This elegant layered strawberry mousse combines the fresh, vibrant taste of strawberries with light, airy whipped cream for a sophisticated dessert that’s surprisingly simple to make. The beautiful pink and white layers create a stunning visual presentation in clear mason jars, making this the perfect make-ahead dessert for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No baking required! This is a completely no-bake dessert perfect for warm weather.
• The beautiful pink and white layers create an impressive presentation with minimal effort.
• Can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for entertaining.
• Uses fresh strawberries for authentic flavor rather than artificial ingredients.
• Easily customizable with different fruits or presentation styles.

Ingredients

• Gelatin: Unflavored powdered gelatin helps stabilize the mousse and gives it structure while maintaining a light texture.
• Fresh Strawberries: Use ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor. In off-seasons, frozen strawberries can work, but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid.
• Whipping Cream: Look for heavy whipping cream with a high fat content (at least 36%) for the best volume and stability.
• Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioner’s sugar, it dissolves easily into the cream and helps stabilize the whipped cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Use pure vanilla extract rather than imitation for the best flavor in the vanilla layer.

Variations

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse

Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the vanilla layer for a chocolate and strawberry combination that’s reminiscent of chocolate-covered strawberries.

Triple Berry Mousse

Replace half of the strawberries with a mixture of raspberries and blueberries for a more complex berry flavor and beautiful color variations.

Lemon Strawberry Mousse

Add lemon zest to the vanilla layer and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the strawberry layer for a bright, citrusy twist that enhances the strawberry flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

Begin by activating the gelatin in cold water, allowing it to bloom for a full minute until it resembles a thick paste. Then quickly heat it in the microwave just until dissolved – this should take only 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat as this can diminish its setting properties.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberries

Process fresh, stemmed strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. For an extra-smooth texture, you can strain the puree to remove seeds. Refrigerate the puree until needed to maintain its bright flavor and cool temperature.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Base

Combine the cold whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Whip on medium speed until soft peaks form – this typically takes about 8 minutes. The cream should be airy but not stiff yet. Then add the dissolved gelatin mixture and continue whipping until stiff peaks form, approximately 2 more minutes.

Step 4: Create the Two Mixtures

Divide the whipped cream mixture, reserving about one-third for the vanilla layer. For the strawberry mixture, gently fold the strawberry puree into the remaining two-thirds of the whipped cream, being careful not to deflate the mixture.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

In your serving containers, begin with a layer of the strawberry mousse, followed by the vanilla layer, and top with another strawberry layer. For a professional presentation, use a piping bag for cleaner layers. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices and refrigerate for at least two hours to set.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15 minutes before whipping the cream for faster, better results.
• When folding in the strawberry puree, use a gentle hand and a rubber spatula to preserve the air in the whipped cream.
• For cleaner layers, chill each layer for about 20 minutes before adding the next.
• Use room temperature gelatin for better dissolution and no lumps in your mousse.
• The texture is best when the mousse has chilled overnight, allowing the flavors to meld completely.
• For a smoother strawberry layer, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.

How to Serve

Serve these beautiful layered mousses directly in their mason jars for a rustic yet elegant presentation. Top with a fresh sliced strawberry, a mint leaf, or a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. These mousses pair wonderfully with buttery shortbread cookies or thin chocolate wafers on the side. For special occasions, consider serving with a small glass of champagne or prosecco to complement the fruity flavors.

Make Ahead

This strawberry mousse is perfect for making ahead of time, as it actually improves with a longer chill time. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and keep covered in the refrigerator. The gelatin will help maintain the structure, so the layers will stay distinct. If making more than 2 days ahead, you can prepare the components separately—whip the cream with gelatin and refrigerate the strawberry puree separately, then assemble up to 24 hours before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen strawberries can work, but thaw them completely first and drain any excess liquid to prevent your mousse from becoming watery. Fresh strawberries will always provide the best flavor and texture.

My mousse didn’t set properly. What went wrong?

The most common issues are either not allowing the gelatin to bloom fully before dissolving it, overheating the gelatin (which destroys its setting properties), or not chilling the mousse long enough. Make sure to follow each step carefully and allow at least 2 hours of chilling time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream (the solid part from a refrigerated can of coconut milk). Whip it just as you would dairy cream, but be aware that the flavor profile will change.

How long will the mousse keep in the refrigerator?

The mousse will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. After that, it may begin to weep or separate. Cover each jar with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the refrigerator.

Conclusion

This layered strawberry mousse is the perfect balance of elegant presentation and simple preparation. With its stunning visual appeal and delightful contrast between the fresh strawberry and creamy vanilla layers, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. The make-ahead convenience makes it ideal for entertaining, while the fresh strawberry flavor makes it a refreshing treat any time you want something special. Try this recipe when strawberries are at their peak for the most vibrant flavor, and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow!

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