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This light and fluffy whipped strawberry mousse recipe is a perfect dessert for almost any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create an elegant dessert that balances creamy richness with bright berry flavor. I discovered this recipe years ago when looking for a quick but impressive finale for a dinner party, and it's become my go-to when strawberries are in season.
I first made this strawberry mousse for a Mother's Day brunch and was amazed at how something so simple could taste so sophisticated. The pretty pink color always brings a smile to everyone's face, and guests are always surprised when I tell them how easy it was to make.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese or coconut cream: Creates the rich, velvety base that gives this mousse its luxurious texture
- Yogurt: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness
- Powdered sugar: Dissolves perfectly into the mixture, creating a silky smooth consistency
- Fresh strawberries: Provide natural flavor and beautiful color look for bright red, fragrant berries
- Vanilla bean paste: Enhances all the flavors with its aromatic complexity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the cream cheese:
- Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step ensures it will blend smoothly without lumps. If using coconut cream, open the can and verify the cream is thick and smooth, not flakey or hard.
- Prepare the strawberries:
- Remove stems from strawberries and place them in a blender or food processor. Pulse until completely pureed, about 15 seconds. The finer the puree, the smoother your final mousse will be.
- Combine all ingredients:
- Add softened cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt, powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla bean paste to your blender or food processor. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform in color.
- Chill and serve:
- Transfer the mousse mixture into individual serving dishes or glasses. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. The mousse will firm up considerably during this time, developing its perfect texture.
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The secret to this mousse's perfect texture is properly softened cream cheese. I learned this after my first attempt resulted in tiny lumps throughout the mousse. Now I always make sure my cream cheese sits out for at least 30 minutes before blending, and the result is consistently silky smooth.
Make It Dairy Free
This recipe works beautifully with dairy free alternatives. The coconut cream version creates a tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with strawberries. Make sure to refrigerate your can of coconut cream overnight before using to ensure the cream separates properly from the liquid. For the most reliable results, look for brands specifically labeled as coconut cream rather than coconut milk.
Storage Tips
This strawberry mousse keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers or keep the serving dishes covered tightly with plastic wrap. The texture may firm up slightly over time, but the flavor remains delicious. This mousse does not freeze well, as the texture becomes grainy when thawed.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate this simple dessert with thoughtful presentation. Serve in clear glass dishes to showcase the pretty pink color, and top with fresh strawberry slices, a sprig of mint, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a more substantial dessert, layer the mousse with crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies to create a quick parfait. This mousse also makes a wonderful filling for crepes or as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a special breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use coconut cream instead of cream cheese?
Yes, coconut cream works as a substitute for cream cheese, giving you a lighter, dairy-free option for the mousse. Ensure the coconut cream is thick and creamy when opened.
- → How long does this dessert need to chill?
Chill the mousse for at least 1-2 hours to allow it to thicken properly. It can also be prepared a day in advance for firmer results.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before blending to avoid excess water in the mousse.
- → Is this dessert suitable for sugar-free diets?
Yes, you can substitute powdered sugar with a sugar-free alternative like erythritol to make it sugar-free.
- → What toppings go well with this mousse?
Popular toppings include fresh berries, whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a sprig of mint to enhance flavor and presentation.