I remember the first time I made strawberry mousse—it was a sunny afternoon, and I had a bowl full of ripe strawberries threatening to go bad. I didn’t want to bake, and I definitely didn’t want to fuss with gelatin or complicated steps. So I improvised, blending a few simple ingredients into a light, fluffy cloud of strawberry delight. That moment not only saved my berries but sparked my love for no-bake desserts that anyone can make.

This easy Strawberry Mousse Recipe is perfect for beginner cooks. It’s quick to whip up (literally), requires no stovetop or oven, and is made from wholesome, minimal ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a romantic dessert, or want a guilt-free treat after dinner, this recipe has your back. It’s also adaptable to various dietary needs—gluten-free, vegetarian, or even vegan.

Strawberry Mousse Recipe

Why This Recipe is Special

  • No-Bake Simplicity: There’s no need for complicated cooking techniques. If you can blend and chill, you can make this mousse.
  • Naturally Light and Wholesome: Unlike traditional mousse, this version skips heavy cream and gelatin, using natural ingredients that are easy on your stomach and the planet.
  • Versatile for Dietary Needs: Whether you’re avoiding dairy or cutting back on sugar, there are ingredient swaps to make this mousse your own.
  • Everyday Elegance: Despite how easy it is, this dessert feels elegant enough to serve at special occasions.

Ingredients and Preparation

  • Strawberries: Provide the vibrant color, fruity aroma, and naturally sweet flavor. Fresh is ideal, but frozen (thawed and dried) also works.
  • Cream Cheese or Coconut Cream: Adds thickness and a creamy texture. Coconut cream is perfect for a dairy-free version.
  • Yogurt (Plain or Greek): Optional, but contributes a tangy balance and extra fluffiness. Can be swapped with more cream cheese or plant-based yogurt.
  • Powdered Sugar (or Alternatives): Sweetens and helps create the mousse’s airy structure. For sugar-free diets, powdered monk fruit, allulose, or erythritol are excellent.
  • Vanilla Bean Paste (Optional): Enhances flavor with warm, sweet notes. Vanilla extract works too, or leave it out for a pure strawberry taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Begin by preparing your strawberries. Remove the green tops and rinse them thoroughly. If using frozen berries, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry to avoid a watery mousse.

Step 2: Puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. If you prefer a seedless texture, strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve.

Step 3: In a mixing bowl, add your cream cheese (room temperature for easier blending), yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla paste. Pour in the strawberry puree and blend until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for best results. If using a fork or whisk, expect a denser texture.

Step 4: Spoon the mousse into individual glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours before serving. The mousse will thicken as it chills, giving it that classic fluffy texture.

Beginner Tips and Notes

  • If Your Mousse Is Too Runny: Make sure your strawberries aren’t too wet. Pat them dry thoroughly. Using very soft coconut cream or skipping chilling time can also lead to a looser consistency.
  • Prep Ahead: This mousse gets better as it sits, so making it a day in advance is a bonus, not a burden.
  • No Electric Mixer? Use a fork or whisk, but expect a less fluffy texture. A food processor or hand blender will give better results.

Serving Suggestions

  • Simple & Sweet: Top with sliced strawberries or a dusting of crushed graham crackers.
  • Layered Parfait: Alternate layers of mousse with granola, coconut whipped cream, or crumbled sponge cake for a beautiful dessert glass.
  • Frosting Alternative: Pipe onto cupcakes or brownies instead of traditional frosting.
  • Fun Add-Ons: Mini chocolate chips, crushed Oreos, or chopped nuts add fun textures.

Storage Tips

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
  • Avoid freezing, as it can ruin the texture.

Conclusion

If you’ve never made mousse before, this is the recipe that will make you wonder why you waited so long. It’s light, quick, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just treat yourself on a weekday night, this easy strawberry mousse delivers. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your tweaks or toppings in the comments below—I’d love to hear how you made it yours.

FAQ About Strawberry Mousse Recipe

Can I make this strawberry mousse ahead of time?

Yes, this mousse actually benefits from being made ahead. It thickens as it chills and holds its texture well for 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

You can substitute cream cheese with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. Make sure the coconut cream is thick and not watery. Plant-based cream cheese alternatives also work well.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry to avoid adding excess moisture, which could lead to a runny texture.

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Strawberry Mousse Recipe

Strawberry Mousse Recipe


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  • Author: Kathryne Taylor
  • Total Time: 5 minutes (plus chilling)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This fluffy strawberry mousse is a no-bake dessert that’s rich, creamy, and delightfully light. Perfect for summer entertaining or a quick, refreshing treat, it’s made with just a few ingredients and can be easily adapted for dairy-free or sugar-free diets.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese or coconut cream
  • 4 oz plain yogurt (regular or Greek) or additional cream cheese or coconut cream
  • 1 cup powdered sugar or sugar-free alternative
  • 5 medium strawberries
  • ¼ tsp vanilla bean paste (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Strawberries: Wash the strawberries thoroughly and remove the stems. If using frozen strawberries, make sure they’re fully thawed and pat them dry to avoid adding excess moisture.
  2. Make the Puree: Blend or mash the strawberries until they form a smooth puree. For a smoother texture, strain the puree through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
  3. Combine the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and the strawberry puree. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending.
  4. Whip Until Smooth: Use a hand mixer, food processor, or high-speed blender to blend everything together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. Whipping incorporates air, giving the mousse its signature texture.
  5. Chill and Serve: Spoon the mixture into serving cups or bowls and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours. The mousse will continue to firm up as it chills, making it easier to serve and even more delicious.

Notes

  • Make this recipe fully vegan by using coconut cream or dairy-free cream cheese and yogurt.
  • For a refined sugar-free version, use a powdered sugar alternative like allulose or monk fruit.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the puree.
  • The mousse can be piped into glasses or used as a cake or cupcake topping.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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