Light & Fluffy Strawberry Mousse

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s light as air, bursting with fruity flavor, and looks as elegant as it tastes, this Strawberry Mousse is everything you want and more. With its vibrant pink hue, smooth texture, and natural sweetness, it’s the kind of treat that feels luxurious without being heavy.

This mousse is made with fresh strawberries, a bit of sugar, whipped cream, and gelatin to create that perfect airy consistency. It’s no-bake, make-ahead friendly, and ideal for spring and summer gatherings, Valentine’s Day, or simply when you want to impress with minimal effort.

🍓 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet
Made with real strawberries
No baking required!
Perfect for make-ahead entertaining
Elegant enough for a dinner party, simple enough for a weeknight treat

🍰 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional garnish: whipped cream, fresh strawberries, mint leaves

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Make the Strawberry Puree
In a blender or food processor, blend strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom (soften).
Heat and Mix
Transfer the strawberry puree to a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat (do not boil). Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Whip the Cream
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Combine Gently
Fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. Do this slowly and gently with a spatula until fully incorporated and smooth.
Chill and Set
Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, or until set. The longer it chills, the firmer the texture.
Garnish and Serve
Top with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, or a mint leaf for a beautiful finish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve in small glasses, jars, or dessert cups for individual portions.
Pair with crushed shortbread cookies at the bottom for a parfait-style mousse.
Layer with angel food cake and berries for a strawberry mousse trifle.
Add a splash of rosé wine or champagne to the strawberry puree for a grown-up twist.

🧠 Tips & Tricks

Make sure the strawberry mixture is cool before folding into whipped cream to avoid deflating.
For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
Want it sweeter? Add a bit of powdered sugar to the whipped cream before whipping.
You can use frozen strawberries, just thaw and drain them well first.

✨ My Special Twist

To take this mousse to the next level, I sometimes fold in 2 tablespoons of mascarpone cheese with the whipped cream. It gives the mousse a slightly richer texture and a hint of tang that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

Another idea? Add a thin layer of dark chocolate ganache at the bottom of each serving glass before adding the mousse. It hardens into a fudgy surprise that balances the lightness of the mousse with bold, bittersweet flavor — pure magic!