Strawberry mousse is a delightful, light dessert that’s both creamy and airy, with the perfect balance of sweetness and strawberry flavor. This recipe is incredibly simple to make and perfect for those moments when you’re craving a refreshing, fruity dessert without spending too much time in the kitchen. The blend of cream cheese (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative), yogurt, and fresh strawberries creates a smooth, luscious texture that melts in your mouth. This dessert can be served on its own or paired with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a crumble for an extra indulgence.

This strawberry mousse recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also easy to customize based on dietary preferences. Whether you prefer the rich taste of cream cheese or want to go dairy-free with coconut cream, this mousse delivers a smooth and dreamy texture that’s sure to impress. Serve it at dinner parties, family gatherings, or simply as a comforting treat after a long day. It’s the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet light at the same time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This strawberry mousse is perfect for anyone who loves a lighter, whipped dessert that still packs a punch in flavor. Its creamy texture comes from the combination of rich cream cheese (or coconut cream) and yogurt, while the fresh strawberries provide a refreshing fruitiness that complements the smoothness of the mousse. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a quick and easy recipe, while the result is something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Plus, it’s customizable for any dietary needs – whether you’re looking for a low-sugar, dairy-free, or vegan treat, this recipe has you covered.

Ingredients

Cream cheese or coconut cream
Yogurt or additional cream cheese or coconut cream
Powdered sugar or sugar-free alternative
Fresh strawberries
Optional: vanilla bean paste

Variations

Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream for cream cheese and use dairy-free yogurt to make this mousse entirely dairy-free.
Sugar-Free: Replace the powdered sugar with a sugar-free sweetener of your choice, such as stevia or erythritol, to make the mousse a guilt-free treat.
Flavor Variations: Add other fruit flavors by blending in raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes with the strawberries for a fruity twist.
Vegan Version: Use coconut cream in place of cream cheese, and opt for plant-based yogurt and sugar alternatives to make this mousse vegan-friendly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base Ingredients

If you’re using cream cheese, allow it to come to room temperature to ensure it blends easily. If you’re using coconut cream, make sure the contents of the can are thick and creamy. If the coconut cream is too hard or flaky, unfortunately, it won’t work well for this mousse recipe.

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

Remove the stems from the strawberries and blend or mash them until they are completely pureed. If you’d like a smoother texture, you can use a food processor or blender.

Step 3: Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, blender, or using a hand mixer, combine the pureed strawberries with the cream cheese (or coconut cream), yogurt (or additional cream cheese), and powdered sugar. Add the optional vanilla bean paste for extra flavor if desired. Blend the mixture until completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Refrigerate the Mousse

Once the mousse is smooth and creamy, transfer it to serving dishes. Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours. It will thicken as it chills, becoming light and fluffy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once chilled, the mousse is ready to be served. Enjoy it on its own or top with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of crumbled graham crackers for extra texture.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before blending it for the smoothest texture.
Coconut Cream Texture: If you’re using coconut cream, ensure that it is thick and creamy. If it’s too liquidy, it will affect the mousse’s consistency.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar according to your personal sweetness preference. If you prefer a less sweet mousse, start with a smaller amount and taste test.
Make it Smooth: To ensure the smoothest texture, blend the mixture thoroughly so there are no lumps or chunks of cream cheese or coconut cream.

How to Serve

This strawberry mousse can be served in individual bowls, glasses, or jars for a fun presentation. Top with fresh strawberries, a drizzle of honey, or whipped cream for an extra special touch. For a more decadent dessert, you can also serve it with crushed graham crackers, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of mint leaves for color and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the mousse will continue to thicken as it chills, so it may be even more decadent the next day.

Freezing

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the mousse for up to a month. Store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the refrigerator before serving. However, the texture may change slightly once frozen, and it may be a bit more firm when thawed.

Reheating

Since this mousse is best served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the fridge before serving and enjoy it cold.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.

2. Can I substitute coconut cream for the cream cheese in the recipe?

Yes, coconut cream is a great substitute for cream cheese if you want a dairy-free or vegan option.

3. How long do I need to refrigerate the mousse?

Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up. The longer it chills, the thicker it will become.

4. Can I use another type of sweetener instead of powdered sugar?

Yes, you can use a sugar-free alternative such as stevia or erythritol if you prefer a lower-sugar option.

5. Can I make the mousse the night before?

Yes, making it the night before is a great idea! It will allow the mousse to fully set and thicken in the fridge, making it even better the next day.

6. How can I make the mousse fluffier?

For a fluffier mousse, you can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the mixture until it becomes light and airy.

7. Can I use a different fruit for this mousse?

Yes, you can substitute the strawberries with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches. Just be sure to puree the fruit before adding it to the mixture.

8. Can I add whipped cream to the mousse?

Yes, folding in some whipped cream at the end will add extra air and fluffiness, making it even lighter.

9. Can I use vanilla extract instead of vanilla bean paste?

Yes, vanilla extract can be substituted for the vanilla bean paste if that’s what you have on hand.

10. Can I double the recipe for a larger serving?

Absolutely! You can double or even triple the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. Just ensure you have enough refrigerator space for the mousse to chill properly.

Conclusion

This strawberry mousse recipe is a light, creamy, and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick treat, something to impress guests, or a healthier alternative to traditional mousse, this recipe offers all the flavor with none of the fuss. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready to serve in no time. Enjoy the delicate sweetness and creamy texture of this strawberry mousse for a perfect ending to any meal!