Light and Fluffy Strawberry Mousse: The Perfect Beginner-Friendly Dessert
If you’ve ever been intimidated by fancy desserts but still want something that looks and tastes amazing, this strawberry mousse is for you. I remember the first time I made this dessert—it was for a family gathering, and I was nervous about trying something so simple yet elegant. I wanted something that felt light and refreshing but still indulgent enough for a special occasion. The end result was everything I had hoped for and more. Not only did it impress my family, but it also became a go-to recipe for me because of how easy it is to make and how little time it takes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Blending, Mixing
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 4 oz yogurt (or an additional 4 oz of cream cheese or coconut cream)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (or a sugar-free alternative, like Stevia or Monk Fruit)
- 5 medium-sized fresh strawberries
- Optional: 1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste for an added flavor boost
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese (or Coconut Cream):
- If using cream cheese, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to mix and prevent lumps in your mousse.
- For coconut cream, open the can and scoop out the thick, creamy portion. Avoid the watery part at the bottom of the can. If you find that the coconut cream is too solid, gently warm it in a microwave-safe bowl for about 10-15 seconds.
2. Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash and remove the stems from the strawberries. If you’re using a blender, simply place the strawberries in and puree them until smooth. Alternatively, you can mash them with a fork for a chunkier texture.
- Once pureed or mashed, set the strawberries aside to allow the flavors to settle. If you like your mousse with a smoother texture, a blender or food processor is your best bet for a silky finish.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese (or coconut cream) and yogurt. Add in the powdered sugar (or sugar-free alternative) and the pureed strawberries. If you’re using vanilla bean paste for extra flavor, now is the time to add it.
- Using a hand mixer, food processor, or stand mixer, blend everything together. Start on a low speed and gradually increase to medium. Mix until smooth and fluffy, ensuring that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- The mixture should have a soft, whipped texture. If it’s too thick, add a little more yogurt to reach your desired consistency.
4. Chill the Mousse:
- Once everything is blended together, transfer the mousse to individual serving dishes. You can use small bowls, glass jars, or even elegant dessert cups for a more refined presentation.
- Place the mousse in the fridge for at least an hour. This allows the mousse to firm up and thicken, making it easier to serve.
5. Garnish and Serve:
- After chilling, the mousse will be thick and creamy, ready to enjoy. You can garnish it with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can also sprinkle some crushed graham crackers on top for a delightful crunch.
Notes
- Texture Tips: If you find the mousse too thick after blending, don’t worry! Simply add a bit more yogurt (or coconut cream) to thin it out. This will give you the smooth, creamy texture you’re looking for.
- Sweetness Adjustments: Always taste the mousse before you refrigerate it. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, you can add a little more sugar or sweetener to suit your taste.
- Strawberry Purée: If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, use more strawberries or puree them with a splash of lemon juice to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese (or coconut cream) is softened to room temperature. Cold cream cheese will cause the mousse to be lumpy and difficult to mix smoothly.