Description
This easy strawberry mousse recipe is a light and fluffy dessert that combines fresh strawberries, gelatin, and whipped cream to create a creamy, fruity delight. Perfect for a quick treat, it requires minimal ingredients and can be prepared in just 25 minutes, with additional chilling time for setting. The mousse is naturally fruity, lightly sweetened, and has a subtle lemony tang, making it refreshing and perfect for spring or summer occasions.
Ingredients
Gelatin Mixture
- 1/2 tsp gelatin
- 1 tbsp water
Strawberry Puree
- 8 oz strawberries (approx. 1½ cups halved or quartered)
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Whipped Cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (double cream with 35% fat)
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over the water in a small bowl and stir to combine. Scrape down any gelatin sticking to the sides and set aside for 5 minutes to let it bloom.
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Place the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor and blend until relatively smooth. Transfer the puree to a small saucepan and set aside while whipping the cream.
- Whip the Cream: In a medium-large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Place the whipped cream in the refrigerator to keep chilled while you thicken the strawberry mixture.
- Thicken the Strawberry Mixture: Warm the strawberry puree over medium-high heat in the saucepan, stirring regularly. Bring to a simmer and let it cook gently for 5-10 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and darkens in color.
- Incorporate Gelatin: Remove the strawberry mixture from heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin thoroughly until fully dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to lukewarm; you can speed this process by placing it briefly in the refrigerator, but do not let it get fully cold or set.
- Fold Strawberry Mixture into Cream: Gently fold the lukewarm strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, mixing well but carefully to preserve the airiness. Fold until no white streaks remain.
- Chill to Set: Pour the mousse into 2 or 3 individual serving dishes depending on size. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or longer to fully set. If chilling for more than 4 hours, cover with a lid or cling film to prevent drying out. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the strawberry mixture is lukewarm before folding into cream to avoid melting the whipped cream or premature setting of gelatin.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on the natural sweetness of your strawberries.
- For a vegan version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar and use a plant-based cream alternative.
- If you don’t have a food processor, use a blender or mash the strawberries thoroughly by hand before cooking.
- Serve the mousse with fresh strawberry slices or a sprig of mint for garnish to enhance presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American