Name: Raspberry Mousse Cups
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh raspberries (plus extra for garnish); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp water; 1 tbsp unflavored gelatin; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

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Raspberry Mousse Cups are an elegant and delightful dessert that combines the tart freshness of raspberries with a light, airy mousse. Served in individual portions, these cups are perfect for special occasions or as a refreshing treat to end any meal. With their beautiful pink hue and smooth texture, they offer both visual appeal and irresistible flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Raspberry Mousse Cups are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. The mousse is made with fresh or frozen raspberries, whipped cream, and gelatin to give it a smooth and creamy consistency. Unlike heavier desserts, this mousse is light and fruity, making it ideal for warm-weather gatherings or when you want something sweet that won’t weigh you down. The individual servings also make presentation simple and elegant.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
Granulated sugar
Unflavored gelatin
Water
Heavy cream
Vanilla extract
Lemon juice
Salt

directions

Prepare the raspberry purée: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the raspberries and a portion of the sugar. Cook until the raspberries break down and release their juices. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the seeds. Set aside.
Bloom the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom.
Heat the gelatin: Gently warm the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved, either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Combine with purée: Stir the dissolved gelatin into the raspberry purée, along with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Whip the cream: In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the remaining sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
Fold the mixture: Carefully fold the cooled raspberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated and smooth.
Fill the cups: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving cups or glasses. Smooth the tops.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Serve: Garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Raspberry Mousse Cups: Add a layer of melted dark chocolate at the bottom of the cups before adding the mousse.
Low-sugar option: Replace some or all of the sugar with a sugar substitute suitable for cooking.
Raspberry Lemon Mousse: Increase the amount of lemon juice and zest for a more citrus-forward flavor.
Layered mousse cups: Alternate layers of raspberry mousse with vanilla or white chocolate mousse.
Crust base: Add a graham cracker or biscuit crust at the bottom for a parfait-style dessert.

storage/reheating

Store the mousse cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. These are not suitable for freezing, as the texture may become grainy when thawed. Do not reheat, as mousse should always be served chilled.

FAQs

What type of raspberries should I use?

You can use either fresh or frozen raspberries. If using frozen, make sure they are thawed before cooking.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, Raspberry Mousse Cups are ideal for making ahead. Prepare them the day before and chill until ready to serve.

Do I have to use gelatin?

Gelatin is essential to help the mousse set properly. If you prefer a vegetarian option, agar-agar can be used, but the texture may vary.

Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?

Yes, but for best flavor and texture, freshly whipped heavy cream is recommended.

How do I avoid lumps in the mousse?

Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved before mixing it into the purée and allow the purée to cool before folding into the cream.

What can I use as a garnish?

Fresh raspberries, mint leaves, grated white chocolate, or a dusting of powdered sugar all make excellent garnishes.

Can I use other berries?

Yes, strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries can be substituted, though you may need to adjust the sugar depending on their sweetness.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely. Simply double the ingredients and divide into more cups as needed.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Yes, as long as no cookie or crust layer is added, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Why didn’t my mousse set?

This could be due to under-bloomed gelatin, incorrect cooling time, or overmixing. Be sure to follow the directions closely for best results.

Conclusion

Raspberry Mousse Cups are a light, elegant, and crowd-pleasing dessert that’s both easy to make and visually stunning. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, a family gathering, or just treating yourself, they offer a refreshing balance of sweet and tart flavors in every bite. With simple ingredients and endless possibilities for variation, this is a go-to recipe you’ll want to make again and again.