Easy Strawberry Mousse Dessert – Light & Creamy No-Bake Strawberry Treat

Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling)
Difficulty Level: Easy

There’s something magical about a dessert that feels elegant and indulgent yet comes together with almost no effort. This Easy Strawberry Mousse Dessert is exactly that kind of treat. It’s cloud-like, silky smooth, and bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. Each spoonful melts gently on your tongue, delivering a fresh berry flavor balanced by creamy richness and a delicate sweetness that never feels overwhelming.

The beautiful blush-pink color makes it just as stunning as it is delicious. It looks impressive enough for dinner parties, bridal showers, or holiday tables, yet it’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight when you’re craving something light and refreshing. Because it’s a no-bake dessert, you don’t need to turn on the oven — perfect for warm spring and summer days when strawberries are at their peak.

This mousse is airy and light, yet satisfyingly creamy. It’s a wonderful alternative to heavier desserts like cheesecake or chocolate cake. With approximately 220–250 calories per serving (depending on portion size and ingredients used), it offers a balanced indulgence without feeling overly rich. Whether you’re serving it after a family dinner or preparing it ahead for guests, this strawberry mousse is guaranteed to impress both visually and flavorfully.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Key Ingredients for Easy Strawberry Mousse Dessert

Before diving into the preparation, let’s take a closer look at what makes this mousse so irresistibly light, creamy, and flavorful. Each ingredient plays an important role in achieving the perfect texture and taste.

Fresh Strawberries (2 cups, hulled and chopped) – The star of the dessert. They provide natural sweetness, vibrant color, and fresh berry aroma. Choose ripe, bright red strawberries for maximum flavor.

Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup) – Enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries and helps create a smooth purée.

Heavy Whipping Cream (1 1/2 cups, cold) – The foundation of the mousse’s airy texture. When whipped, it creates that light, cloud-like structure.

Powdered Sugar (1/4 cup) – Sweetens the whipped cream while keeping it silky and smooth without graininess.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon) – Adds warmth and depth, balancing the bright fruit flavor with a subtle aromatic sweetness.

Unflavored Gelatin (1 tablespoon) – Stabilizes the mousse so it holds its shape beautifully while staying soft and delicate.

Cold Water (3 tablespoons) – Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring it dissolves smoothly into the mixture.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed) – Brightens the strawberry flavor and enhances freshness with a touch of acidity.

Salt (a pinch) – Elevates all the flavors and balances sweetness.

Cream Cheese (4 ounces, softened – optional) – Adds a slightly tangy richness if you prefer a mousse that’s a bit more structured and creamy.

Strawberry Jam (2 tablespoons, optional) – Intensifies the strawberry flavor and deepens the color if your berries are slightly mild.

Fresh Mint Leaves (for garnish) – Adds a pop of green color and a refreshing aroma.

Extra Sliced Strawberries (for topping) – Provides texture contrast and a fresh finish.

Whipped Cream (for garnish) – Creates a beautiful, bakery-style presentation.

White Chocolate Shavings (optional) – Adds a delicate sweetness and elegant visual touch.

Each of these ingredients works together to create a dessert that feels luxurious but remains simple and approachable.

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How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method) for Easy Strawberry Mousse Dessert

Start by preparing the strawberries. Place the hulled and chopped strawberries in a blender or food processor along with the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth. You should have a vibrant, glossy purée. If you prefer a perfectly silky texture, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Set aside.

Next, bloom the gelatin. In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes. The mixture will become thick and slightly rubbery. Once bloomed, gently heat it in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, just until dissolved and liquid. Do not boil. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to the strawberry purée. Stir the gelatin mixture thoroughly into the purée to ensure even distribution.

If using cream cheese, beat it in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, about 2–3 minutes. Gradually add the strawberry purée and mix until fully combined and lump-free.

In a separate chilled mixing bowl, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium-high speed for about 3–4 minutes until soft peaks form. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue whipping until medium peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip — the cream should be fluffy and smooth, not stiff or grainy.

Now comes the most important step: folding. Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Use slow, sweeping motions from the bottom of the bowl upward to preserve the airy texture. Continue folding until fully combined and evenly pink, but avoid overmixing.

Spoon the mousse into serving glasses, ramekins, or dessert cups. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. The mousse should feel firm yet delicate when lightly touched.

Before serving, decorate with fresh sliced strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, mint leaves, or white chocolate shavings. Serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Strawberry Mousse Dessert

This strawberry mousse is as versatile as it is beautiful, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. For a casual family dinner, serve it in clear glass cups to showcase the gorgeous pink layers. Top each serving with freshly sliced strawberries and a swirl of whipped cream for a simple yet elegant presentation. The visual contrast between the creamy mousse and bright red berries makes every spoonful feel special.

For entertaining, elevate the presentation by layering the mousse with crushed vanilla cookies or shortbread crumbs in parfait glasses. The added crunch creates a delightful textural contrast against the airy mousse. You can even create a build-your-own dessert bar where guests add toppings like toasted coconut, dark chocolate chips, berry compote, or crushed meringue. This interactive approach makes it especially fun for parties and celebrations.

If you’re preparing the mousse for a romantic dinner or special occasion, pipe it into stemmed dessert glasses and garnish with white chocolate curls and a fresh mint sprig. For summer gatherings, consider serving the mousse alongside a platter of fresh seasonal fruit for a refreshing dessert spread. It also pairs beautifully with delicate butter cookies or almond biscotti.

For meal prep or picnics, portion the mousse into small mason jars with lids. They travel well and feel charmingly rustic. No matter how you serve it, this dessert offers a balance of elegance and comfort that makes it universally appealing.

Storage + Meal Prep for Easy Strawberry Mousse Dessert

One of the best features of this no-bake strawberry mousse is how well it stores. Once prepared, cover each serving tightly with plastic wrap or store in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. The gelatin helps maintain structure, ensuring the mousse stays fluffy yet stable without separating.

If you plan to make it ahead for an event, prepare it the night before. This allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to fully set. Add fresh toppings like sliced strawberries or whipped cream just before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.

Freezing is possible but not ideal. While the mousse can be frozen for up to 1 month in airtight containers, the texture may become slightly denser once thawed. If you choose to freeze it, thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight and gently stir before serving to restore some of its lightness.

When enjoying leftovers, you can refresh the flavor with a small squeeze of lemon juice or a spoonful of fresh strawberry purée. Adding freshly cut berries on top instantly brightens the dessert on day two. Because it’s served chilled, there’s no reheating required — simply remove from the refrigerator and enjoy.

For meal prep enthusiasts, dividing the mousse into individual jars makes portion control easy and convenient. It’s a wonderful grab-and-go sweet treat that feels indulgent but remains light.

Conclusion

This Easy Strawberry Mousse Dessert proves that you don’t need complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen to create something truly memorable. With its airy texture, vibrant berry flavor, and creamy richness, it strikes the perfect balance between light and indulgent. The natural sweetness of strawberries shines through in every spoonful, making it a refreshing dessert that feels both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, a holiday dinner, or simply enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this mousse is sure to become a favorite. It’s endlessly customizable, easy to prepare ahead, and beautiful enough to impress any guest. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself returning to this light and creamy strawberry delight again and again. Don’t forget to experiment with toppings and share your own creative twists — the possibilities are as sweet as the dessert itself.