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Strawberry mousse is the kind of dessert I can whip up in minutes and everyone feels like they are eating something truly special It is creamy with a burst of real strawberry flavor and so simple that you will find yourself coming back to it every spring
I discovered this mousse on a day I needed a last minute treat for a picnic and it completely vanished in minutes Everyone wanted the recipe because it tastes just like strawberries and cream
Ingredients
- Cream cheese or coconut cream: gives the mousse a rich silky texture Choose a full fat version for the best result Cream cheese should be soft and coconut cream needs to be thick so check your can for a creamy consistency
- Yogurt or more cream cheese or coconut cream: adds smoothness and a bit of tang Select a full fat yogurt for the creamiest mousse
- Powdered sugar or an alternative: gives light sweetness while keeping the texture smooth Sift the sugar first to prevent lumps
- Strawberries: are the star Fresh ripe berries blend into a sweet fruity puree Choose bright red berries with a fragrant smell for maximum flavor
- Vanilla bean paste: is optional but brings a subtle perfume and depth If using vanilla check for real seeds in the paste for the best flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Let your cream cheese soften:
- Let the cream cheese sit out until it is completely at room temperature If using coconut cream check that the cream is thick and creamy by opening the can Hard or grainy coconut cream will not work
- Prepare strawberries:
- Wash and dry your strawberries Remove the stems and place the berries in a blender or food processor Blend until completely pureed or mash very well with a fork or potato masher until no big pieces remain
- Blend all ingredients:
- To a large bowl or a food processor add the pureed strawberries cream cheese or coconut cream yogurt or additional cream and powdered sugar plus vanilla if using Beat or blend until the mixture is perfectly smooth and pale pink Scrape down the sides to make sure everything is incorporated
- Chill the mousse:
- Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls Cover and chill for at least one hour or until very cold The mousse will thicken a lot as it cools making it spoonable and airy
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My favorite part of this recipe is always the smell of strawberries as you blend them For me it brings me right back to picking fresh berries with my kids on summer mornings and their sticky faces as they snuck a bite straight from the bowl
Storage Tips
Strawberry mousse holds up wonderfully in the fridge for up to three days Simply cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers If you want to prepare ahead fill your serving glasses leave room for the mousse to expand and garnish with berries or whipped cream right before serving Freezing is possible but the texture becomes slightly icier when defrosted
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have cream cheese coconut cream gives a luscious dairy free option You can swap Greek yogurt for an extra tang or double up on cream cheese for a richer dessert For sugar free needs use powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener Be sure to taste and adjust sweetness since strawberries can vary
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this mousse on its own in pretty glasses or spoon into mini jars for parties Top with extra berries or a dollop of whipped cream or shave a bit of dark chocolate over the top It also works beautifully as a filling in layered cakes or parfaits For an extra touch pair it with crisp shortbread or almond cookies
Cultural Context
Mousse comes from the French word meaning foam and has roots as an elegant dessert in French cuisine Strawberry mousse as a chilled fruit and cream treat became popular in home kitchens for being both easy and impressive This take highlights the pure flavor of strawberries and the creamy texture that feels decadent but light
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, thaw frozen strawberries and drain any excess liquid before blending for best results.
- → Is coconut cream a good substitute for cream cheese?
Coconut cream offers a dairy-free option, creating a rich, creamy texture with subtle coconut notes.
- → How sweet is the final mousse?
Sweetness can be adjusted by choosing regular or sugar-free powdered sugar to suit your preference.
- → How long should the mousse chill?
Chill for at least an hour for ideal consistency. Longer chilling gives a firmer set and deeper flavor.
- → Which toppings pair well with this mousse?
Fresh berries, a swirl of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of granola make excellent finishing touches.
- → Can I prepare it in advance?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to one day ahead for convenient serving and a set texture.