Fresh strawberry mousse is an easy parfait dessert. It's light and healthy with mounds of yummy berry whipped cream and a sweet berry puree layer making it irresistible. The homemade strawberry whipped cream is folded with pureed fresh strawberries for a fluffy mousse parfait that is to die for. This easy strawberry mousse recipe is one of our favorite desserts in spring & summer & will become yours too.
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Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Mousse
This mousse recipe is without eggs and is made with just a few simple ingredients. Also, the strawberry mousse is a gluten-free and grain-free dessert that can easily be made keto or low-carb by using monk fruit instead of sugar.
The mousse is made without gelatin so it is a vegetarian option compared to other mousse recipes. This recipe is simply the best from scratch mousse made without any pudding or Jell-O. For a similar recipe, you may also like STRAWBERRIES & VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM.
- Fresh Strawberries
- Heavy Cream
- Granulated Sugar
- Powdered Sugar
- Lemon Juice
- Vanilla Extract
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Mousse
This recipe is quick & easy. It is a no-bake dessert that is also a wonderful make-ahead option. So much to love about this easy strawberry mousse recipe.
Puree Strawberries & Sugar
To the blender container, add the strawberries, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. I have a Ninja blender and the single-serving size attachment works perfectly for the amount we are making for this. On high, blend until you get a lovely fruit puree like seen here.
TOP TIP - You can strain this through a fine-mesh strainer if the strawberry seeds bother you. We do not mind but that is an option and also a good thing to keep in mind in case you do use raspberries or blackberries instead as they do have bigger seeds that may need proper straining.
Make the Homemade Sweetened Whipped Cream
The key to making really good whipped cream is to make sure you use COLD equipment, and cream, and to add a touch of sugar. Before making the whipped cream place your mixing bowl ( I recommend using metal for whipping cream) and beater attachments in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, an hour is ideal. In the final 5 minutes, I also like to place my cream in the freezer too so it is extra cold.
Once the items are cold and ready. you can begin making the whipped cream. To the chilled bowl add the cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on low for about a minute and then progressively add more speed until you are at a medium-high speed and nothing is splattering out. It takes about 5 minutes total to get the cream whipped into soft peaks as seen below.
Do not overbeat or you make end up with something closer to butter! If this does happen do not worry - here is a great link on HOW TO FIX WHIPPED CREAM.
Fold the Strawberries & Cream Together
Next, you will add ¾ of the strawberry puree to the whipped cream. Reserve the other ¼ to use as a pretty layer inside the dessert cups as you get these ready.
Now fold the puree gently into the whipped cream until it is all combined evenly. The strawberry mousse should have a pretty faint pink color when ready. It is ok to leave some swirls too if you want that for fun too.
Layer In Glasses to Serve
Now that everything is ready it is time to assemble the dessert cups. I use small glass containers as seen here (they are 5oz size) and share a link to similar ones down below in the post. Having these in the clear glass is what makes them a showstopper so you can see the pretty layers in the strawberry mousse parfaits.
This recipe makes 6 servings when using a glass that holds 5 ounces each.
Gently scoop the strawberry cream mousse into each glass and fill about ⅓ of the way up. Next, add some of the purees a little at a time so each glass has an equal amount. Now top each with the remaining mousse. The dessert cups will have a lovely layered look as seen below.
Chill for one hour in the refrigerator before eating. They can be made a day ahead of time and kept well in the refrigerator. ENJOY!
Variations and Substitutions
This strawberry mousse parfait is perfect just as it is but it is also a great starting recipe. Here are a few alternate ingredients you can substitute instead for a lovely mousse recipe.
- Strawberries - use other fruits like bananas, mango, blueberries, pineapple, or peaches instead.
- Lemon Juice - use lime juice instead
- Frozen Fruit - use frozen fruit but defrost it first
However, with just a few added ingredients or changes, you can use this recipe to create so many other fun and delicious mousse or parfait recipes.
Toppings & variations to try with Fresh Strawberry Mousse Parfait:
- Crumble lemon cookies on the top for a Lemon Strawberry Parfait
- Add crumble shortcake as a layer on top of Strawberry Mousse Shortcake
- Crumble granola cereal on the top for a Strawberry Parfait
- Add a shaved chocolate layer or top with a chocolate-dipped berry for Chocolate Strawberry Mousse
- Add any crumbled cake or cookie to the top for
- Use the strawberry mousse as a cake or cupcake frosting or filling
For holidays try these changes to the Fresh Strawberry Mousse Parfaits:
- Valentine's Day - add red or pink sprinkles to the top or more whipped cream topped with conversation hearts
- Christmas - add green sprinkles to the top
- 4th of July - add blue sprinkles or blueberries
You can easily substitute the sugars for a no-calorie sweetener such as monk fruit regular and powdered. This will give you a diabetic, low-carb, or ketogenic strawberry mousse recipe.
