Are you craving a light, refreshing, and utterly delicious dessert that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This strawberry mousse recipe with gelatin is the perfect answer. It’s a delightful treat that’s ideal for a romantic dinner, a casual weeknight dessert, or even a special occasion. Forget complicated recipes and hours spent in the kitchen; this homemade dessert comes together quickly and requires minimal effort, resulting in a stunningly elegant and flavorful mousse that will impress everyone. Ready to dive into this easy recipe? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 envelope (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
Instructions:
Get started:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have softened and released their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
Prepare the gelatin:
- In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
Combine and chill:
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Remove the strawberry mixture from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Gently stir in the bloomed gelatin until it is completely dissolved.
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Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds or chunky pieces. This step is optional but creates a smoother mousse.
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In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
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Gently fold about 1/3 of the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture to lighten it. Then, gently fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Divide the mousse into individual serving glasses or a larger bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the mousse to set completely.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Mousse:
- Fresh Strawberries are Key: Using fresh, ripe strawberries will significantly impact the flavor of your mousse. If your strawberries aren't very sweet, you might want to increase the sugar slightly.
- Bloom the Gelatin Properly: Allowing the gelatin to bloom in the cold water is crucial for it to dissolve properly. Don't skip this step!
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture will deflate the mousse, resulting in a less airy texture. Gentle folding is key.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allowing sufficient chilling time is essential for the mousse to set properly and achieve its creamy texture.
Variations:
- Raspberry Mousse: Substitute raspberries for strawberries for a different flavor profile.
- Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Add 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to the strawberry mixture for a delightful chocolate twist.
- Layered Mousse: Create a visually stunning dessert by layering different flavored mousses, such as strawberry and chocolate.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 18-20g Protein: 3-4g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Sugar: 20-25g
This healthy and delicious strawberry mousse is sure to become a favorite in your recipe book. It's a quick dinner idea dessert, an easy recipe for any skill level, and a beautiful addition to any meal. Enjoy this delightful homemade treat!