The Strawberry Mousse Cups are an airy, no-bake dessert that brings out the bright, sweet essence of ripe strawberries. With the creamy richness of whipped coconut and a touch of lemon for balance, this mousse is the ultimate guilt free indulgence. It’s ideal for warm days, romantic dinners, or an afternoon treat with friends.
What makes this dessert truly special is its minimal ingredients and prep yet the result is restaurant-worthy. Whether you use fresh or frozen strawberries, the mousse turns out deliciously smooth and light. Add chia or agar for a firmer set, or keep it fluffy for a more cloud like texture. Either way, this naturally sweetened, dairy free delight is bound to become a favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 ½ cups fresh or frozen strawberries (thawed if frozen)
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¼ cup pure maple syrup or agave
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1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
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⅛ teaspoon salt
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½ tablespoon lemon juice
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1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk (only the thick part) or coconut cream
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Optional: 2 tablespoons chia seeds or 1 tablespoon agar powder for thicker texture
Directions:
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In a blender or food processor, combine the strawberries, maple syrup (or agave), vanilla, salt, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
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Open the chilled can of coconut milk and scoop out only the solid cream into a separate mixing bowl.
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Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the coconut cream until light and fluffy.
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Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped coconut cream until fully combined.
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For a firmer mousse, mix in chia seeds or agar powder, and let it set in the fridge for at least 4 hours.
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Spoon into serving cups, garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint, and serve chilled.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Irresistible Allure of Dairy-Free Strawberry Mousse
When it comes to indulgent yet wholesome desserts, Dairy-Free Strawberry Mousse hits a delicious sweet spot. Creamy, airy, subtly sweet, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, this mousse has all the elegance of a gourmet dessert with none of the dairy. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just exploring lighter, plant-based treats, this recipe brings both health conscious simplicity and decadent satisfaction to the table.
The beauty of this mousse lies in its minimalism. It’s crafted using real strawberries plump, ripe, and naturally sweet and harnesses the power of coconut cream to achieve that rich, velvety texture traditionally expected from mousse. There’s no gelatin, no refined sugar (if you choose your sweetener wisely), and no baking required. Yet the result is a dessert that feels indulgent enough for a dinner party but light enough to enjoy on a weekday.
A Nostalgic Yet Modern Dessert
Strawberry mousse has long been a staple in European pâtisseries, often made with whipped cream, egg whites, and gelatin. However, the dairy free version modernizes this classic, making it more accessible for those with dietary restrictions or lifestyle preferences. At the same time, it retains the charm of the original, with its fluffy texture and delightfully tangy strawberry notes.
Unlike many dairy free desserts that sacrifice flavor or texture in the name of health, this mousse does neither. The coconut cream brings a luxurious mouthfeel, while the strawberries keep it vibrant and fresh. And because there are only a few ingredients, each one shines. You can taste the sunshine in every bite.
Health-Conscious Without Compromise
One of the standout features of this mousse is how health-friendly it is. It’s low in sugar especially if you opt for a natural sweetener like stevia or maple syrup and completely free of heavy cream, eggs, or butter. With just a few swaps, this dessert can be adapted for a keto lifestyle, made paleo-friendly, or even tailored for children by using mild sweeteners and organic fruits.
Coconut cream, the base of the mousse, is rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of healthy fat that’s metabolized quickly by the body. MCTs may support energy production and brain function, making this dessert a treat that’s as functional as it is flavorful. Additionally, strawberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, contributing to heart health and glowing skin.
So essentially, you’re enjoying dessert and nourishing your body without even trying too hard.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Dairy Free Strawberry Mousse is as versatile as it is tasty. Serve it in elegant glassware for a romantic dinner date, layer it with granola for a healthy breakfast parfait, or spoon it into little jars for picnic ready snacks. It’s also perfect for kids’ lunches, birthday parties, bridal showers, and even summer cookouts where you want something cool, fruity, and light.
Want to turn it into a showstopper? Top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, some fresh mint, or a handful of shaved dark chocolate. It’s also divine with a layer of crushed graham crackers or almond crust at the bottom of the cup for a cheesecake style spin.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Mousse Experience
To make your mousse stand out, quality ingredients are key. Always choose ripe, sweet strawberries preferably organic, since strawberries are high on the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list. The flavor of your mousse depends almost entirely on the quality of the fruit.
When using coconut milk or cream, opt for a full fat version and chill the can overnight before opening. This allows the cream to separate and solidify, giving you the rich base you need for the perfect whipped texture.
Blending your ingredients until completely smooth is essential. A high speed blender or food processor works best to achieve a silky, lump free finish. Don’t forget to taste the mixture before chilling adjust the sweetness or acidity with a dash of lemon juice or more sweetener to suit your taste.
Finally, patience is key. Letting the mousse chill and set properly enhances both the flavor and texture. A few hours in the fridge allows everything to come together, transforming the airy mixture into a spoonable cloud of deliciousness.
Customization Ideas
If you want to get creative with your mousse, there are plenty of options. Here are a few ideas to keep it fun and fresh:
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Berry Mix: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry mousse.
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Chocolate Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the base for a chocolate-strawberry fusion.
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Citrus Zing: Add grated lemon or orange zest for a citrusy lift.
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Tropical Fusion: Blend in a few chunks of mango or pineapple for an island-inspired treat.
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Spiced Variation: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor perfect for colder months.
Who Will Love This Mousse?
This recipe is a winner for almost everyone. Vegans love it because it’s dairy free and plant based. Those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies can finally enjoy mousse without worry. Fitness enthusiasts appreciate the low sugar, nutrient rich profile. And foodies adore the fresh, clean flavors and customizable nature.
Even if you’re someone who usually sticks to traditional desserts, this mousse is worth trying. Its simplicity and flavor might just surprise you.
Conclusion:
In a world where many desserts come with trade offs between taste and health, simplicity and elegance Dairy Free Strawberry Mousse is a rare gem. It delivers everything we want from dessert: satisfaction, richness, freshness, and beauty, all while keeping it clean and nourishing.
Whether you’re serving guests or just treating yourself to a moment of joy, this mousse proves that plant-based desserts can be every bit as indulgent and impressive as their classic counterparts. With only a few ingredients and a bit of blending, you’re rewarded with a spoonful of summer that’s light, creamy, and utterly unforgettable.
So go ahead grab a spoon, dig in, and savor the sweetness of strawberries, the creaminess of coconut, and the magic of guilt free indulgence.