Strawberry Mousse Cups Recipe

If you adore a dessert that feels like a gentle summer breeze in each bite, you are going to fall in love with these Strawberry Mousse Cups. This delightful treat combines the natural sweetness and bright flavor of fresh strawberries with a light, airy texture that makes every spoonful a pure pleasure. Crafted with real fruit purée and whipped cream, the Strawberry Mousse Cups offer a smooth, creamy, and slightly tangy experience that’s elegant yet remarkably simple to make. Whether you’re finishing off a casual dinner or impressing guests, this dish strikes the perfect balance between fancy and fuss-free.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Strawberry Mousse Cups so irresistible is how straightforward the ingredient list is, yet how each component plays a crucial role in building that luscious texture and vibrant flavor. Fresh strawberries bring color and natural fruitiness, while gelatin adds just the right silkiness to hold the mousse together. The cream provides that dreamy, airy softness, making this dessert truly melt in your mouth.

• 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled: Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the most intense flavor.
• ½ cup sugar: Balances the tartness and enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and a slight tang to lift the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Offers a warm, fragrant undertone that rounds out the mousse.
• 1½ cups heavy cream cold: Whipped to soft peaks, it creates the mousse’s signature light and fluffy texture.
• 1 teaspoon powdered gelatin: Bloomed in water to set the mousse perfectly without rigidity.
• 2 tablespoons cold water: Used to dissolve the gelatin smoothly for a silky consistency.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cups

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Purée

Start by blending the fresh strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until you get a smooth, vibrant purée. This mixture is the heart of your Strawberry Mousse Cups, delivering all the natural fruity goodness packed with just the right hint of sweetness and acidity.

Step 2: Bloom and Dissolve the Gelatin

Sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, gently warm a few tablespoons of the strawberry purée and mix in the bloomed gelatin until it’s fully dissolved. Then, stir this back into the rest of the purée, ensuring every drop sets up beautifully.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

With an electric mixer, whip the cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is what gives the Strawberry Mousse Cups their cloud-like texture, making the dessert wonderfully light and airy.

Step 4: Combine Purée and Whipped Cream

Gently fold the strawberry purée mixture into the whipped cream. Take your time with this step to maintain the mousse’s fluffy character—avoid overmixing to keep it airy and smooth.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Spoon the luscious mousse into small dessert cups and chill for at least 4 hours so it can set to the perfect consistency. The wait is worth it as the mousse transforms into a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece.

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Cups

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate your Strawberry Mousse Cups from charming to stunning. Fresh sliced strawberries add a lovely contrast in texture while maintaining that fresh fruit theme. A sprig of mint brings a pop of color and refreshing aroma that complements the creaminess beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Mousse Cups with light, crisp elements to balance the creaminess. Think along the lines of buttery shortbread cookies, toasted almond biscotti, or even a tart raspberry coulis drizzled alongside. These add a delightful crunch or acidity that play well with the mousse.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by layering the Strawberry Mousse Cups with crushed graham crackers or granola for a fun texture twist. Another idea is to pipe the mousse into glasses topped with edible flowers or gold leaf for an extravagant touch that will wow your guests. Individual jars or mini trifle bowls also make the presentation playful and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Strawberry Mousse Cups leftover, cover them tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh cream and fruit, it’s best enjoyed soon to savor its light texture and bright flavor at their peak.

Freezing

While you can freeze the Strawberry Mousse Cups, be aware that the texture may change slightly upon thawing—occasionally becoming a bit grainy. To freeze, cover them well and keep in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled and does not require or benefit from reheating. If frozen, simply thaw as described and serve cold for that perfect, airy experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Mousse Cups?

Yes, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid, which can affect the mousse’s texture.

Is there a vegan alternative for the gelatin in this recipe?

Absolutely! Agar-agar is a great plant-based substitute for gelatin. Use it according to package instructions, but note that it sets more firmly so adjust the quantity carefully for a mousse-like consistency.

How long does it take to prepare these Strawberry Mousse Cups?

The prep itself takes about 30 minutes, but remember the mousse needs to chill for at least 4 hours to fully set, making it more of a make-ahead dessert.

Can I make the Strawberry Mousse Cups without an electric mixer?

Whipping cream by hand is possible but requires patience and some elbow grease. An electric mixer speeds things up and produces more consistent soft peaks, but it’s not absolutely necessary.

Are these suitable for a kids’ party?

Definitely! The light sweetness and creamy texture of Strawberry Mousse Cups appeal to kids and adults alike, and their beautiful pink color makes them a festive choice for any celebration.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Strawberry Mousse Cups—the way they combine fresh, vibrant fruit with delicate creaminess is simply irresistible. They feel fancy without the fuss, making them my go-to dessert whenever I want to impress with something fresh and light. Trust me, once you try making and tasting these, they’ll have a permanent spot in your dessert rotation. So grab those strawberries and give this recipe a whirl—you’ll be so glad you did!