Light and Creamy Strawberry Mousse You Can Make Anytime

Posted on April 6, 2025 · By Elisa

strawberry mousse with whipped cream and fresh strawberries

If you’re craving something sweet, fresh, and completely irresistible, this Strawberry Mousse is the answer. With its velvety texture, naturally fruity flavor, and beautiful pink hue, it’s the kind of dessert that feels elegant but is actually incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, looking for a light dessert after a summer meal, or simply want a treat that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen, this mousse checks every box.

The beauty of strawberry mousse lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy baking equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, and you can prepare it ahead of time, which makes it ideal for both entertaining and everyday indulgence. Despite how effortlessly it comes together, the result is always impressive—fluffy, rich, and bursting with real strawberry flavor. And the best part? This version is made with wholesome ingredients and can be easily adapted to suit a range of dietary needs, including vegan and dairy-free options.

So if you’re ready to whip up a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes like it came from a patisserie but can be made in your blender or food processor, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading to learn how to make the ultimate strawberry mousse, step by step.

Why This Strawberry Mousse Is a Must-Try Dessert

There are plenty of reasons why this strawberry mousse deserves a spot in your dessert rotation. To start, it’s incredibly light and creamy—two qualities that are often difficult to achieve without heavy cream or complicated techniques. Yet this recipe delivers that luxurious texture while remaining surprisingly healthy. Thanks to the use of fresh or frozen strawberries, natural sweeteners, and the option to use coconut cream or dairy-free yogurt, it fits beautifully into a variety of lifestyles and dietary preferences.

Another reason to love this mousse is that it’s naturally gluten-free and can be made entirely vegan with just a few easy swaps. Unlike traditional mousse recipes that rely heavily on eggs, gelatin, or refined sugar, this version proves that you can create a rich, satisfying dessert with simpler ingredients. Plus, it’s just plain fun to make. From blending up the strawberries to watching the mixture whip into something airy and beautiful, every step feels rewarding.

This mousse is also extremely versatile. You can serve it in fancy glasses with a swirl of coconut whipped cream for guests, or spoon it into jars for an easy weeknight dessert. It’s sweet enough to feel indulgent but light enough that you don’t feel weighed down after eating it. It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself turning to again and again because it works for almost any occasion.

Simple Ingredients for Strawberry Mousse with Exact Quantities

To make this easy and delightful mousse, you’ll need just a few accessible ingredients. The recipe is forgiving, so you can adjust sweetness and creaminess based on your preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled if fresh)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups full-fat coconut cream or Greek yogurt (for a non-vegan version)
  • 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, to enhance the strawberry flavor)
  • Pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

  • Fresh strawberries for garnish
  • Coconut whipped cream
  • Dark chocolate shavings or curls
  • Crushed freeze-dried strawberries

This recipe makes about 4 servings, but you can easily double it if you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers to enjoy later in the week.

Tools You’ll Need to Make the Perfect Strawberry Mousse

One of the best parts about this strawberry mousse recipe is how little equipment it requires. You probably already have everything in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Blender or food processor
  • Spatula for scraping
  • Mixing bowl (if using whipped cream or yogurt separately)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving dishes, jars, or ramekins
  • Optional: fine mesh strainer for removing seeds (if desired)

With just these tools, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality dessert in the comfort of your own home.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Easy Strawberry Mousse

Step 1: Prepare the strawberries
If you’re using fresh strawberries, start by rinsing and hulling them. If using frozen berries, let them thaw slightly before blending so they’re easier to work with. Place the strawberries in your blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you prefer a seedless mousse, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve, although this step is optional.

Step 2: Add sweetener and flavorings
To the blended strawberries, add your maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend again briefly to combine everything smoothly and evenly. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

Step 3: Fold in the cream or yogurt
Now, gently fold in the coconut cream or Greek yogurt, depending on your preference. If you want a super fluffy mousse, you can separately whip the coconut cream until soft peaks form before folding it in. Alternatively, for a more pudding-like texture, just stir it directly into the strawberry mixture. Either way, mix until fully combined and light in texture.

Step 4: Chill to set
Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes, ramekins, or small jars. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight works great too. This resting period allows the mousse to firm up and develop a luxurious, silky texture.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Serve chilled and enjoy every light, fruity spoonful.

Tips for a Light, Airy, and Flavorful Mousse Texture

To get the perfect mousse every time, it helps to keep a few tips in mind. First, use cold ingredients. Cold coconut cream or yogurt helps the mousse set properly and hold its texture. If you’re using canned coconut milk, be sure to refrigerate it overnight and scoop only the thick cream from the top.

Second, don’t over-blend after adding the cream. Overmixing can deflate the mousse and result in a thinner consistency. Gently folding keeps everything light and fluffy. If you’re aiming for a vegan version, use full-fat coconut cream—not low-fat or light versions, as they won’t whip properly.

Third, adjust the sweetness to your liking. Strawberries can vary in sweetness, especially if using frozen berries. Taste the puree before chilling and add a little more syrup if needed.

Finally, give the mousse enough time to chill. Rushing this step can leave you with a runny dessert rather than the smooth, silky texture that makes mousse so delicious.

Creative Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Mousse

There are so many fun and beautiful ways to serve strawberry mousse, whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself. For an elegant presentation, spoon the mousse into champagne glasses or martini glasses and garnish with mint leaves and fresh strawberries. If you’re looking for a casual option, small mason jars make adorable and portable containers.

