Don’t overmix – Gently fold in the strawberry puree to keep the mousse light and airy.
• Strain for a smoother texture – If you prefer a completely smooth mousse, strain the strawberry puree before using.
• Make it ahead – The mousse can be made a day in advance, making it a great stress-free dessert option.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: French-inspired
• Diet: Vegetarian

Notes

• Adjust the Sweetness – If your strawberries are extra sweet, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Conversely, if they are a bit tart, add a little more sugar to balance the flavor.
• Straining for Smoothness – Straining the strawberry puree will remove seeds and create an ultra-smooth mousse. However, if you don’t mind a bit of texture, you can skip this step.
• Gelatin Blooming is Key – Make sure the gelatin fully absorbs the water before melting it. This ensures proper setting and a smooth consistency in the mousse.
• Chill Time Matters – Letting the mousse chill for at least 2-3 hours (or overnight) helps it set properly and enhances the flavor.
• Serving Suggestions – This mousse pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies, ladyfingers, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch.
• Make It a Layered Dessert – For a fun variation, layer the mousse with crushed graham crackers, vanilla sponge cake, or extra whipped cream in a glass for a parfait-style treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work well. Just thaw and drain them before blending.

Can I make this without gelatin?

You can try substituting gelatin with agar-agar, but the texture may be slightly different. For a mousse without stabilizers, consider folding in stiffly beaten egg whites instead.

How long does this mousse last?

It stays fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator, though it’s best enjoyed within the first day for the fluffiest texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Just make sure to chill and whip it properly.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store the mousse in an airtight container or covered glasses for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This mousse can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the texture may change slightly. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Related Recipes

If you loved this strawberry mousse, here are some other light and fruity desserts you might enjoy:

• Heart-Shaped Raspberry Mousse with a Brownie Base
• Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Yogurt Bites
• Raspberry Mousse Cake Filling and Dessert
• A Sweet Treat to Remember: Dulce de Leche Mousse

Conclusion

This light and airy strawberry mousse is the perfect dessert when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy texture, and a touch of tangy lemon makes each spoonful absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve it at a dinner party or enjoy it as a simple treat for yourself, this mousse is sure to bring a little joy to your day.

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