Name: Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 2 h 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 pound strawberries fresh or frozen; 1 ¾ cups mascarpone cheese room temperature; ⅓ cup heavy cream cold; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon plain gelatin powder + ½ cup cold water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Fresh strawberry slices for serving optional; White chocolate chips or drops for serving optional

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This luxurious Strawberry Mousse With Mascarpone is a creamy dessert that balances the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich, velvety texture of mascarpone cheese. With its light and fluffy texture, this creamy strawberry mousse is the perfect way to showcase the fresh strawberry flavor, especially during strawberry season.

Three glasses filled with strawberry mousse.

The secret to achieving that perfect airy strawberry mousse lies in the delicate balance of sweet strawberries and creamy mascarpone combined with just the right amount of sugar. The end result is a dessert that’s not too sweet yet rich in flavor and delicious.

Ingredients

Strawberries
Mascarpone cheese
Heavy cream, cold
Granulated sugar
Powdered sugar
Gelatin powder
Vanilla
White chocolate chips

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of plain gelatin powder with ½ cup of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it forms a sponge-like texture. To dissolve the gelatin, place the bowl in a heatproof container filled with hot water, stirring until smooth. Set the gelatin mixture aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Mixture

In a small saucepan, combine 1 lb of strawberries (you can use fresh or frozen) with 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and the sugar dissolves, about 10-15 minutes. Allow the strawberry mixture to cool completely.

Step 3: Whip the Mascarpone Cream

In a large bowl, combine the mascarpone cheese, cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on medium speed to beat the mixture until smooth and well-combined, forming soft peaks.

Mascarpone cheese, vanilla, heavy cream, and powdered sugar in a bowl.

Step 4: Blend the Strawberries

Using a food processor or blender, blend half of the cooled strawberry mixture until it becomes a smooth strawberry puree, leaving the other half with strawberry pieces.

Pureed strawberries in a food processor.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Gently fold the strawberry blend (the half with strawberry pieces) into the whipped mascarpone cream until well incorporated. Refrigerate the mousse mixture for about 20 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly, which will help maintain its fluffy texture.

Sweetened strawberries on top of a mousse mixture.

Step 6: Add Gelatin

Before assembling the mousse, mix the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree.

Dissolved gelatin being added to pureed strawberries.

Step 7: Assemble the Mousse

In serving glasses or bowls, spoon the mascarpone mixture into the bottom. Spoon 3-4 tablespoons of the strawberry-gelatin mixture on top of each serving.

Strawberry mousse in the bottom of a glass.

Strawberry mousse topped with pureed strawberries.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the assembled mousse for 2-3 hours to allow it to set completely. Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices and white chocolate chips for a touch of elegance.

Storage

Store strawberry mascarpone mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. While the mousse is best enjoyed chilled, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Tips

Stiff Peaks: For an extra light and fluffy texture, be sure to whip the mascarpone cream until soft peaks form. This is one of the hardest parts, but it makes a big difference!
Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh fruits, especially during strawberry season, will enhance the flavor. Frozen strawberries work well, too, but may result in a slightly different texture.
Room Temperature Mascarpone: Make sure the mascarpone cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.

Variations

Berry Mix: For a different flavor profile, try adding raspberries or blueberries along with the strawberries. This combination creates a delicious berry mix that’s a fruity flavor explosion!
Citrus Zest: Add a little bit of lemon juice or zest to the mascarpone mixture for a refreshing citrus twist.

Substitutions

Dairy-Free: Substitute the mascarpone with dairy-free cream cheese and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This makes for a delicious dessert that’s perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Vegan Gelatin: Use agar-agar as a substitute for gelatin powder if you need a vegan option.