Save Pin
This strawberry mousse is the kind of sweet I can throw together fast, and everyone acts like I'm serving up something fancy. It's crazy creamy and packed with fresh strawberry taste. So easy you'll end up making it on repeat every spring.
I first made this mousse when I needed dessert at the very last second for a picnic, and it was gone before I even sat down. Everybody kept asking how I made it since it tastes just like creamy strawberries and nothing else.
Dreamy Ingredients
- Strawberries: these are the highlight. Use ripe, bright, and fragrant ones for the yummiest puree and boldest color.
- Vanilla bean paste: totally up to you, but it adds a lovely hint and makes it a little fancy. Look for real vanilla flecks inside for extra flavor.
- Powdered sugar or a sub: brings just enough sweetness and keeps things fluffy. Sift it so it all blends in smooth with no chunks.
- Yogurt or more cream cheese or coconut cream: brings extra creaminess and a tangy punch. Full-fat yogurt makes this mild and thick.
- Cream cheese or coconut cream: does the heavy lifting for smoothness. Pick full-fat for best results, and let cream cheese soften till it's spreadable. For coconut cream, open the can—make sure it's thick and rich, not runny.
Simple How-To
- Chill the mousse:
- Divide into bowls or cute glasses. Pop them in the fridge for at least an hour so it firms up and gets fluffy. It thickens as it cools!
- Mix everything together:
- Dump the pureed strawberries and all other ingredients into a big bowl or food processor. Add vanilla if you want. Blend or beat until it's creamy, pink, and smooth. Scrape the sides so you don't miss any clumps.
- Prep your strawberries:
- Rinse and pat dry. Pull off the green tops and toss them in a blender or mash really well with a fork—just get them totally smooth.
- Let the cream cheese soften up:
- Let it sit out till it's not cold anymore. If you're using coconut cream, double check it's spoonable and smooth—if it's chunky, it won't work right.
Save Pin
Blending up those strawberries is always my favorite part. The smell instantly takes me back to picking berries with my kids, laughing with their sticky hands as they tried to lick the bowl clean.
Keeping it Fresh
This mousse survives in the fridge for up to three days and still stays great. Just cover with plastic or stash in containers that don’t leak. If you want to prep ahead, fill your glasses and leave a little space for it to puff up. Garnishes like berries or whipped cream go best right before serving. You can freeze it, but when you thaw it, it gets a bit icy.
Swap Options
If you’re out of cream cheese, thick coconut cream is just as dreamy and totally dairy free. Greek yogurt will give enough tangy zip, and extra cream cheese makes it more rich. For less sugar, go for powdered monk fruit or erythritol. Strawberries don't all taste the same, so taste and sweeten as needed.
Save Pin
How to Serve
Spoon this mousse into cute little jars or just pretty glasses and it’s ready to go. Top with more strawberries or a swirl of whipped cream, or shave dark chocolate on there. Want something extra? Use as a cake layer or toss it in a parfait. For a crunch, it’s awesome with almond cookies or crumbly shortbread.
Story Behind It
Mousse gets its name from French, where it means 'foam.' Originally a fancier dessert in France, this strawberry version made its way into home kitchens because it's easy but still makes people ooh and ahh. This spin keeps everything centered on ripe strawberries and that dreamy, creamy texture that feels like a treat but doesn’t weigh you down.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Could I swap in frozen strawberries?
You sure can. Let frozen berries thaw first, pour off any extra juice, and then blend them up for best texture.
- → Does coconut cream swap well for cream cheese?
If you need it dairy-free, coconut cream gets you that rich feel and a light coconut vibe in every bite.
- → How sweet is this mousse usually?
It’s easy to tweak—use your favorite powdered sugar, regular or sugar-free, to get it just right for your taste buds.
- → How much time do I need to chill it?
Pop it in the fridge for at least one hour so it sets nicely. Leave it in longer for a thicker mousse and bigger flavor.
- → What’s tasty to put on top?
A handful of fresh berries, a little whipped cream swirl, or even some granola on top are all awesome choices.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep—just put it together the day before and chill. That way, it’s ready to grab from the fridge when you need it.