Name: Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb frozen or fresh strawberries; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 ¾ cups mascarpone cheese; 1/3 cup heavy cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon gelatin powder; ½ cup water; Fresh strawberries; White chocolate drops

Print Recipe· 3.9 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a romantic spring day captured in a bowl, the Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe is your new best friend. This delightfully airy mousse combines the natural sweetness and vibrant color of fresh strawberries with the luscious, creamy richness of mascarpone cheese. It’s truly an experience in every spoonful—light yet indulgent, with a perfect balance of tart and sweet that’s guaranteed to brighten up any meal. Trust me, once you make this Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for impressing friends or just treating yourself to a moment of pure bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three stages of making a strawberry dessert on a white marbled surface. On the left, a silver pot contains whole strawberries covered with white sugar. In the middle, a food processor bowl holds a smooth bright red strawberry sauce with a white blade in the center. On the right, a clear glass bowl has a base layer of white whipped cream around the edges, topped with a layer of chunky strawberry sauce with whole strawberries sitting in the middle. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—bringing texture, sweetness, creaminess, or that fresh fruity zing that makes the mousse sparkle.

Strawberries (1 lb, frozen or fresh): The heart of the dish, providing vibrant flavor and beautiful color.
Mascarpone (1 ¾ cups): Creates that creamy, smooth base that’s rich but never heavy.
Heavy cream (1/3 cup): Whipped up to a soft fluffiness to give the mousse its airy texture.
Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Sweetens the strawberry puree just right without overpowering it.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Blended with mascarpone and cream to add sweetness and silkiness with no graininess.
Gelatin (1 tablespoon) + Water (½ cup): The magic ingredient that helps your mousse set perfectly while keeping it light.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the flavor profile wonderfully.
Optional fresh strawberries and white chocolate drops: For that picture-perfect and tasty finishing touch.

How to Make Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin

Start by scattering the gelatin powder over the water in a small bowl, allowing it to soak and transform into a sponge-like texture within about 5 minutes. Then, gently melt it using a double-boiler method—place the bowl over hot water and stir until the gelatin dissolves completely. This step is crucial to ensure your mousse sets just right, with a lovely airy firmness.

Step 2: Make the Strawberry Mixture

Next up, toss your strawberries along with granulated sugar into a saucepan. Warm them over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the berries soften and burst, releasing their juices—this usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Let the mixture cool completely before moving on, as you’ll want to incorporate it without cooking the mascarpone later.

Step 3: Whip Up the Mascarpone Cream

In a large bowl, beat together mascarpone, heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the texture becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy. This is the base of your mousse, the luxurious layer that will marry beautifully with the fresh strawberry flavors. Honestly, it’s hard not to sneak a spoonful here!

Step 4: Blend the Strawberries

Once your cooled strawberry mixture is ready, blend half of it to smooth perfection. Keep the other half chunky because those little bursts of tender strawberries scattered throughout the mousse add a wonderful surprise in every bite.

Step 5: Combine the Mixtures

Gently fold the smooth strawberry puree into the mascarpone cream, ensuring the mixture stays airy without deflating. Pop this blend into the fridge for about 20 minutes to help it firm up slightly—this chilling step makes all the difference in texture.

Step 6: Add the Gelatin

Just before you start assembling the dessert, mix the dissolved gelatin into the remaining chunky strawberry mixture. This final step helps to hold the mousse’s structure, creating that perfect wobble and lightness you want in a mousse.

Step 7: Assemble the Mousse

Now, it’s time for the fun part! Grab some pretty serving glasses and layer your mousse: start with a generous dollop of the mascarpone cream, add a spoonful of the chunky strawberry goodness, and finish with several tablespoons of the strawberry-gelatin mixture on top. The contrasting textures and colors make this both a feast for the eyes and the palate.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate your assembled mousse for at least 2 to 3 hours—patience pays off here. When ready to enjoy, adorn with fresh strawberries and sprinkle white chocolate drops on top for a touch of elegance and extra sweetness. Prepare yourself for compliments because this Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe really shines as a show-stopping dessert.

How to Serve Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe

The image shows a metal pot filled with frozen strawberries, bright red and covered with a light layer of frost, sitting on a white marbled surface. On top of the strawberries, there is a heap of white sugar, creating a contrast between the red fruit and the white granules. The pot's black handle extends downwards out of the frame, and the overall scene captures the simple ingredients needed to start cooking or making a dessert. The lighting is soft and natural, highlighting the texture of the frost on the strawberries and the grainy sugar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dessert into something truly special, fresh strawberry slices add natural juiciness and vibrant color, while white chocolate drops bring a subtle sweetness and a delightful texture contrast. A mint leaf or edible flower can add a final touch of sophistication.

Side Dishes

This mousse pairs beautifully with a light biscuit or buttery shortbread cookie for a bit of crunch. If you want to add some fruit contrast, a few fresh raspberries or a raspberry coulis can complement the strawberry flavor perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl—serve the mousse in delicate martini glasses or small jars for an elegant look. Layer it with crushed cookies or edible flower petals for texture and visual appeal. For parties, prepare mini mousse parfaits with alternating layers to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can safely keep any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing that creamy texture and fresh strawberry flavor. Just cover tightly to prevent it from absorbing other aromas.

Freezing

While this mousse freezes well if sealed properly, you may notice a slight change in texture upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, do so in individual portions and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. It’s perfect for making in advance for gatherings.

Reheating

Reheating is not recommended for this mousse since it’s best enjoyed chilled to preserve its airy, creamy essence. Serve directly from the fridge for the ideal experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh strawberries are wonderful for this recipe, especially when they’re in season and bursting with flavor. If using frozen, just thaw and drain them before cooking.

Is mascarpone cheese hard to find?

Mascarpone is pretty available in most grocery stores, usually in the specialty cheese or deli section. If you can’t find it, cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream can be a substitute, but mascarpone’s flavor and texture are truly unique.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This version relies heavily on mascarpone and cream for its signature richness, so a vegan adaptation would require several substitutes like coconut cream and plant-based cheeses, which might change the texture and taste. It’s a fun experiment but not what this classic recipe is about.

Why is gelatin necessary in this mousse?

Gelatin gives the mousse its structure, helping it hold that light, airy shape without being runny. It keeps everything beautifully set while keeping the texture soft and creamy.

Can I prepare this recipe for more servings?

Definitely! Just scale the ingredients proportionally. This recipe is easy to double or triple, perfect for entertaining or family dinners.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that effortlessly charms everyone at the table, this Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse Recipe is calling your name. Its delightful blend of creamy, airy, and fruity layers makes it both comforting and sophisticated. Don’t hesitate to try it out—once you do, it’ll quickly become one of those treasured recipes you love sharing again and again.