Light & Fluffy Strawberry Mousse

Sharing is caring!

If you are looking for a sweet and light dessert that will melt in your mouth, look no further than this Light & Fluffy Strawberry Mousse. This dessert combines the natural sweetness and tanginess of fresh strawberries with a silky smooth texture that is simply irresistible. Paired with a homemade strawberry sauce, this mousse will elevate your dessert game to new heights. Perfect for any occasion, this treat is sure to impress family and friends with its delicate flavor and airy texture.

Print

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse

This strawberry mousse is the perfect blend of fresh, fruity flavor and smooth, creamy texture. The mousse is light and fluffy, thanks to the combination of whipped cream and Italian meringue. The addition of fresh strawberry puree adds a vibrant color and an intense natural flavor, while the homemade strawberry sauce provides a sweet, tangy finish.

Whether you’re preparing this for a dinner party, a special celebration, or simply a weekend treat, this mousse offers the right balance of sweetness and freshness. Plus, it’s easy to make and a delight to serve in individual cups. Let’s dive into the details of making this delicious dessert!

Ingredients:

Strawberry Mousse

• 7.5 g (1 envelope) unflavored gelatin powder (or gelatin sheets)
• 230 g (1 cup) strawberries, pureed and strained
• 35 g (2 ⅓ tablespoons) lemon juice
• 245 g (1 cup) heavy cream
• 75 g (from 2 large eggs) egg whites
• 130 g (⅔ cup) granulated sugar
• 60 g (4 tablespoons) water

Strawberry Sauce

• 150 g (⅔ cup) strawberries, pureed and strained
• 13 g (1 tablespoon) granulated sugar
• 7.5 g (½ tablespoon) lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Hydrate the Gelatin

Start by hydrating the gelatin:

• If you’re using gelatin powder, mix it with 40 g (⅙ cup) icy cold water and set it aside for about 10 minutes. If using gelatin sheets, soak them in cold water for the same amount of time.

Step 2: Puree and Strain the Strawberries

• Cut the strawberries into smaller chunks and puree them in a food processor or with a hand blender.
• Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds, ensuring a smooth texture for the mousse.

Tip: Puree the strawberries for both the mousse and the sauce at the same time to save time. To achieve a deeper strawberry flavor and more vibrant color, cut off the white parts of the strawberries before pureeing.

Step 3: Heat the Strawberry Puree and Melt the Gelatin

• Take about one-third of the strawberry puree and heat it until it’s warm (about 122–140ºF or 50–60ºC). Add the hydrated gelatin to the warm puree and mix until fully dissolved.
• Once the gelatin is melted, add the remaining cold puree and mix well.

Tip: If you’re using gelatin sheets, make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture before adding them to the warm puree. Check that all the gelatin is dissolved properly, or reheat slightly if needed.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice

Stir in the lemon juice to the puree mixture. Set it aside at room temperature, ensuring the puree cools down before combining it with the whipped cream and meringue. If the puree becomes too cold and thickens, slightly warm it up again.

Step 5: Make the Whipped Cream

• Pour the cold heavy cream into a large bowl and whip it until stiff peaks form.
• Set the whipped cream aside in the fridge until you are ready to combine it with the meringue.

Tip: Whip the cream to a very fluffy, stiff consistency to prevent the mousse from becoming too loose. If the cream softens while waiting, re-whip it just before use.

Step 6: Prepare the Italian Meringue

• In a small saucepan, combine granulated sugar and water, ensuring the sugar is well-coated with water.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, brushing the sides of the pot once or twice to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
• Meanwhile, whip the egg whites until they reach soft peaks.
• Once the sugar syrup reaches 244-246ºF (118-119ºC), slowly pour the hot syrup into the whipped egg whites while continuing to whip on high speed.
• Continue whipping until the meringue is stiff and cools down to room temperature.

Tip: Be sure to add the hot syrup gradually and to the side of the bowl, as this helps the meringue form properly without collapsing.

Step 7: Combine Meringue, Whipped Cream, and Strawberry Puree

• Gently fold the meringue into the whipped cream with a rubber spatula until they are about 50% combined.
• Gradually add the strawberry puree mixture, folding gently until everything is fully incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the meringue too much.

Tip: Ensure the meringue is at room temperature when you fold it into the whipped cream to prevent it from melting and loosening the texture.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

• Pipe the mousse into individual glass cups and refrigerate for at least a few hours, or until set.
• For the strawberry sauce, heat pureed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a small pot until it boils. Allow it to cool in the fridge.

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy

Serve the mousse with a generous drizzle of strawberry sauce. You can also add fresh strawberries, sponge cake, or even other fruits for extra texture and flavor.

Expert Tips for Success:

1. Whipping the Cream and Egg Whites: For the fluffiest mousse, ensure the cream is whipped until stiff peaks form. Similarly, the meringue should be stiff and glossy. Any slight under-whipping will result in a mousse that’s too loose.
2. Gelatin Tips: Always make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the warm puree to achieve the perfect set. Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the syrup and puree to ensure consistency.
3. Mousse Texture: For the best texture, allow the mousse to chill for at least a few hours before serving. This gives the gelatin time to work its magic, making the mousse firm yet light.

Final Thoughts:

This Light & Fluffy Strawberry Mousse is a truly delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of strawberries with a creamy, airy texture. Whether you’re serving it as the highlight of a special dinner or as a simple treat to brighten your day, this mousse is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With the added touch of homemade strawberry sauce, it becomes a picture-perfect dessert that not only tastes incredible but also looks beautiful when plated.

Enjoy making and sharing this refreshing, indulgent mousse—perfect for any time you crave a fruity, light dessert. Happy cooking!