Try this refreshing strawberry mousse from scratch, that's great for any occasion. It's rich, fluffy and absolutely delicious!
Plus fresh strawberries are the highlight of this strawberry mousse recipe, for a delicious taste of summer.
A creamy and cool, no-bake strawberry dessert is a great way to celebrate summer.
Table of Contents
Cool and Refreshing Desserts for Summer
I love strawberry desserts, especially when I can whip them together in double quick time, with no need to turn on a hot oven.
This strawberry mousse fits that bill perfectly. A little time to chill and set in the refrigerator, and you're all ready to go.
Plus, this fresh strawberry mousse is made with marshmallows, so there's no need to use any egg whites, cream cheese or gelatin to get your mousse to set.
Mousse desserts are amongst my favorites. I previously shared my late aunt's recipe for Strawberry and Jello Mousse made with jello and whipped topping.
We've enjoyed an Irish Cream Berry Mousse, which is sweet and creamy with a taste of Ireland.
Plus, we've sampled a chocolate whiskey mousse pie or tart.
Today, let's enjoy an easy, no-bake dessert.
Here's what you'll need to make this delicious dessert.
Ingredients for Marshmallow Strawberry Mousse
Here's a list of what you'll need. Check out the recipe card for exact quantities and nutritional information.
For the Mousse
- strawberries, hulled and washed
- water
- white sugar
- mini marshmallows
- heavy whipping cream
For the Topping
- strawberries, hulled and washed
- fresh lemon juice
- white sugar
- heavy whipping cream
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
This recipe is for a strawberry mousse, but you can use this method for making other berry mousses. Raspberries or blackberries work great with this recipe, instead of strawberries.
I use mini marshmallows, since it's easier to measure them using cups. I like using the pink and white varieties since they add a little color to the mousse. If you like to avoid red dyes in your cooking, then use only white marshmallows.
Use heavy whipping cream. The more fat in the cream the smoother the mousse will be.
You can add vanilla extract to the cream if you wish, but I prefer to allow the flavor of the fresh berries dominate this mousse.
Mint leaves are another optional extra. They're perfect for garnishing the top of the strawberries.
Directions for Strawberry Marshmallow Mousse
Here you'll find step-by-step photographic instructions for making this mousse. You can print this recipe using the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Make the Mousse
First, chop up the strawberries assigned for making the mousse.
Pop them into a saucepan with water and white sugar.
Cook the strawberries on medium heat for about 4 or 5 minutes. Be sure to stir them regularly to avoid sticking.
When the strawberries are tender, remove the saucepan from the stovetop.
Take a fork and mash the strawberry mixture. A potato masher works great for this task too.
Be sure there are no big lumps or chunks of strawberry left in the mixture.
If you prefer, you can make a complete strawberry puree by blitzing the cooked strawberries in a food processor.
I don't use a blender for this step, but prefer the texture achieved by mashing the strawberries.
Next, it's time to melt the marshmallows. This recipe does not use additonal gelatine to set the mousse. Instead melted marshmallows do the trick.
Add all of the marshmallows to the pot of mashed strawberries, and return it to the stovetop over medium heat.
Stir the marshmallow mixture continuously until they have completely melted.
Remove the pot from the stove top once you have a smooth mixture. Set it aside to cool completely.
It takes about one hour for the mousse to cool enough at room temperature. Alternatively, you can chill it in the refrigerator. It will only take about 30 minutes to chill. Any longer and your mousse will set, so do keep an eye on it.
Once the mousse has cooled, but not set, it's time to add the cream.
Whip the cream using a stand mixer. Alternatively, ypu can use a large bowl and a hand held electric mixer. Beat the cream until stiff peaks form.
You could whisk the cream by hand using a balloon whisk, but that takes a long time.
Don't overbeat the cream or you'll create butter.
Now it's time to fold the whipped cream through the cooled strawberry marshmallow mixture.
This is the step that creates a dreamy consistency for your mousse.
Gently fold the two together using a spatula, until you achieve a a smooth and creamy mixture.
Divide the strawberry mousse between four serving dishes.
You can use ramekins, or glass dishes. I love to use stemmed glass dishes for this mousse. It's lovely to see the pink dreamy color of the mousse through the serving glass.
You could also serve it in a wine glass, either one with or without a stem. Chill the individual mousse servings in the refrigerator.