You can also layer the mousse with granola and fresh fruit for a parfait-style dessert, or serve it over slices of sponge cake for a mousse trifle. For special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays, pipe the mousse into chocolate cups or edible tart shells for a memorable touch.

Whether served in fancy glasses or cozy bowls, strawberry mousse always looks impressive when garnished with a few thoughtful toppings.

Flavor Variations and Substitutions to Try

This recipe is fantastic as-is, but it’s also easy to change up based on your mood or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas to spark inspiration:

  • Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or mangoes for a new fruity twist
  • Add a teaspoon of chia seeds to the mix for texture and nutrition
  • Stir in melted dark chocolate for a chocolate-strawberry mousse variation
  • Use almond or orange extract instead of vanilla for a flavor upgrade
  • Layer with crushed graham crackers for a mousse-style cheesecake dessert

The possibilities are endless, and once you master the base, you can play with flavors endlessly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Strawberry Mousse

Although this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid. First, don’t use watery yogurt or thin coconut milk, as this can lead to a runny mousse. Always choose full-fat options for the best consistency.

Second, don’t skip chilling. Mousse needs time to set, and serving it too soon can result in a less-than-ideal texture. Third, be mindful not to over-blend once the cream is added. Gentle folding helps maintain the airy texture that makes mousse so delightful.

Lastly, if using frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain off excess liquid. This ensures the mousse stays thick and rich rather than watered down.

How to Store Strawberry Mousse and Make It Ahead of Time

Strawberry mousse stores beautifully and is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. If you’re planning a party or gathering, this makes it an ideal dessert to prep the night before.

For longer storage, you can freeze the mousse in individual portions for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing. To serve from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or leave at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.

Perfect Pairings for Strawberry Mousse (No Alcohol)

Because strawberry mousse is light and fruity, it pairs well with drinks and sides that complement its fresh flavor. Consider serving it with:

  • Sparkling water with fresh mint and lemon
  • Iced green tea or hibiscus tea
  • Almond biscotti or shortbread cookies
  • Fresh berries or a fruit salad on the side
  • A light citrus sorbet as a palate cleanser

These pairings enhance the mousse’s refreshing nature and round out your dessert presentation beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Mousse

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Use full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based yogurt for the base, and maple syrup for sweetening.

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid for the best consistency.

Can I whip this like traditional mousse?
You can whip the coconut cream separately if you want extra fluffiness before folding it in.

How long will this mousse keep in the fridge?
It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container.

Can I use other fruits?
Definitely. Mango, raspberry, or peach are all excellent choices.

Conclusion

This Strawberry Mousse recipe is light, fluffy, naturally sweet, and incredibly simple to make. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dessert that’s both elegant and satisfying. Whether you serve it at a dinner party, prepare it for a special brunch, or keep it in the fridge for everyday treats, it’s a recipe that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome and easy to customize. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the natural sweetness of strawberries in a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it with your dessert-loving friends and subscribe to the blog for more easy, healthy, and delightful sweets you can make from home. With recipes like this in your back pocket, dessert never has to be complicated again.

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Light and Creamy Strawberry Mousse You Can Make Anytime


  • Author: Elisa
  • Total Time: 2H10
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

This strawberry mousse is light, fluffy, and easy to make. A fresh and healthy dessert perfect for any time of day.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries (hulled if fresh)

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups full-fat coconut cream or Greek yogurt (for a non-vegan version)

  • 12 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, to enhance the strawberry flavor)

  • Pinch of salt

Optional toppings:

  • Fresh strawberries for garnish

  • Coconut whipped cream

  • Dark chocolate shavings or curls

  • Crushed freeze-dried strawberries


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the strawberries
If you’re using fresh strawberries, start by rinsing and hulling them. If using frozen berries, let them thaw slightly before blending so they’re easier to work with. Place the strawberries in your blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If you prefer a seedless mousse, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve, although this step is optional.

Step 2: Add sweetener and flavorings
To the blended strawberries, add your maple syrup or honey, vanilla extract, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend again briefly to combine everything smoothly and evenly. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.

Step 3: Fold in the cream or yogurt
Now, gently fold in the coconut cream or Greek yogurt, depending on your preference. If you want a super fluffy mousse, you can separately whip the coconut cream until soft peaks form before folding it in. Alternatively, for a more pudding-like texture, just stir it directly into the strawberry mixture. Either way, mix until fully combined and light in texture.

Step 4: Chill to set
Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes, ramekins, or small jars. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight works great too. This resting period allows the mousse to firm up and develop a luxurious, silky texture.

 

Step 5: Serve and enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, top each portion with a dollop of whipped cream, a fresh strawberry, or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. Serve chilled and enjoy every light, fruity spoonful.

Notes

There are so many fun and beautiful ways to serve strawberry mousse, whether you’re hosting guests or just treating yourself. For an elegant presentation, spoon the mousse into champagne glasses or martini glasses and garnish with mint leaves and fresh strawberries. If you’re looking for a casual option, small mason jars make adorable and portable containers.

You can also layer the mousse with granola and fresh fruit for a parfait-style dessert, or serve it over slices of sponge cake for a mousse trifle. For special occasions like Valentine’s Day or birthdays, pipe the mousse into chocolate cups or edible tart shells for a memorable touch.

 

Whether served in fancy glasses or cozy bowls, strawberry mousse always looks impressive when garnished with a few thoughtful toppings.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 2H
  • Category: DESSERT
  • Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180

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