Strawberry Mousse: A Delightful, Easy Dessert for Beginners
This Strawberry Mousse is the perfect dessert for when you want something sweet, creamy, and light. With fresh strawberries and a smooth, fluffy texture, it’s a treat that feels indulgent but is super easy to make. I first made this mousse when I wanted something delicious without all the fuss, and it’s been a favorite ever since. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a quick and tasty dessert, this mousse will impress with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese or coconut cream (for a dairy-free option)
- 4 oz yogurt or additional cream cheese or coconut cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or a sugar-free alternative)
- 5 medium-sized strawberries
Optional Ingredients:
- 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste (for an added depth of flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: If you’re using cream cheese, take it out of the fridge and let it come to room temperature for easier mixing. This step ensures that the cream cheese blends smoothly with the other ingredients. If you’re using coconut cream, open the can and make sure the cream is thick and creamy. If the coconut cream is too runny or flaky, it won’t work well for mousse. You want it to be smooth and spreadable for the best texture.
- Prepare the Strawberries: Remove the stems from the strawberries and cut them into smaller pieces. Use a blender or food processor to puree the strawberries, or if you don’t have one, you can mash them with a fork. The goal is to break them down into a smooth puree without chunks. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to blend them less thoroughly, but keep in mind that a smoother puree creates a more traditional mousse texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your food processor, combine the strawberry puree, cream cheese (or coconut cream), yogurt, and powdered sugar (or sugar alternative). Add the vanilla bean paste if you’re using it. Use a hand mixer, blender, or food processor to blend everything together until it’s completely smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything gets incorporated evenly.
- Chill: Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it into individual serving dishes or a large bowl. Cover it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set and thicken. The chilling time is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. The mousse will firm up as it chills, so it’s important not to skip this step.
- Serve: Once chilled, your mousse will be ready to serve! Garnish with extra fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a sprig of fresh mint for a touch of color. This simple garnish not only enhances the appearance but adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mousse.
Notes
- Ensure Room Temperature Cream Cheese: If you’re using cream cheese, make sure it’s at room temperature before mixing. This will help it blend smoothly into the other ingredients. Cold cream cheese can result in lumps that are hard to get rid of, which can affect the texture of the mousse.
- Be Cautious with Coconut Cream: If you’re using coconut cream, make sure it’s thick and not too runny. Some cans of coconut cream can have a watery consistency, which won’t work well for mousse. If it’s too liquidy, consider refrigerating the coconut cream overnight to help it solidify.
- Check the Sweetness Level: The amount of powdered sugar you add can be adjusted to your personal taste. If you prefer a less sweet mousse, start with less sugar and taste the mixture before chilling. You can always add more later. If you’re using a sugar substitute, keep in mind that some alternatives can be much sweeter than regular sugar, so adjust accordingly.
- Don’t Skip the Chilling Time: For the best results, let your mousse chill for a few hours before serving. This will help it thicken up and hold its shape, giving it that luxurious mousse texture. If you don’t have time to chill it for the full 2 hours, even 30 minutes can make a noticeable difference in the consistency.
- Efficient Prep: To save time, prep the strawberries while the cream cheese or coconut cream is coming to room temperature. This will streamline the process and help you move from step to step smoothly. You can also prepare the mousse ahead of time, which is perfect for busy days when you want a dessert that’s ready to go.
- Texture Tips: If you want your mousse to have an even smoother texture, use a food processor or high-speed blender to blend the ingredients. This will create a creamier mousse without any lumps. For a fluffier mousse, you can fold in a small amount of whipped cream at the end for extra lightness.