If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, Strawberry Mousse absolutely needs to be on your to-make list. This gorgeous treat is the ultimate way to showcase strawberries: light, fluffy, and deliciously pink, it’s a showstopper for everything from brunch gatherings to just-because cravings. With just a handful of simple ingredients and practically no effort, you get a mousse that’s as elegant as it is easy. You’ll love how the tangy yogurt or cream cheese lifts the sweet fruit, making every bite irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be amazed at how just a few key players come together to create something as lush as Strawberry Mousse. Each ingredient pulls its weight: some add creaminess, others brighten up the flavor or give structure. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleaser:

Cream Cheese or Coconut Cream: The base for our mousse; cream cheese gives a tangy, rich flavor, while coconut cream keeps it dairy-free and perfectly smooth.
Yogurt (or more Cream Cheese/Coconut Cream): Yogurt adds a gentle tartness and helps keep the mousse light; you can swap in extra cream cheese or coconut cream for a denser, richer treat.
Powdered Sugar (or Sugar-Free Alternative): This contributes sweetness and helps create that signature pillowy texture—swap for your favorite low-carb sweetener if you like.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show! Blend them up for that beautiful color and intensely fresh strawberry taste.
Vanilla Bean Paste (optional): Just a touch brings deep, aromatic vanilla notes—definitely worth it if you have some on hand.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse

Step 1: Prep the Creamy Base

If you’re using cream cheese, let it come to room temperature first—it blends much more smoothly that way. If you go the coconut cream route, check that it’s nice and thick (skip any cans that look dry or flakey when opened). This step ensures your Strawberry Mousse ends up silky-smooth, not lumpy.

Step 2: Puree the Strawberries

After removing the stems from your strawberries, blend or mash them until they’re completely pureed. A blender or food processor gives velvet results, but a fork works in a pinch for a slightly rustic texture. The freshness of the berries is what takes this mousse to the next level!

Step 3: Blend Everything Together

Add your reserved strawberry puree, cream cheese or coconut cream, yogurt (or more cream), powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste if using, into your blender or food processor. Blitz everything until the mixture is perfectly smooth and fluffy. If you only have a hand mixer, that works too—just make sure no lumps remain.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Spoon your mousse into serving glasses or ramekins, then tuck them into the fridge. Give them plenty of time to chill—at least an hour. As it cools, the Strawberry Mousse thickens up beautifully, becoming light and airy with that signature mousse mouthfeel.

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse

Garnishes

Pile on the toppings! Fresh sliced strawberries, a scattering of mint leaves, a dusting of powdered sugar, or even a few chocolate shavings transform this mousse into something truly Instagram-worthy. If you’re feeling adventurous, a swirl of whipped cream never hurts for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Strawberry Mousse really steals the spotlight, but it can also play nicely with others. Pair it with crisp almond cookies, delicate shortbread, or even a platter of mixed fresh fruit for a refreshing, light finish to any meal. It’s lovely served alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of sparkling wine!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the ramekin: try layering the mousse in clear glasses with extra berries for a parfait effect, or pipe it into chocolate cups for a decadent twist. Tiny mason jars or fancy tea cups make for charming single-servings when you’re hosting a crowd. If you’re prepping for a festive event, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for a modern touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Strawberry Mousse covered in the fridge—it keeps well for up to three days, and the flavor just continues to meld and improve. Be sure to seal the containers tightly so the mousse doesn’t absorb any fridge odors, and wait to garnish just before eating for the freshest presentation.

Freezing

Want to keep Strawberry Mousse for longer? You’re in luck! Freeze portions in airtight containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Thaw gently in the refrigerator overnight when you’re ready to enjoy. While freezing does change the texture a bit, it still makes a frosty, creamy treat—almost like a semifreddo!

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert—Strawberry Mousse is best served chilled straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen your mousse, just thaw it until soft and give it a little stir to recombine any separation that may have occurred.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw the berries and drain off any excess liquid before pureeing, so your Strawberry Mousse stays thick and rich. Fresh is great, but frozen works beautifully outside of berry season.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free and vegan?

Swap both the cream cheese and yogurt for coconut cream, and make sure to use a plant-based yogurt or just use more coconut cream. Choose a vegan powdered sugar to keep it fully plant-based. The mousse comes out just as luscious!

Can I reduce the sugar or use a substitute?

Definitely! Use your favorite sugar substitute—like powdered erythritol or monk fruit—on a 1:1 ratio for powdered sugar. The mousse is very forgiving, so you can adjust sweetness to taste without compromising texture.

What’s the best way to blend the ingredients if I don’t have a food processor?

A sturdy hand mixer or even a whisk (and some elbow grease!) works fine. Just be sure your cream cheese is softened, and mash those strawberries up well before mixing everything together.

Can I make Strawberry Mousse ahead of time for a party?

Yes! In fact, it’s even tastier when made a day ahead, since the flavors really meld. Prep and chill in the fridge, then add garnishes right before serving for the prettiest presentation.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Strawberry Mousse at home, you’re in for such a treat! It’s one of those recipes that’s almost too simple for how magical the result is. Go ahead, give it a whirl—you’ll love every airy, fruity bite!