Decorate the mousse
Next, it's time to decorate the top of the mousse. Prepare the remaining strawberries by chopping them into small pieces.
Add the lemon juice and sugar and mix them thoroughly together.
Pour some unwhipped cream on top of each mousse, then spoon a quarter of the strawberries on top of each serving.
I like to use unwhipped cream for a lovely layering effect on top of the mousse. The juices from the strawberries sink beneath the cream for an interesting effect.
This simple dessert is truly impressive. It's perfect for entertaining. You can make the individual mousse servings ahead of time. Just cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
In addition, you can chop and mix the decorative strawberry topping in advance. Store it in a small bowl in the refrigerator. Simply, wait to add it to the individual servings just before serving your guests.
You can also sprinkle the top of each serving with some chocolate shavings if you wish.
I hope you enjoy this simple and delicious summer dessert.
Recipe Card for Strawberry Mousse
Here's the recipe card. You can choose between US and Metric measurements. In addition, you can choose whether to print the recipe with or without images.
Strawberry Marshmallow Mousse
Ingredients
For the Mousse
- 10 ounces strawberries hulled and washed
- ⅓ cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar white
- 3 cups mini marshmallows
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping
- 6 ounces strawberries hulled and washed
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice fresh
- 1 tablespoon sugar white
- 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Instructions
Make the Mousse
- Roughly chop the strawberries and add to a medium saucepan along with the water and sugar.
- Cook on a medium heat, stirring regularly, until the strawberries are tender (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the pan from the heat and mash the strawberry mixture with the back of a fork or potato masher until no large chunks remain.
- Return the pan to the stove on a low heat. Add the mini marshmallows to the pan and stir continuously until they’ve completely melted.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely (approx 1 hour at room temp or 30 mins in the refrigerator). If cooling in the fridge, don’t leave for longer than 30 mins or it may start to set.
- Using an electric or handwhisk, whip the cream until firm.
- Fold the whipped cream through the cooled strawberry marshmallow mixture until smooth.
- Transfer the mixture to your ramekins/glasses and chill in the refrigerator until set (approx 2 hours).
Nutrition Information is estimated based on the ingredients and cooking instructions as described in each recipe and is intended to be used for informational purposes only. Please note that nutrition details may vary based on methods of preparation, origin and freshness of ingredients used.
Thank you for stopping by to check out my recipe for this creamy dessert.
Please, share my recipes on Facebook and Pinterest if you enjoy this sweet taste of summer.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
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Cathleen
This is so perfect for the summer! I had no idea it was so easy to make, thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Cathleen - Mousse recipes often appear to be complicated, but marshmallows make this one ever so easy. Thanks for stopping by.
All the best,
Mairéad
Tara
I absolutely adore any dessert with strawberries but only 20 minutes of prep? This is a 5 star recipe!
Irish American Mom
Hi Tara - Strawberries mean summer, so quick and easy desserts are the way to go. Thanks for your great recipe rating.
All the best,
Mairéad
Amanda Wren-Grimwood
What a perfect summer desset and so light and fluffy too.
Irish American Mom
Hi Amanda - Light and fluffy mousse is just perfect for summer. Thanks for checking out my recipe.
All the best,
Mairéad
Matilda
This is a simple recipe yet so delicious! Such an easy dessert to make for any kind of function. I made this for a dinner party and i got a big thumbs-up from everyone! Will definitely be making this again.
Irish American Mom
Hi Matilda - Lovely to hear this dessert was a big success for you, and that your guests gave it their seal of approval. Thanks for taking the time to let us know and leave a rating. I really appreciate that.
All the best,
Mairéad
Beth
I love that you've used marshmallows in this mousse. I make a chocolate mousse with marshamallows and it is a lovely texture. I'll definitely give this strawberry version a go.
Irish American Mom
Hi Beth - Great to hear you too make mousse with marshmallows. They really simplify the process and make a lovely light mousse.
All the best,
Mairéad
Juliane
This is SO good! Would like to make this again with mom!
Irish American Mom
Hi Juliane - I hope you make this dessert again and again. It's super easy, and very impressive.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mags
This I love dessert. when eating out I always check the dessert menu first looks lovely and very easy.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mags - Thanks for stopping by to leave your feedback and rating. I really appreciate it. So glad you like this recipe.
All the best,
Mairéad