Strawberry Mousse

It’s hard to resist a dessert made with fresh fruit, especially when strawberries are in season.

They’re sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect choice for a light and refreshing treat.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to make something rich or something airy today, but a quick look at a basket of bright red strawberries made the decision easy.

A chilled strawberry mousse is just what’s needed when you want a dessert that feels indulgent but isn’t too heavy.

It requires no baking, can be prepared ahead of time, and comes together with just a few simple ingredients.

Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of strawberries in a smooth and creamy texture.

This recipe brings back memories of eating strawberries with condensed milk, a combination I first tried years ago and instantly loved. If you’re a fan of fruity, creamy desserts, this one is definitely worth trying.

Table of Contents

Strawberry Mousse Recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs fresh strawberries, rinsed and hulled
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
Juice of ½ lemon or lime
1 cup fresh orange juice
2 tbsp unflavored gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegetarian/vegan option)
3 egg whites (use aquafaba for a vegan alternative)
⅓ cup sugar
Whipped cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free/vegan option)

Instructions

Set aside a few whole strawberries for decoration. Blend the remaining strawberries with condensed milk and lemon juice until smooth.
Sprinkle the gelatin over the orange juice and let it sit for a couple of minutes to bloom. Heat the mixture gently until the gelatin fully dissolves, then allow it to cool slightly before stirring it into the strawberry blend. If using agar-agar, bring the orange juice to a simmer and stir until it dissolves completely.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar while beating until stiff peaks form. (For a vegan version, whip aquafaba with sugar until thick and glossy.)
Carefully fold the whipped egg whites (or aquafaba) into the strawberry mixture, keeping it airy.
Pour into serving glasses or a lightly greased mold. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4–6 hours or overnight until fully set.
Serve with a swirl of whipped cream (or coconut cream) and top with the reserved strawberries. For an extra touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves.

Tips For Making Strawberry Mousse

Creating a delightful strawberry mousse is simple and enjoyable. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your mousse turns out perfectly:

Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries to achieve the best flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be a good substitute.
Chill Your Equipment: Before whipping the cream, chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This helps the cream whip faster and achieve better volume.
Gentle Folding: When combining the whipped cream with the strawberry purée, fold gently to maintain the mousse’s light and airy texture.
Sweetness Adjustment: Taste your strawberry purée before mixing it with the cream. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little sugar to balance the flavors.
Gelatin Use: If your recipe calls for gelatin to help the mousse set, ensure it’s fully dissolved and not lumpy before adding it to the mixture.

Variations For Strawberry Mousse

Strawberry mousse is versatile and can be customized with various flavors and ingredients. Here are some ideas to inspire your next creation:

Mixed Berry Mousse: Blend in other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry flavor.
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Add melted dark or white chocolate to the strawberry purée for a rich, chocolaty twist.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate a bit of lemon or orange zest into the purée for a refreshing citrus note.
Herbal Infusion: Mix in finely chopped mint or basil to add a unique herbal flavor that complements the strawberries.
Nutty Crunch: Fold in crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios for added texture and flavor.

What To Serve With Strawberry Mousse?

Pairing your strawberry mousse with complementary dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some options to consider:

Shortbread cookies
Chocolate cake
Pavlova
Fruit tart
Angel food cake
Cheesecake
Scones
Crêpes
Waffles
Pancakes

How To Store Strawberry Mousse?

To keep your strawberry mousse fresh and delicious, follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigeration: Store the mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the mousse in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 weeks. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving: Before serving, give the mousse a gentle stir to restore its creamy texture.

Can I Make Strawberry Mousse The Day Before?

Yes, you can prepare strawberry mousse a day ahead of time. In fact, making it the day before allows the mousse to set properly, resulting in a firmer and more flavorful dessert.

Does Strawberry Mousse Harden In The Fridge?

Yes, mousse firms up when chilled in the refrigerator. Allowing it to set for several hours or overnight helps achieve the desired texture.

Why Is My Strawberry Mousse Runny?

A runny strawberry mousse can occur due to several reasons:

Too Much Fruit Purée: Adding excessive fruit purée can make the mousse too watery. It’s important to follow the recipe’s recommended amount to maintain the right consistency.
Insufficient Whipping: Not whipping the cream enough can prevent the mousse from setting properly, leading to a runny texture.
Gelatin Issues: If the gelatin isn’t properly dissolved or the correct amount isn’t used, the mousse may not firm up as expected.