Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse Recipe

Introduction

Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse is a light, creamy, and indulgent dessert that combines the best of two beloved treats: cheesecake and mousse. This no-bake, easy-to-make dessert offers a fluffy texture with the rich, tangy flavor of cheesecake, all topped with fresh strawberries for a refreshing finish. Whether you’re preparing it for a summer gathering, a special occasion, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this mousse is sure to impress.

The beauty of Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse lies in its simplicity and versatility. The combination of whipped cream, cream cheese, and fresh strawberries results in a dessert that’s rich yet light, satisfying yet refreshing. This guide will walk you through each step of making this luscious mousse, share tips for perfecting it, and offer fun variations to explore.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse

• Light and Fluffy: The mousse has a light, airy texture that makes it feel indulgent without being too heavy. The whipped cream gives it a fluffy consistency, while the cream cheese provides that rich cheesecake flavor.
• No-Bake Dessert: This dessert is incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking. With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare it in no time, making it a great option for those who are short on time or new to baking.
• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tangy, slightly sweet flavor of the cream cheese is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the strawberries. It’s the perfect combination of creamy, fruity, and just the right amount of sweetness.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness to your liking and even swap out the strawberries for other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches for a different twist.
• Impressive Presentation: With its creamy texture and vibrant strawberry topping, this mousse looks as good as it tastes. Whether you serve it in individual cups or in a large dish, it’s sure to be a showstopper.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 22-25g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 18-22g

Ingredients

For the Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, to enhance the flavor)
• 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberries

Start by preparing the strawberries. Rinse them well and dice them into small pieces, then set them aside. If you’d like, you can reserve a few whole strawberries for garnishing the mousse later. In a small bowl, combine the diced strawberries with the strawberry jam (or preserves) and the optional tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss the strawberries gently to coat them, and let them sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the fruit to soften slightly.

2. Whip the Cream Cheese

In a medium-sized bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes. It’s essential that the cream cheese is softened before starting to ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients. Once smooth, add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and continue to beat until it’s fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy.

3. Whip the Heavy Cream

In a separate bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes on medium-high speed. The whipped cream should be thick enough to hold its shape but not overbeaten. Be careful not to go too far, or the cream can turn into butter.

4. Combine the Whipped Cream and Cream Cheese Mixture

Once both the cream cheese mixture and the whipped cream are ready, gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Use a spatula and fold in the whipped cream in batches, carefully mixing it until everything is well incorporated. Be gentle when folding to maintain the airy, fluffy texture of the mousse.

5. Add the Strawberries

Next, add the marinated strawberries (with the jam) into the mousse mixture and gently fold them in. The strawberries will add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the mousse. If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, you can also add a small amount of strawberry puree at this point.

6. Chill the Mousse

Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mousse to set and firm up. Chilling also helps the flavors meld together, making the mousse even more flavorful. If you’re serving the mousse in individual cups, this is also a great opportunity to add a layer of crushed graham crackers to the bottom of each cup to mimic a cheesecake crust.

7. Garnish and Serve

After the mousse has chilled and set, garnish with extra fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful finish. If you used graham crackers, you can sprinkle a few more crumbs on top for a crunchy texture that adds to the cheesecake experience. Serve the mousse chilled and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. Cold cream cheese will be harder to blend and may result in a lumpy mousse.
• Don’t Overwhip the Cream: When whipping the heavy cream, stop once stiff peaks form. Overwhipping can cause the cream to become grainy or turn into butter.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can be used, but they may release more liquid, which can affect the mousse’s consistency.
• Add More Strawberry Flavor: For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can blend a handful of strawberries into a puree and fold it into the mousse mixture along with the diced strawberries.
• Gently Fold: When combining the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture, be gentle and fold carefully to keep the mousse light and airy. Overmixing will deflate the mousse.

Variations of Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse

• Mixed Berry Cheesecake Mousse: Swap the strawberries for other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. You can use a mix of your favorite berries for a colorful and flavorful variation of this mousse.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse: Add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture or drizzle chocolate ganache on top before serving for a decadent twist.
• Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits: For a layered version, alternate layers of mousse with layers of graham cracker crumbs, strawberry slices, or other fruits in individual glasses or jars. This adds visual appeal and gives each bite a delightful crunch.
• Strawberry Kiwi Cheesecake Mousse: Add diced kiwi to the mousse for a tropical twist. The tangy kiwi pairs beautifully with the sweet strawberries, making this variation a refreshing treat.

Storage and Shelf Life

Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for later. After serving, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The mousse should remain light and creamy but may lose some of its fluffiness after sitting for a while.

For longer storage, you can freeze the mousse. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator for several hours before serving, but be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse

While Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse is a delightful dessert on its own, pairing it with complementary treats can elevate your dining experience:

• Graham Cracker Crust: Serve the mousse in a graham cracker crust for an added cheesecake experience. The crunchy crust balances the creaminess of the mousse perfectly.
• Fruit Salad: A light, fresh fruit salad with a mix of berries and citrus would be the perfect pairing to this rich dessert. The freshness of the fruit complements the creamy mousse.
• Champagne or Sparkling Wine: For a celebratory touch, pair this dessert with a glass of sparkling wine or Champagne. The light bubbles and crisp acidity are a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the mousse.
• Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies: A crisp, minty cookie adds a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the mousse. It’s a fun addition for anyone who enjoys pairing different textures and flavors.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse is the perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and sweet, making it a dessert everyone will love. With its light, airy texture and rich flavor, it’s an indulgent treat that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing it for a special event, a family dinner, or just a sweet indulgence, this mousse is sure to become a favorite.

This recipe is adaptable to a variety of tastes, and the tips, variations, and storage options ensure you can perfect it every time. With its stunning presentation and delicious flavors, Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy this refreshing dessert that brings a little bit of cheesecake and a lot of joy to your table!