This layered strawberry mousse is a dreamy, creamy dessert made with succulent fresh strawberries. A layer of vanilla mousse is sandwiched between two layers of fluffy strawberry mousse for a pretty presentation that makes this fresh strawberry dessert perfect for Valentine's Day, or any day! But the best part is how easy this treat for the taste buds is to make!
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What is mousse?
Mousse actually means “foam” in French, and that is a fitting term for this rich, yet light and airy, delicious treat, which is essentially an aerated dessert. It starts with a base, like the pureed strawberries in this recipe, or chocolate. Then an aerator is folded in. Aerators can be whipping cream, whole eggs, egg yolks or egg whites. Finally, a thickener is added, which is commonly gelatin, and sometimes, just butter or chocolate if the dessert is well chilled.
Mousse vs. Pudding
Pudding and mousse are both rich and creamy desserts. However, there are several differences. First, pudding is a milk-based dessert that is cooked and thickened with cornstarch or another thickener such as tapioca or chia seeds. It can be served warm or chilled. Mousse, on the other hand, is not cooked and is always served chilled. It’s lighter and fluffier than pudding.
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Why We Love This Easy Recipe
- This easy mousse recipe is the perfect way to enjoy sweet strawberries.
- Homemade mousse is so easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, and a few simple steps.
- Creamy strawberry mousse is filled with fresh strawberry flavor, and is sure to become one of your favorite strawberry desserts.
- Individual mason jar servings are a perfect dessert for a picnic.
Here's What You Need to Make It
- Strawberries: I ended up using about 8 ounces of fresh berries, but if it isn't strawberry season, you can use frozen if you like (just make sure they thaw out). Make sure all of your strawberries are cleaned, stemmed, and at room temperature before you begin making your mousse.
- Gelatin: This is the key to making your strawberry mousse full but also light and fluffy.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: While your strawberries should be at room temperature, your whipping cream should be cold when you use it! Cold whipping cream will help ensure the fats stay firm when you begin to whip your creams together.
- Other ingredients: I also used powdered sugar and vanilla extract for this recipe.
How to Make This Easy Recipe, Step By Step
Step 1: Prep the Gelatin
First, in a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water and let stand 1 minute. After that, heat the gelatin and water in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to dissolve it.
Step 2: Prep the Strawberries
Next, puree the strawberries in a food processor or blender. When finished, refrigerate the strawberry puree until ready to use.
Step 3: Make Cream Mixture
Now, in a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. You should whip the cream mixture on medium speed until soft peaks form, about 8 minutes.
Step 4: Create Gelatin Layers
Next, add the gelatin mixture to the cream mixture and continue whipping until it forms stiff peaks, or for about 2 more minutes. At this point, reserve ⅓ of the mousse mixture in another bowl for the white, vanilla layer. Then, gently fold the pureed strawberries into the unreserved portion of the whipping cream mixture.
NOTE: After this step, you should have 2 bowls of cream, a white vanilla layer and a pink strawberry layer.
Step 5: Construct Strawberry Mousse Desserts
Now, fill six 1-pint (500 ml) mason jars with half of the strawberry mixture. Then, layer the reserved vanilla layer over that, and then the remaining strawberry layer.
Garnish with sliced strawberries
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Finally, allow your strawberry mousse in jars to chill at least two hours or overnight. When you're ready to serve, garnish with sliced strawberries and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Results
- Puree room temperature strawberries. Have the pureed strawberries at room temperature before incorporating them into the whipped cream mixture. If they are too cold, the mousse may start to set before you are finished making it.
- But use cold tools! Use cold whipping cream, and chill the bowl and beater in the fridge for 30 minutes before whipping the cream and sugar. This keeps the fats firm during whipping.
- Careful not to over-beat the cream. Beat the cream at medium-high speed. Stop whipping when stiff peaks form, meaning that it can hold itself up. Be careful not to beat it more once it reaches that stage, or you will have butter.
- Let it set. Mousse should be chilled in the fridge for at least a couple of hours to allow it to become firm.
- Keep it simple. If you prefer, you can skip the layering, and simply fold the strawberries into the entire cream mixture.
- Take them on the go! Screw lids on the filled jars to make these strawberry mousse treats packable for picnics and cookouts. Be sure to keep them cold until serving.
Recipe FAQs
Although many recipes for mousse call for butter and/or eggs, this recipe is perfectly light and airy without them. The gelatin in the recipe gives the mousse it’s stability.
You can replace the gelatin with an equal amount of agar-agar powder for a vegetarian version of this dessert. What’s agar-agar? Find out more: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Agar-Agar.
Mousse is a perfect make-ahead dessert. It will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, and since it’s already individually portioned, it’s very convenient. If you use mason jars with lids like I did, you can easily pack them (in a cooler with ice) on a picnic, or take them along on a camping trip or a boating outing.
This dessert is delicious when frozen. It becomes a delightfully light strawberry ice cream treat, perfect for hot days. You can also freeze the mousse for up to two months and defrost it in the fridge. Once defrosted, the mousse will still retain the texture and taste as before freezing. If you don’t plan to freeze this mousse, you should use it within three days in order to keep the best texture and flavour.
