This light and airy strawberry mousse is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s made with fresh or frozen strawberries, whipped cream, and gelatin for a smooth and creamy texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen strawberries (if frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
- Optional: 1-2 drops pink food coloring (for a deeper pink color)
For Garnish:
- Fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Place the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust sugar if needed.
- Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
- Heat Gelatin: Gently heat the bloomed gelatin in a small saucepan or microwave until it dissolves completely. Do not boil. Let it cool slightly.
- Combine Strawberry Puree and Gelatin: Pour the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree and blend or whisk until well combined.
- Whip the Cream: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer or a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, whip the chilled heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Fold in Strawberry Mixture: Gently fold the strawberry puree mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream. Add pink food coloring, if using, and gently fold until evenly colored.
- Portion and Chill: Divide the mousse mixture into individual serving glasses or bowls.
- Chill for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the chilled strawberry mousse with whipped cream and a fresh strawberry before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Strawberry Extract: Add 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry extract to the puree for a more intense strawberry flavor.
- Other Fruits: You can use other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berries instead of strawberries.
- Yogurt: Substitute half of the whipped cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Layered Mousse: Create layers by alternating the strawberry mousse with a plain whipped cream layer or a chocolate layer.
- Alcohol: Add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier or Chambord to the puree for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Chocolate Shavings: Garnish with chocolate shavings for a decadent touch.
Enjoy your light and airy Strawberry Mousse!