If you enjoy light, airy, and fruity desserts, this Strawberry Mousse is sure to become a favorite. It’s creamy and full of real strawberry flavor, yet quick and simple to prepare—no complicated techniques required.
With just a few everyday ingredients—including a convenient shortcut using strawberry Jello—you can make a luscious mousse that tastes like a bakery dessert. The recipe comes together in minutes; the only patience required is letting it chill and set in the refrigerator.
Whether you’re making it for a celebration or a simple treat, this strawberry mousse is impressive, versatile, and loved by both kids and adults.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple steps and no special equipment—mix, blend, and chill.
- Light & Fluffy: An airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Bold Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries plus strawberry Jello deliver vibrant fruitiness.
- Creamy & Balanced: Cream cheese adds richness and a slight tang for depth.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and refrigerate until serving—ideal for entertaining.
- Customizable: Top with extra berries, whipped cream, or crushed cookies for added texture.
- Family Favorite: A crowd-pleasing dessert for all ages.
Ingredients
The printable recipe card with exact measurements and details is included below.
- Strawberry Jello: Provides color and a sweet strawberry base.
- Boiling water: Dissolves the Jello for a smooth mixture.
- Strawberries: Fresh, sliced strawberries intensify the natural fruit flavor.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese adds creaminess and a subtle tang.
- Cold water: Cools the Jello mixture before combining with other ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and aroma.
- Cool Whip: Keeps the mousse light and fluffy. (You can substitute stabilized whipped cream if preferred.)
- Optional garnish: Sliced strawberries and extra Cool Whip for a pretty finish.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse
Follow these easy steps to make a smooth, airy strawberry mousse.
- Step One: In a medium bowl, add the Jello mix and pour in boiling water. Stir until the Jello is fully dissolved.
- Step Two: Transfer the dissolved Jello to a blender. Add the sliced strawberries, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and cold water. Blend about one minute, until smooth.
- Step Three: Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl and gently whisk in the Cool Whip until evenly combined and light.
- Step Four: Spoon the mousse into four serving dishes and refrigerate for at least two hours to set.
- Step Five: Before serving, garnish with additional sliced strawberries and a dollop of Cool Whip if desired.
What to Serve With It
- Cookies or Biscuits: Shortbread, vanilla wafers, or ladyfingers add a nice crunch.
- Chocolate Shavings: Adds a rich contrast to the fruity mousse.
- Fresh Berries: Raspberries or blueberries pair well for a colorful topping.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: A sprinkle creates a cheesecake-inspired layer.
- Whipped Cream: Extra Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream makes it more indulgent.
- Mint Leaves: A small sprig brightens the presentation and adds freshness.
- Drizzle of Sauce: Try a bit of chocolate, caramel, or strawberry sauce for a gourmet touch.
Variations and Substitutions
- Different Jello Flavors: Use raspberry, cherry, or peach Jello for a different fruit profile.
- Add a Crunchy Layer: Place crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs in the bottom of serving dishes.
- Extra Fruit: Fold in small chopped strawberries before chilling for bursts of fresh fruit.
- Chocolate Twist: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the blender for a chocolate-strawberry version.
- Frozen Strawberries: Thaw completely before using to avoid excess water in the mousse.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover each dish. Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For a more ice-cream-like texture, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Allow to sit at room temperature a few minutes before serving.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the mousse the night before and chill overnight for best results and a firmer set.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Dissolve Jello Fully: Stir until no granules remain to ensure a silky mousse.
- Use Softened Cream Cheese: Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Blend Thoroughly: A high-speed blender or food processor yields the creamiest texture—blend at least one minute.
- Cool the Jello Slightly: Let it cool briefly before adding Cool Whip so the mousse doesn’t become runny.
- Fold Gently: Whisk or fold in the Cool Whip carefully to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Chill Long Enough: Allow at least two hours, or overnight, for the best texture.
- Serve Elegantly: Present in wine glasses or dessert cups and add fresh strawberries and extra whipped cream for an upscale look.
Related Strawberry Recipes
- Cream Cheese Stuffed Strawberry Bread
- Strawberry No-Bake Cheesecake
- Strawberry Cream Pie
- Strawberry Ice Cream
- Strawberry Sauce
- Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad
- Strawberry Agua Fresca
Try other fruit mousse variations such as cherry, lemon cheesecake, or raspberry cheesecake cups for more dessert ideas.
Strawberry Mousse
This light and fluffy Strawberry Mousse is an easy, no-bake dessert bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Made with Jello, cream cheese, and Cool Whip, it’s creamy and perfect for any occasion.
Servings 4
Prep Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package strawberry Jello (4 serving size)
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup Cool Whip, thawed
- Sliced strawberries and Cool Whip for garnish, if desired
Instructions
- Add the Jello to a medium bowl and pour in the boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved.
- Pour the Jello into a blender. Add strawberries, softened cream cheese, vanilla, and cold water. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl and gently whisk in the Cool Whip until combined.
- Spoon into four dessert dishes and refrigerate for at least two hours to set.
- Garnish with sliced strawberries and extra Cool Whip before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 273 kcal | Carbohydrates: 31 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 15 g | Saturated Fat: 10 g | Cholesterol: 29 mg | Sodium: 201 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 27 g
Nutrition information is an estimate from an online calculator and should not replace professional advice.
Course Desserts
Cuisine American
Keyword mousse, strawberry