Strawberry mousse is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer with its light, airy texture and vibrant flavor.
Perfect for any occasion, this recipe combines fresh strawberries with whipped cream to create a treat that is both elegant and easy to prepare. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients
To make a delicious strawberry mousse, gather the following ingredients:
- Fresh strawberries: 24 oz (about 1.5 lbs)
- Granulated sugar: 6 oz (¾ cup, divided)
- Freeze-dried strawberries: 1 oz (1½ cups, optional for enhanced flavor)
- Heavy cream: 8 oz (1 cup)
- Unflavored gelatin powder: 1 packet (2½ teaspoons)
- Orange liqueur: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Egg whites: 2 large
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your strawberry mousse:
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries.
- Toss them with ¼ cup of the granulated sugar and let them macerate for about 30 minutes to draw out their juices.
- Make the Strawberry Puree:
- After maceration, puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, yielding approximately 2 cups of strawberry juice.
- Incorporate Freeze-Dried Strawberries:
- Grind the freeze-dried strawberries into a powder using a food processor.
- Stir this powder into the strained strawberry puree for added intensity.
- Prepare the Gelatin:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of orange liqueur (or water) with the gelatin powder. Allow it to bloom for about 5 minutes.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with another ¼ cup of sugar until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold this whipped cream into the strawberry puree mixture.
- Combine Gelatin and Egg Whites:
- Melt the bloomed gelatin in the microwave until fully dissolved (about 30 seconds).
- Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form and then gently fold them into the strawberry mixture along with the melted gelatin.
- Chill and Serve:
- Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or glasses.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until set.
- Serve chilled, optionally garnished with additional whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top.
Tips for Success
- Choosing Strawberries: Use ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor. If fresh strawberries are unavailable, frozen can work in a pinch but may alter texture slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: This mousse pairs beautifully with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
Enjoy your homemade strawberry mousse as a refreshing end to any meal or as a sweet treat during warm summer days! This dessert not only tastes divine but also presents beautifully, making it perfect for entertaining guests or celebrating special occasions.
