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When I make strawberry mousse, it's unbelievably fast and always feels fancy. You get creamy, fresh strawberry goodness in every spoonful. It's so simple that you'll keep craving it once the berries are back in season.
I tried this mousse last minute before a picnic and it disappeared so fast. Folks kept asking how to make it because it tastes exactly like strawberries and fresh cream together.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Vanilla bean paste: Totally optional, but brings a delicate flavor boost. Look for paste with those tiny seeds for extra taste.
- Strawberries: The main act. Blend fresh, super-red berries—those with a sweet smell are best—for the boldest flavor.
- Cream cheese or coconut cream: This is what makes everything thick and luscious. Full fat cream cheese should be soft, and coconut cream needs to be smooth—pop open the can to check before starting.
- Yogurt or extra cream cheese/coconut cream: Gives a little tang and keeps things silky. Full fat versions win for creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (or swap in your favorite sweetener): Sweetens everything while keeping it fluffy. Sift it beforehand so you don’t get any chunks.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Pop the mousse in the fridge:
- Scoop the mixture into bowls or glasses and cover them up. Cool for at least an hour. It’ll turn thick and fluffy as it chills, which is exactly what you want.
- Mix everything together:
- Put your pureed strawberries, softened cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt (or more cream/cheese), sweetener, and a dash of vanilla (if using) in a big bowl or food processor. Beat until everything’s pale pink, smooth, and blended. Scrape the sides so nothing gets left out.
- Get your strawberries ready:
- Rinse and dry the berries, pull off the stems, then blitz them in a food processor or mash really well with a fork or masher until smooth—no big bits should remain.
- Soften your cream cheese:
- Let the cream cheese reach room temp before doing anything. If it’s coconut cream, open the can to make sure it’s smooth—not hard or gritty.
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Honestly, blending up those strawberries is the best part. That smell instantly reminds me of early summer mornings picking berries with my kids—and how their faces would be sticky from swiping berries straight from the bowl.
Chill Storage Smarts
This mousse lasts great in the fridge for up to three days. Just cover it well with cling wrap or stash in sealed containers. Want to prep ahead? Fill up your glasses but leave a bit of room—add your berries or whipped cream on top right before you serve. You can freeze it, but the texture gets a bit more icy after thawing.
Switch-Ups
No cream cheese? Coconut cream is your friend for a creamy dairy-free twist. Greek yogurt brings out extra tang—or you could use all cream cheese for something even richer. Ditch the powdered sugar and go for monk fruit or erythritol if you’re looking for sugar-free. Taste after mixing since strawberry sweetness varies.
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Fun Ways to Serve
This mousse is super cute served in little glasses on its own or packed into mini jars for parties. Pile on berries, spoon a swirl of whipped cream, or shave some dark chocolate for good measure. You can layer it into cakes or parfaits, too. Add shortbread or almond cookies to bring a nice crunch.
History and Traditions
Mousse comes from the French word for foam. Originating as a fancy French dessert, it gained love in home kitchens because it was simple but impressive. Strawberry mousse leans into pure berry flavor and a creamy, light feel that’s both rich and airy.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
You sure can. Just thaw them out, drain off any extra juice, and then blend like usual.
- → Is coconut cream a good substitute for cream cheese?
Coconut cream works well if you want it dairy-free. It makes things thick and creamy with a bit of coconut flavor.
- → How sweet is the final mousse?
It’s up to you. Use regular or sugar-free powdered sugar so you can make it as sweet (or not) as you like.
- → How long should the mousse chill?
Pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Longer will make it firmer and boost the taste even more.
- → Which toppings pair well with this mousse?
Try fresh strawberries, a scoop of whipped cream, or some crunchy granola on top.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
Definitely. Get it ready and chill it up to a day before you need it so it’s all set once guests arrive.