Description
Light, airy and delicately sweet, this layered strawberry mousse combines fresh strawberry puree with whipped cream for a dessert that’s both elegant and refreshing. The beautiful contrast between vanilla and strawberry layers creates a stunning visual presentation perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 teaspoon powdered unflavored gelatin (one packet)
- 8 oz fresh strawberries, cleaned and stems removed
- 1 cup cold whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Gelatin
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of water and let stand for 1 minute to bloom. This allows the gelatin to absorb the water and begin softening. Then heat the gelatin and water mixture in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until completely dissolved, creating a clear liquid that will help set your mousse.
- Process the Strawberries
- Puree the fresh strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth and free of chunks. The puree should have a vibrant red color and silky consistency. Refrigerate the strawberry puree until needed to keep it cool and preserve its fresh flavor.
- Whip the Cream Base
- In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the cold whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Whip the cream mixture on medium speed until it forms soft peaks, about 8 minutes. The cream should be light and fluffy but not too firm at this stage.
- Add Gelatin and Complete Whipping
- Add the dissolved gelatin mixture to the cream mixture and continue whipping until stiff peaks form, about 2 more minutes. The cream should now hold its shape firmly when the beater is lifted.
- Separate for Layering
- Reserve ⅓ of the cream mixture in another bowl for the vanilla layer. This plain whipped cream will create a beautiful contrast against the pink strawberry layers.
- Create Strawberry Mixture
- Gently fold the pureed strawberries into the remaining ⅔ portion of the whipped cream mixture. Use a spatula and fold with a light hand to maintain the airy texture while incorporating the strawberry flavor throughout.
- Assemble the Layers
- Fill 6 1-pint (500 ml) mason jars with half of the strawberry mixture as the bottom layer. Next, add the reserved vanilla layer in the middle, and then top with the remaining strawberry mixture to create a beautiful triple-layered dessert.
- Garnish and Chill
- Garnish each jar with sliced fresh strawberries on top for an attractive presentation. Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the gelatin to fully set and the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are well-chilled before beginning.
- The mousse can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Try substituting other berries like raspberries or blackberries for variety.
- For a smoother texture, strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds if desired.
- For a more decorative presentation, use clear serving glasses to showcase the beautiful layers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 jar
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg