Easy Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups That Melt in Your Mouth

Bianca

Founder of Red Recipe

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There’s something irresistibly delightful about a dessert that feels light as a cloud yet bursts with fresh, fruity flavor—and that’s exactly what these Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups deliver. One afternoon, craving a sweet treat that wasn’t too heavy, I whipped up this recipe using just a handful of simple ingredients. The result? Silky smooth mousse that melts in your mouth, layered with vibrant strawberry goodness. Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or hosting friends and want an impressive but effortless dessert, these cups fit the bill perfectly. Plus, they come together faster than you’d expect, making homemade indulgence utterly stress-free. Join me as I share this little slice of airy bliss that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why choose Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups?

Light & airy texture that feels like biting into a sweet cloud. Fresh strawberry flavor bursts in every spoonful, making it irresistibly fruity. Quick and simple to prepare with minimal ingredients—perfect for busy days. Elegant presentation that impresses guests without fuss. Versatile dessert for any occasion, from casual snacks to celebratory treats. No heavy aftertaste, just pure, melt-in-your-mouth delight that keeps you coming back for more.

Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups Ingredients

For the Strawberry Mousse

Fresh strawberries – choose ripe, juicy berries for the brightest flavor in your Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups.
Granulated sugar – balances the tartness and helps bring out natural sweetness.
Heavy cream – whipped to soft peaks, it creates the signature airy texture.
Cream cheese – adds subtle creaminess and richness without heaviness.
Gelatin powder – ensures the mousse sets perfectly, giving it that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth feel.

For Garnish and Serving

Fresh mint leaves – add a refreshing aroma and a pop of green that complements the strawberry color.
Strawberry slices – perfect for an inviting, decorative touch on top.
Powdered sugar – lightly dust for an elegant finish and a hint of sweetness.

How to Make Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups

For the Strawberry Puree:

Puree strawberries: Place hulled strawberries in a blender with one tablespoon sugar; blend until silky-smooth and vibrant red, about thirty seconds for optimal consistency.
Bloom gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over two tablespoons cold water; let bloom two minutes, then microwave gently for ten seconds until translucent and smooth.

For the Mousse:

Whip cream: Combine chilled heavy cream and powdered sugar in a cold bowl; beat with electric mixer on medium-high until soft peaks form, about three minutes.
Blend cream cheese: Beat room temperature cream cheese in a separate bowl until smooth and fluffy, about one minute, scraping sides to ensure a lump-free base.
Fold mixture: Gently fold the strawberry puree and dissolved gelatin into the cream cheese, stirring until streaks disappear; then gently fold in whipped cream for an airy mousse.

For Assembling:

Spoon mousse: Spoon or pipe the mousse evenly into six small cups, smoothing tops with an offset spatula for a clean, elegant finish.
Chill cups: Refrigerate the assembled cups for at least two hours, or until set and firm to the touch, ensuring that cloudlike texture develops.
Garnish and serve: Just before serving, top each cup with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves; dust lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty flourish.

Optional: Add a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

What to Serve with Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups?

Looking to elevate your dessert experience with delightful accompaniments that perfectly complement a light, fruity treat?

Light Biscotti: The crunchy texture provides a satisfying contrast to the airy mousse, offering a delightful nibble between sweet spoonfuls.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These indulgent bites add a rich chocolatey flavor that pairs beautifully with the fruity notes of the mousse, making each bite feel special.

For a refreshing touch that balances sweetness, consider serving with a glass of chilled sparkling water, infused with lemon or mint. The effervescence cleanses the palate, preparing you for another heavenly spoonful of your Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream can enhance the mousse’s flavor while providing a luxuriously cold contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Fresh Berry Salad: A medley of seasonal berries brings freshness and acidity, creating a vibrant color contrast and enhancing the overall berry experience.
Mint Tea: For a soothing end to your meal, freshly brewed mint tea complements the sweetness, offering a calming finish and aiding digestion.
Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery texture pairs perfectly with the lightness of the mousse, adding a sweet crunch that elevates the overall dessert experience.

Variations & Substitutions for Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups

Feel free to get creative with these delightful variations to make this dessert truly your own!

Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese for a luscious, plant-based mousse. The coconut adds an exotic twist!
Sugar-Free: Replace granulated sugar with a sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit to keep sugar at bay while satisfying your sweet tooth. Just remember to adjust to taste!
Berry Bliss: Swap in your favorite berries, such as raspberries or blueberries, for a vibrant flavor explosion. Each berry offers a unique twist, so feel free to mix and match!
Chocolate Indulgence: Add melted dark chocolate to the mousse mixture for a rich chocolate strawberry dessert that feels incredibly decadent. The combination is sure to please any chocoholic!
Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest and juice into the strawberry puree for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens the flavor profile. It’s a wonderful way to elevate the dish!
Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped nuts like almonds or hazelnuts for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth mousse. Just be mindful of any nut allergies!
Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract can add a warm aroma that deepens the overall flavor experience. Simple spices can make a big difference!
Layered Parfait: Create a parfait by layering the mousse with granola or crushed cookies for added texture and extra pop during serving. This transforms your mousse into a delightful dessert jar!

Make Ahead Options

These Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups are perfect for meal prep, making them an ideal dessert for busy days! You can prepare the strawberry puree and mousse up to 24 hours in advance. Simply blend the strawberries and prepare the gelatin the day before—store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, gently fold the mousse together and spoon it into cups, then refrigerate for at least two hours until set. To maintain that light texture, add the strawberry slices and mint garnish just before serving. With this make-ahead option, you’ll have a stunning and delicious dessert ready to impress with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups

Use ripe strawberries: Selecting the freshest, ripest strawberries guarantees a naturally sweet and vibrant puree, essential for flavorful mousse.
Chill your tools: For the fluffiest whipped cream, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to help cream whip faster and hold peaks longer.
Bloom gelatin properly: Don’t skip blooming gelatin in cold water—it ensures smooth dissolution and prevents clumps, giving your mousse a perfect set.
Fold gently: When combining puree, cream cheese, and whipped cream, fold slowly to keep the mousse airy and light rather than dense.
Chill thoroughly: Allow at least two hours in the refrigerator; this step is key to achieving the melt-in-your-mouth texture that defines Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups.
Avoid over-sweetening: Balance sweetness carefully—too much sugar can overpower the strawberry flavor and weigh down the mousse’s delicate texture.

How to Store and Freeze Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups

Fridge: Keep any leftover Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the mousse cups for up to 1 month; however, be aware that texture may change once thawed.

Thawing: To thaw, place the mousse cups in the refrigerator overnight, allowing them to regain their creamy consistency before serving.

Reheating: Since this is a chilled dessert, avoid reheating; serve them cold for the best taste experience!

Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups Recipe FAQs

What should I look for when selecting strawberries for these mousse cups?
Choose strawberries that are ripe, bright red, and fragrant with no dark spots or bruising. The sweeter and fresher the berries, the more vibrant and flavorful your mousse will be!

How long can I store leftover Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups in the fridge?
Store leftovers covered with plastic wrap or in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled preserves the mousse’s delicate texture and fresh strawberry flavor.

Can I freeze Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups, and how do I do it properly?
Absolutely! Freeze the mousse cups in airtight containers for up to 1 month. To freeze, cover each cup tightly with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe box. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving to retain the smooth, airy texture.

My mousse turned out a bit watery—what went wrong?
This often happens if gelatin wasn’t fully dissolved or if strawberries were too watery. Make sure to bloom and melt the gelatin properly, and use ripe but firm strawberries to avoid excess liquid that can weigh down the mousse.

Are Fluffy Strawberry Mousse Cups safe for pets or people with allergies?
This dessert contains dairy and gelatin, so it’s not suitable for pets or anyone with dairy or gelatin allergies. For a vegetarian alternative, you could try agar-agar instead of gelatin, and always check ingredient labels for allergens.