An easy, eggless strawberry mousse made with fresh puréed berries and stabilized whipped cream. This gluten-free no bake dessert requires zero cooking and is perfect for quick summer entertaining!
8ozhulled fresh strawberrieswashed, and thoroughly dried (weigh after hulling)
⅓cuppowdered sugaradjust with 1-2 extra tablespoons based on strawberry sweetness
1cupheavy whipping creammust be well-chilled
½teaspoonvanilla extractfor depth of flavor
Instructions
Prep:You will need 5 glass cups, each holding ~¾ cup for a tight fit, or ~1 cup for an "emptier" look. Get your ingredients ready.
Prepare Strawberry Purée:Blend the 8 oz of strawberries with powdered sugar until completely smooth. Set aside.(Optional: Blend an extra 4oz berries + 3 tbsp sugar if you want a decorative base layer for your cups).
8 oz hulled fresh strawberries, ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Whip the Cream:In a chilled bowl, use a whisk attachment to whip the heavy cream. Start slow, increasing speed as it thickens. Add vanilla once you hit soft peaks, then continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
1 cup heavy whipping cream, ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
The "Folding" Technique:Add ⅓ of the strawberry purée to the whipped cream. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold it in. Repeat in two more batches until fully combined.Note: The texture will look broken or 'weird' initially; continue folding gently with a spatula until it becomes a smooth, airy cloud. Do not use an electric mixer.
Assemble & Serve:Divide the extra purée (if using) into 4-5 glass cups. Top with the mousse. Serve immediately for the fluffiest texture or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Notes
Temperature Control: For the fastest results, chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping the cream.
Sweetness Check: Taste your strawberries first! If they are tart, increase the powdered sugar by 1–2 tablespoons during the blending phase.
The 'Dry' Rule: Ensure strawberries are completely dry after washing. Even a teaspoon of extra water can prevent the mousse from reaching a stable, fluffy peak.
Storage Tip: If making ahead, wait to garnish with fresh berries until the moment of serving to prevent the juice from bleeding into the mousse.