Strawberry Mousse Cups

Strawberry Mousse Cups are a light, airy, and irresistibly creamy dessert that feels like spring in every bite. This dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries with the luxurious texture of a whipped mousse, all presented in charming individual cups.

Perfect for dinner parties, family gatherings, or a personal indulgence, these mousse cups are as beautiful as they are delicious. The balance of fruity freshness and creamy richness makes it a crowd-pleaser, and its presentation in individual cups adds an elegant touch that elevates any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple yet sophisticated. The fresh strawberries give it a vibrant color and natural sweetness, while the mousse itself is creamy and smooth without being heavy. Each spoonful melts in your mouth, leaving a delicate balance of sweetness and freshness.

What’s truly amazing is how versatile this dessert is—it can be dressed up with chocolate shavings, fresh mint, or even a splash of liqueur for an adult version. It’s also incredibly photogenic, making it perfect for social media-worthy dessert tables!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Elegant Presentation: Individually portioned cups make it look professional.
• Perfect Texture: Light, airy, and creamy mousse that isn’t overly sweet.
• Quick and Easy: Uses simple ingredients that are easy to find.
• Versatile: Can be adapted with other fruits or toppings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for all ages and occasions.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes (for warming strawberry puree)
• Chilling Time: 2–3 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 cups
• Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving
• Course: Dessert
• Cuisine: French-inspired / Contemporary

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Mousse:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tsp powdered gelatin (or agar-agar for vegetarian option)
• 2 tbsp cold water

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries, sliced
• Mint leaves
• White chocolate shavings or crushed biscuits

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prepare Strawberry Puree

1. Wash and hull the strawberries.
2. Blend strawberries with sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Transfer puree to a small saucepan and warm over low heat.

Step 2: Bloom Gelatin

1. Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes.
2. Once bloomed, add gelatin to the warm strawberry puree and stir until fully dissolved.
3. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.

Step 4: Combine Mousse

1. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream.
2. Ensure it’s fully incorporated but retain the airy texture.

Step 5: Fill Cups

1. Spoon or pipe the mousse into individual serving cups.
2. Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Chill

1. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours or until set.

How to Serve

• Serve chilled straight from the fridge.
• Garnish with fresh strawberries, mint, or white chocolate shavings.
• Optional: add a crumble layer at the bottom for extra texture.

Recipe Tips

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries for the best flavor.
• Whip cream in a chilled bowl to achieve maximum volume.
• Fold ingredients gently to preserve the airy texture of the mousse.
• For extra flair, pipe the mousse with a star nozzle into cups.

Variations

1. Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cups: Add a layer of chocolate ganache at the bottom before adding mousse.
2. Mixed Berry Mousse: Combine raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a berry medley.
3. Lemon Strawberry Mousse: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a citrus twist.
4. Adult Version: Add a teaspoon of strawberry liqueur or Grand Marnier to the puree.
5. Vegan Option: Use coconut cream and agar-agar instead of dairy and gelatin.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge for 2–3 hours before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• Blender or food processor
• Saucepan
• Whisk or electric mixer
• Individual serving cups or glasses
• Spatula for folding

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, but thaw and drain excess liquid before making puree.

Q2: Can I make these in advance?
A: Absolutely! Prepare a day ahead; they keep well in the fridge.

Q3: Can I skip gelatin?
A: Gelatin helps the mousse set. You can use agar-agar for a vegetarian option, but skipping entirely may result in a softer mousse.

Q4: How can I make it less sweet?
A: Reduce sugar in the strawberry puree or use naturally sweeter strawberries.

Q5: Can I make mini versions?
A: Yes, use shot glasses for bite-sized servings.

Conclusion

Strawberry Mousse Cups are the perfect blend of elegance, flavor, and simplicity. They bring a burst of freshness with every spoonful, making them ideal for celebrations or an everyday indulgence.

With their creamy texture, vibrant color, and endless customization options, these mousse cups are a dessert that everyone will rave about. Once you try this recipe, it will become a staple for spring and summer dessert menus!