If you have an abundance of strawberries, try my amazing recipe for Strawberry Peach Cobbler or Fruit Salad with Cool Whip. Both are summer favorites.
Storage
This recipe is a great one to make ahead of time since it stores well in the refrigerator. Cover the tops of the serving glasses or bowls with foil or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I do not recommend freezing this as the cream does not freeze well.
Product Recommendations for this Recipe:
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Fresh Strawberry Mousse Parfait
Equipment
- Blender
- Electric Hand Mixer
- 5-6 oz glasses or dessert cups
Ingredients
- 2 C fresh strawberries stems removed and cut in chunks
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ c granulated sugar
- 1 C heavy whipping cream
- 2 TB powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place a metal mixing bowl and the beaters in the freezer. Make sure they chill for 30-60 minutes before whipping the cream. Add the cream container to the freezer in the last 5 minutes of this process so the cream is very cold also.
- Place the strawberries, lemon juice, and the ¼ C sugar in a blender. Blend for a minute on high until combined and a thick puree results. Set aside.
- Once everything is chilled for the whipped cream, add the cold cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to the cold mixing bowl. Using an electric hand-mixer, beat on low for about a minute and then progressively add more speed until you are at a medium-high speed and nothing is splattering out. It takes about 5 minutes total to get the cream whipped into soft peaks as seen above in the photos.
- Next you will add ¾ of the strawberry puree into the whipped cream. Reserve the other ¼ to use as a pretty layer inside the dessert cups as you get these ready. Now fold the puree gently into the whipped cream until it is all combined evenly. .
- Using 6 small glass dessert cups or glasses, gently scoop the strawberry cream mousse into each glass and fill about ⅓ of the way up. Next add some of the puree a little at a time so each glass has an equal amount. Now top each with the remaining mousse so there are 3 layers to your pretty dessert.
- Chill for one hour in the refrigerator before eating. Enjoy!
- This are best made the day of but can be made a day ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator to enjoy later.
Notes
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 128 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 7.5g | 10% |
Saturated Fat 4.6g | 23% |
Cholesterol 27mg | 9% |
Sodium 8mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 15.3g | 6% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
Total Sugars 13.4g | |
Protein 0.7g | |
Vitamin D 10mcg | 52% |
Calcium 21mg | 2% |
Iron 0mg | 1% |
Potassium 90mg | 2% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
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KATHARINE says
Now I can't wait till late Spring for my strawberries! <3
Emily says
Yum! I love how versatile this is for many different occasions!
Larissa Li says
Omg! I am a big foodie and this post makes me drooling! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Angela says
You are welcome.
Alexis Farmer says
This looks like the perfect combo of refreshing and decadent.
Angela says
Thanks. It truly is a great dessert combo.
Sabrina DeWalt says
This sounds decadent and delicious!
Emi Sorensen says
This sounds delicious and refreshing! May have to try it this weekend. Or for Valentine's Day!
Maria G says
As always your recipes look amazing, and as always I think I gain a pound or two!
Chantelle Kincy says
Oh my goodness! I’m longing for summer , and this would be a perfect treat!
Barbara says
Looks so wonderful and refreshing, especially when strawberries are in season!
Lisa, Casey, Barrett Dog says
We are always looking for new recipes! This one is on the top!! Thank you for sharing.
heather J Jandrue says
This would make a perfect dessert for Easter. I look forward to trying it.
Marianne says
This sounds like the perfect treat for Valentine's Day! I love that its made without gelatin as well!
Tiffany says
This looks so yummy! I may have to make some this weekend and add chocolate shavings to it! Thanks for sharing!
Angela says
oh Please let me know what you think and how the chocolate shavings add to the strawberry mousse.
Stacy L Roman says
So pretty , pinned to try later , thanks for sharing.
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
A little late, but - Thanks for sharing at last week's What's for Dinner party! Hope to see you this week too! Enjoy your day.
Cindy Moore says
These parfaits look amazing! I could substitute coconut whip and enjoy!