Introduction
Indulging in a light and fruity dessert is a blissful experience, especially when it involves fresh strawberries. This delightful strawberry mousse is not only easy to prepare but also a perfect treat for any occasion. With the combined sweetness of strawberries and the lightness of Cool Whip, this dessert will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
½ cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
2 tablespoons cold water
2 cups Cool Whip, thawed
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling)
Yield: Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Puree the hulled strawberries in a blender until smooth.
2. Transfer the strawberry puree to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
3. Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan.
4. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar has completely dissolved.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
6. While the strawberry mixture cools, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl.
7. Let the gelatin sit for a few minutes until it becomes firm.
8. Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 10-15 seconds until it turns to liquid.
9. Strain the cooled strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove seeds.
10. Stir the melted gelatin into the strained strawberry mixture until well combined.
11. Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the strawberry mixture using a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.
12. Divide the mousse into serving dishes.
13. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.
14. Before serving, garnish with additional Cool Whip and fresh strawberry slices if desired.
Enjoy your delightful strawberry mousse, a refreshing and flavorful dessert that is perfect for any gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Puree Strawberries
Puree the hulled strawberries in a blender until smooth.
Step 2: Heat Strawberry Mixture
Transfer the strawberry puree to a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Step 3: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan.
Step 4: Stir Mixture
Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to bubble and the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step 5: Cool the Mixture
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Prepare Gelatin
While the strawberry mixture cools, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl.
Step 7: Bloom the Gelatin
Let the gelatin sit for a few minutes until it becomes firm.
Step 8: Microwave Gelatin
Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 10-15 seconds until it turns to liquid.
Step 9: Strain Strawberry Mixture
Strain the cooled strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove seeds.
Step 10: Combine Gelatin and Strawberry
Stir the melted gelatin into the strained strawberry mixture until well combined.
Step 11: Fold in Cool Whip
Gently fold the thawed Cool Whip into the strawberry mixture using a rubber spatula until fully incorporated.
Step 12: Divide into Serving Dishes
Divide the mousse into serving dishes.
Step 13: Refrigerate to Set
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.
Step 14: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish with additional Cool Whip and fresh strawberry slices if desired.
Notes
Fresh Strawberries
Choose ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor.
Cool Whip
Make sure Cool Whip is thoroughly thawed before incorporating; this helps achieve a light and airy mousse.
Gelatin
Unflavored gelatin can be found in the baking aisle of most grocery stores; ensure to properly bloom it for the best results.
Chilling Time
Allow more chilling time if the mousse has not fully set after 2 hours.
Serving Suggestions
This mousse can be served with other fruits or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flavor.
Cook techniques
Pureeing Strawberries
Pureeing strawberries involves hulling the berries and blending them until smooth. This technique enhances the flavor and texture of your dish.
Heating and Dissolving Sugar
Heating the strawberry puree with sugar over medium-low heat allows the sugar to dissolve evenly, creating a consistent mixture that enhances the sweetness of the strawberries.
Blooming Gelatin
Sprinkling gelatin over cold water allows it to absorb moisture and swell. This process, known as blooming, is essential for it to dissolve properly when heated.
Microwaving Gelatin
Gently microwaving bloomed gelatin for 10-15 seconds liquefies it, making it easier to incorporate into mixtures without clumping.
Straining the Mixture
Straining the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve removes seeds and any larger pieces of pulp, resulting in a smoother texture for the mousse.
Folding Cool Whip
Gently folding thawed Cool Whip into the strawberry mixture helps to incorporate air, which provides lightness and a creamy texture to the mousse.
Chilling to Set
Refrigerating the mousse for at least 2 hours allows it to firm up properly, creating a delightful texture that’s perfect for serving.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used as an alternative. Just ensure they are thawed and drained before pureeing.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream or any non-dairy whipped topping if preferred.
How long can I store the strawberry mousse?
The strawberry mousse can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, to make it dairy-free, use a non-dairy whipped topping instead of Cool Whip.
Is there a way to make this mousse sugar-free?
Yes, you can use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar in place of granulated sugar.
Can I add other fruits to the mousse?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry mousse. Just adjust the sweetness as needed.
Conclusion
This strawberry mousse is a delightful and refreshing dessert that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the lightness of Cool Whip. Perfect for any occasion, it offers a burst of flavor and an elegant presentation. The use of gelatin ensures a smooth, creamy texture that will impress your guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Berry Parfait
Layer the strawberry mousse with fresh berries like blueberries and raspberries for a colorful and textural dessert that showcases a variety of flavors.
Chocolate Mousse Variation
Mix in melted chocolate with the strawberry puree before incorporating the Cool Whip for a rich chocolate-strawberry fusion.
Citrus Twist
Add zest from oranges or limes to the strawberry mixture for an added zing that complements the sweetness of the berries.
Strawberry Shortcake Cups
Serve the strawberry mousse in shortcake cups with crumbled biscuit or sponge cake for a delightful twist on a classic treat.
Yogurt Swirl
Fold in some vanilla yogurt for an extra creamy element that balances the sweetness and adds a tangy flavor profile.
Frozen Strawberry Mousse
Place the prepared mousse in a freezer-safe container and freeze it for a few hours to create a cool and refreshing frozen dessert option.
