Name: Strawberry Mousse Tartlets Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Pie dough (store-bought or pre-made, enough for 2 pie crusts); 2 Cups strawberries (fresh, chopped); 1 Tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best); 1 Tablespoon gelatin (unflavored); 8 Ounces mascarpone cheese; ½ Cup granulated sugar (divided plus 1 tablespoon); 2 Cups whipping cream (divided); 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract (divided and 1/2 teaspoon); Strawberries (fresh, for topping); Mint sprigs (fresh, for garnish)

Print Recipe·4 from 4 reviews

If you have a penchant for light, fruity desserts that feel both elegant and effortless, this Strawberry Mousse Tartlets Recipe is an absolute delight you’ll want to make again and again. With its crisp, golden pastry shell, silky smooth strawberry mousse, and a dollop of fresh whipped cream, these tartlets combine freshness, creaminess, and a touch of tartness in every bite. Whether for a sunny brunch, a garden party, or a special weeknight treat, this recipe is all about celebrating the juicy sweetness of strawberries wrapped in a luscious, airy mousse nestled perfectly in tender tart crusts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with small, diced bright red strawberries at the top left. To the right, two whole strawberries lie on the surface next to a gold half cup measuring cup filled with white sugar. Below the strawberries, a clear small bowl contains a light yellow powder, while another clear small bowl holds a dark brown liquid, likely vanilla. A larger white cup is filled with a creamy white liquid, positioned near two round dough discs wrapped in plastic. At the bottom right, a white bowl is filled with smooth, pale cream cheese or frosting. A small clear bowl with a light green liquid sits near a sprig of fresh green mint. The colors are fresh and inviting, set against the clean white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient here is simple yet essential, working together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich mascarpone that adds creamy depth, to the fresh strawberries that bring vibrant color and sweetness, these components are carefully chosen to elevate this dessert to a memorable experience.

Pie dough: Store-bought or pre-made works great for saving time while still delivering a flaky crust.
2 Cups strawberries (fresh, chopped): Fresh, ripe strawberries provide natural sweetness and a bright flavor punch.
1 Tablespoon lemon juice (fresh is best): Adds a subtle zing that balances the sweetness.
1 Tablespoon gelatin (unflavored): Essential for setting the mousse to its perfect airy texture.
8 Ounces mascarpone cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess and a mild tang.
½ Cup granulated sugar (divided plus 1 tablespoon): Sweetens the mousse and whipped cream just right.
2 Cups whipping cream (divided): Helps create that light and fluffy mousse texture.
1 Teaspoon vanilla extract (divided and ½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth to both mousse and cream toppings.
Strawberries (fresh for garnish): Beautiful and fresh decoration that enhances the strawberry theme.
Mint sprigs (fresh): Optional, for a bright, herbal contrast and pretty presentation.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse Tartlets Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Tart Crusts

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. If you’re using frozen pre-made crusts, thaw them just enough to roll flat. Cut out 5-inch circles and gently press them into your tart pans. Bake the shells with pie weights for 12 to 15 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for another 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Let the crusts cool completely to get that perfect crisp shell.

Step 2: Create the Strawberry Base

While your crusts cool, blitz the chopped strawberries with lemon juice into a smooth mixture, leaving a few little chunks for texture. Gently heat this mixture with the gelatin on medium-high heat just until the gelatin dissolves—do not boil. Allow this to cool for about 30 minutes to reach room temperature, which will prepare it perfectly for folding into the mousse.

Step 3: Mix the Mascarpone and Strawberry Mixture

Once cooled, fold the mascarpone and a quarter cup of granulated sugar into your strawberry mixture until smooth and well combined. This step creates a creamy, sweet strawberry base that’s rich and luscious.

Step 4: Whip the Cream and Fold into the Mousse

Using your stand mixer, whip 1 ½ cups of the whipping cream with a teaspoon of vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/4 cup sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Gently fold one-third of this cream into your strawberry-mascarpone mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the rest, maintaining the fluffy texture for that airy mousse perfection.

Step 5: Assemble and Chill

Fill each baked tart shell with about ½ cup of the strawberry mousse. Chill these tartlets in the fridge for 2 to 3 hours or until the mousse is set and ready to be devoured.

Step 6: Finish with Whipped Cream and Garnishes

Before serving, whip the remaining ½ cup of cream with the last bit of vanilla and sugar to stiff peaks. Dollop this on top of each tartlet, then adorn with fresh strawberry slices and a sprig of mint for that wow factor.

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Tartlets Recipe

Six round tart dough shells with small fork holes are placed on a white marbled surface, arranged in a loose circular pattern. The dough is pale yellow with a smooth texture and scalloped edges. Around the shells are various bowls and ingredients: in the top left, a white bowl filled with small diced bright red strawberries; next to it is a small gold measuring cup filled with white sugar. Nearby, a few whole fresh strawberries are scattered on the surface. In the upper right corner, a white bowl is filled with whole, red strawberries with green tops. On the right side is a white jug with a creamy liquid visible inside. A gold fork is placed on the bottom right, resting on the white marbled surface with a green cloth draped nearby. In the bottom left, a wooden rolling pin is partially visible. The whole scene is bright with natural light, and the colors of the strawberries stand out vividly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberry slices and mint sprigs are classic garnishes that enhance visual appeal and add layers of fresh aroma and sweetness. You can also sprinkle a little powdered sugar or add a few edible flowers for a charming touch.

Side Dishes

These tartlets pair beautifully with a crisp glass of sparkling wine or a lightly brewed cup of green tea. For a heartier dessert spread, serve alongside a citrus sorbet or a simple berry compote to complement the strawberry flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the tartlets on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh strawberries and edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece. Alternatively, serve them in individual mini cake stands to give each guest a personal fancy dessert experience that will impress every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover strawberry mousse tartlets refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The crust may soften slightly, but the mousse will remain deliciously creamy and refreshing.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the tart shells separately ahead of time to save prep later. The mousse itself doesn’t freeze well because the texture can change when thawed.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these tartlets. Serve chilled straight from the fridge for the most delightful taste and texture. If the crust feels less crisp, you can briefly warm the shells before filling for a crisp bite.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe as they provide ideal texture and flavor, but if frozen are your only option, thaw and drain them well before blending, keeping in mind the mousse might be slightly looser.

Is there a substitute for mascarpone cheese?

Cream cheese mixed with a little heavy cream can work as a substitute, but mascarpone offers a uniquely smooth and mild richness that’s hard to replicate.

Do I have to use gelatin?

Gelatin is key to achieving that perfect mousse firmness. Without it, the mousse will be softer and may not set properly in the tart shells.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan-friendly, use a plant-based cream and a vegan gelatin alternative like agar-agar, along with a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, though the texture and taste will differ slightly.

How long can I prepare the tartlets in advance?

You can prepare the tartlet shells and the mousse a day ahead, assembling and chilling them overnight to save time on the day of your event.

Final Thoughts

Making this Strawberry Mousse Tartlets Recipe is truly a joy from start to finish. The way all those simple ingredients come together to create something so elegant is fantastic. Don’t hesitate to surprise your friends or family with these charming tartlets — I promise they’ll be asking for your secret recipe and a second helping!