If you are craving a dessert that feels like a sweet hug in a glass, this Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe will quickly become your new best friend. It’s light, fluffy, and bursting with the fresh, vibrant flavor of strawberries, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. The combination of creamy whipped texture and fresh berry puree creates a stunning, layered parfait that delights both the eyes and the palate. Whether you want to impress guests or indulge yourself, these parfaits are irresistibly easy and wonderfully refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredients fool you; each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of rich creaminess and fruity brightness that makes this Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe so special.
- Fresh sliced strawberries: Using ripe, fresh berries ensures the puree is naturally sweet and vibrant in color.
- Granulated sugar: Just enough sugar brings out the natural strawberry flavor without overpowering it.
- Heavy whipping cream: This is the star of the mousse, providing luscious texture and richness when whipped into soft peaks.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe
Step 1: Chill your mixing bowl
Pop your mixing bowl—preferably from a stand mixer—into the freezer about 30 minutes before you start. Having a chilled bowl helps the heavy cream whip up faster and fluffier, which is essential for that airy, mousse-like consistency everyone loves.
Step 2: Prepare the strawberry puree
Add your fresh sliced strawberries and granulated sugar to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and luscious. Then, reserve about half a cup of this puree for layering later—this keeps the parfait beautifully distinct with layers of fresh strawberry flavor.
Step 3: Whip the cream to perfection
Pour the heavy whipping cream into your chilled bowl. Start beating on low speed and gradually increase to high until you reach stiff peaks—this means when you lift the beater, the cream holds its shape firmly. If it’s under-whipped, the mousse won’t hold its airy texture; if over-whipped, it might become grainy.
Step 4: Fold in strawberry puree
Gently fold the remaining strawberry puree into the whipped cream. This folding technique is crucial to keep the mixture light and airy, blending the fresh strawberry flavor evenly throughout without deflating the mousse.
Step 5: Assemble your parfaits
Divide your reserved strawberry puree evenly between your serving glasses or jars, spreading it along the bottom layer. Spoon or pipe the strawberry mousse over the puree, creating that attractive layered effect. Chill the parfaits in the refrigerator for at least 1 to 2 hours to set and let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and enjoy
Right before serving, top with extra sliced fresh strawberries or any other berry of your choice for added texture and a pop of color. This final touch makes your Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe feel truly special and inviting.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh strawberries work wonderfully as a garnish, adding a juicy burst against the creamy mousse. You might also consider a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds for an extra hint of aroma and crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these parfaits as a sweet finale to a light, summery meal. They pair perfectly with simple dishes like grilled chicken salad or a fresh citrus tart. Their fruity creaminess offers a soothing contrast to savory or tangy dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the visual impact up a notch by layering the mousse and puree in clear, elegant glasses or small mason jars. For a playful twist, alternate layers with crumbled shortbread or graham crackers to add a delightful crunch. You could even mix in some finely chopped basil or lemon zest for an unexpected flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe left over, cover them tightly with plastic wrap or lids and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though enjoying them fresh is always best for texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe because the delicate mousse texture can separate or become grainy when thawed. It’s best to prepare these parfaits fresh to enjoy their creamy fluffiness at its peak.
Reheating
Since this dessert is meant to be served chilled and creamy, reheating is not suitable. Simply allow refrigerated parfaits to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving if you want to soften the mousse slightly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries produce the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid watery mousse. The taste might be slightly less vibrant but still delicious.
Is there a substitute for heavy whipping cream?
Heavy whipping cream is key for the mousse’s airy texture. Substitutes like coconut cream can work for a dairy-free version, but the flavor and consistency might shift quite a bit.
How long can I store the parfaits before serving?
You can store assembled parfaits in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after chilling, but try to avoid keeping them longer as the texture may start to break down.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even mango chunks can add a fun twist. Just adjust the sweetness accordingly and keep layering the mousse and fruit puree for a colorful dessert.
What if my whipped cream doesn’t reach stiff peaks?
If your cream won’t stiffen, it might be too warm or the bowl wasn’t chilled enough. Try putting everything back in the fridge for a bit and whip again. Using fresh, high-fat cream also makes a big difference.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels both elegant and utterly comforting at the same time. It’s simple yet impressive, fresh yet indulgent, and perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a little personal treat. Trust me, once you taste these dreamy layers of strawberry bliss, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.
Print
Strawberry Mousse Parfaits Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Strawberry Mousse Parfaits recipe is a light and refreshing dessert combining sweet strawberry puree with fluffy whipped cream. It’s simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients, and is perfect for a delightful treat or entertaining guests. The parfaits are chilled to set, resulting in a creamy, airy texture balanced by the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
Strawberry Mixture
- 1.5 cups fresh sliced strawberries (8 oz.)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (64g)
Mousse
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (8 oz.)
To Garnish (optional)
- Sliced strawberries
Instructions
- Chill the Mixing Bowl: Place the Kitchenaid bowl or any mixing bowl you’ll use for whipping the cream into the freezer for 30 minutes to ensure it is well chilled, which helps create stable whipped cream.
- Prepare Strawberry Puree: Add the fresh sliced strawberries and granulated sugar to a food processor or blender, then blend into a smooth puree. Reserve 1/2 cup of this puree and set aside for layering later.
- Whip the Cream: Remove the chilled mixing bowl from the freezer, pour in the heavy whipping cream, and start beating it on low speed, gradually increasing to high until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Strawberry Puree: Gently fold the remaining strawberry puree (not the reserved 1/2 cup) into the whipped cream, being careful to keep the mixture light and airy without overmixing.
- Assemble the Parfaits: Divide the reserved 1/2 cup strawberry puree evenly between four glasses or containers, spreading it along the bottom as a base layer. Spoon the strawberry mousse on top of the puree in each glass.
- Chill to Set: Place the assembled parfaits in the refrigerator to chill for 1 to 2 hours (or longer) to allow the mousse to set properly.
- Garnish and Serve: When ready to serve, optionally top each parfait with additional sliced strawberries for garnish and enjoy the chilled dessert.
Notes
- Make sure the mixing bowl and beaters are well chilled to achieve the best whipped cream texture.
- You can adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your strawberries.
- If you prefer a smoother mousse, strain the strawberry puree to remove seeds before mixing with whipped cream.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with whipping cream or use half-and-half, but the mousse will be less stable.
- These parfaits can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