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Recipe
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Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon powdered unflavored gelatin one packet
- 8 oz fresh strawberries cleaned and stems removed
- 1 cup cold whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoon of water & let stand 1 minute.
- Heat the gelatin & water in the microwave 10-15 seconds to dissolve it
- Puree the strawberries in a food processor or blender
- Refrigerate the strawberries until ready to use
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla
- Whip the cream mixture on medium speed until it forms soft peaks, about 8 minutes
- Add the gelatin mixture to the cream mixture and continue whipping until stiff peaks form, about 2 more minutes
- Reserve ⅓ of the cream mixture in another bowl for the vanilla layer
- Gently fold the pureed strawberries into the unreserved portion of the whipping cream mixture
- Fill 6 1-pint (500 ml) mason jars with half of the strawberry mixture. Layer the reserved vanilla layer over that, and then the remaining strawberry layer.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries
- Chill at least two hours, or overnight
Notes
- Puree room temperature strawberries. Have the pureed strawberries at room temperature before incorporating them into the whipped cream mixture. If they are too cold, the mousse may start to set before you are finished making it.
- But use cold tools! Use cold whipping cream, and chill the bowl and beater in the fridge for 30 minutes before whipping the cream and sugar. This keeps the fats firm during whipping.
- Careful not to over-beat the cream. Beat the cream at medium-high speed. Stop whipping when the cream forms stiff peaks, meaning that it can hold itself up. Be careful not to beat it more once it reaches that stage, or you will have butter.
- Let it set. Mousse should be chilled in the fridge for at least a couple of hours to allow it to become firm.
- Keep it simple. If you prefer, you can skip the layering, and simply fold the strawberries into the entire cream mixture.
- Take them on the go! Screw lids on the filled jars to make these strawberry mousse treats packable for picnics and cookouts. Be sure to keep them cold until serving.
Sarah C
For some reason I've always had a hard time with mousse. It never seems to turn out right, but this mousse recipe hit the nail on the head and is light, fluffy and delicious. Highly recommend.
Colleen
I'm so glad this is the one that worked for you, Sarah! Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate it!
Van
I loved this but hubby was saying that although the vanilla layer was set perfect, the strawberry layers are less so because of the increased volume when you add the puree. Any way to fix this
Colleen
Hi Van, my apologies for the late reply. I wanted to make this recipe again to answer accurately. In the past, as with this try, we didn't find any difference between the two layers. However, I have always left it in the fridge overnight. This time I did take the mousse out after two hours and the strawberry layer, although set, was not quite as firm as the vanilla layer. So, if you want the best set for this mousse, it's best to leave it in the fridge overnight. Thank you for dropping this note, and I will add to the recipe notes. I'm so happy that you loved it anyway!
Cynthia Priest
Beautiful desserts! I like easy no bake desserts. The mason jar idea is also great for giving out socially distanced treats.
Colleen
Hi Cynthia, YES! This is the best dessert for being social, but socially distant, haha.
Terri Gilson
What a fantastic portable Canada Day dessert! I love the colors and am strawberry crazy so this is perfect.
Colleen
Thanks so much, Terri! Strawberry crazy here, too. 😊
Sharon
I love the airy texture of this mousse! No-bake summer berry desserts are hands down my favorite. 🙂
Colleen
Thanks Sharon. I'm with you on no-bake summer berry desserts. My favourite, too.
Julia
Love, love, love this dessert! First of all, how beautiful! Second, how delicious. It looks like the perfect summer dessert.
Colleen
Thank you so much Julia! I hope you give it a try.
Kristen
This is such a great dessert, love the mason jars because we can take it with us for a picnic.
Colleen
Hi Kristen. Now if the weather would just cooperate for a picnic!
Shailaja Desai
Perfect summer dessert!!! Beautiful clicks too!
Colleen
Thanks so much, Shy!
Joss
I'm with you on the mason jar desserts for Canada Day! These look so delish and perfect for celebrating the big day. 🙂
Colleen
Hi Joss, these jars are the best and always a hit!
Nancy A Berg
Colleen graham just had this for dessert and he wants more.
Thanks for the recipe!
Colleen
Hey Nancy, so glad you guys liked it. It didn't last long here. Thanks so much for coming back to let me know how it turned out! Cheers.
Jamie
I found your recipe looking for strawberry vanilla recipes and I'm so glad I did. The texture and flavor was wonderful! Thank you!
Colleen
You're welcome, Jamie! So happy that you loved it. 😄
Emily Liao
Loved how easy this was to make! The strawberry was so delicious
Colleen
Hi Emily. You gotta love it when it's both easy to make, and delicious, right? So glad you enjoyed it!
Anjali
This was so easy to make and the perfect summertime dessert!
Colleen
Hi Anjali! I'm so glad you enjoyed this dessert. Thanks for letting me know!
Beth
Oh my goodness this looks so delicious! I can't wait to try this! I LOVE strawberries and this will soon be my favorite! Can't wait to make this!
Colleen
Hi Beth, I know you'll love this mousse if you love strawberries. Enjoy!
Amy
Love that layer of vanilla in the middle!
Colleen
Thanks, Amy! It's not really any extra work, and it makes the jars so pretty.