Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse Recipe

This Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse is light, airy, and beautifully fresh, with a soft texture that melts in the mouth. Made with ripe strawberries and gently folded cream, it delivers a clean fruit flavour without heaviness. It is an ideal dessert for spring and summer, dinner parties, or when you want something elegant yet easy to prepare. There is no baking involved, and the mousse sets naturally in the fridge, making it a calm, stress-free dessert that still feels special.

What Is Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse?

Mary Berry’s strawberry mousse is a classic chilled dessert made by folding strawberry purée into whipped cream and a light egg base. Inspired by Mary Berry’s straightforward approach, the focus is on fresh flavour, gentle handling, and a smooth, airy finish rather than heavy richness.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Tiffin
• Mary Berry Apple Muffins
• Mary Berry Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

Why This Recipe Is Worth Trying

• Light and refreshing – Perfect after a heavier meal.
• Fresh strawberry flavour – Clean, natural sweetness.
• No oven required – Simple and reliable preparation.
• Make-ahead friendly – Sets well in the fridge.
• Elegant presentation – Ideal for serving in glasses.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse

• Fresh strawberries – 400 g, hulled
• Caster sugar – 75 g
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Gelatine leaves – 2 (or equivalent powdered gelatine)
• Egg whites – 2
• Double cream – 300 ml

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Blender or food processor – For smooth strawberry purée.
• Mixing bowls – Keeps each stage organised.
• Electric whisk – Helps whip cream and egg whites properly.
• Fine sieve – Optional, for extra-smooth purée.
• Serving glasses – For neat presentation.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse

• Prepare the strawberries – Blend strawberries with lemon juice until smooth.
• Sweeten gently – Stir caster sugar into the purée.
• Soften the gelatine – Soak gelatine leaves in cold water until soft.
• Dissolve gelatine – Melt gently and stir into the strawberry purée.
• Whip the cream – Beat to soft peaks in a separate bowl.
• Whisk egg whites – Beat until soft peaks form.
• Fold carefully – Gently fold cream, then egg whites, into the strawberry mixture.
• Chill to set – Spoon into glasses and refrigerate until set.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Loose mousse – Not cooling the purée before folding softened the set.
• Over-whipped cream – Softer peaks improved texture.
• Grainy gelatine – Dissolving fully prevented lumps.
• Flat flavour – A touch of lemon juice sharpened the strawberries.

Healthier Version of Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse

• Reduced sugar option – Slightly less sugar still works well.
• Extra fruit added – Boosts flavour without extra fat.
• Smaller portions served – Keeps the dessert light.
• Serve with fresh berries – Adds natural sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse

• Frozen strawberries – Use thawed and well-drained fruit.
• Vegetarian gelatine substitute – Agar-agar works if adjusted carefully.
• Whipping cream instead of double cream – Lighter texture.
• Lime juice instead of lemon – Adds a different citrus note.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse

• Fresh strawberry slices – Reinforces flavour.
• Shortbread biscuits – Adds gentle crunch.
• Mint leaves – Clean, fresh finish.
• White chocolate curls – Adds contrast.
• Light sponge fingers – Ideal for dipping.

Expert Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse

• Use ripe strawberries – Gives natural sweetness.
• Cool purée before folding – Protects the cream structure.
• Fold gently – Keeps the mousse airy.
• Dissolve gelatine fully – Prevents graininess.
• Chill long enough – At least 4 hours for best set.
• Serve well chilled – Enhances texture.
• Keep portions light – Mousse is meant to feel airy.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse

• Mixed berry version – Add raspberries or strawberries.
• Layered dessert – Alternate with crushed biscuits or sponge.
• Chocolate base – Add a thin chocolate layer at the bottom.
• Mini jar servings – Perfect for parties.
• Vanilla-scented cream – Adds warmth to the flavour.

Storing Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse the Right Way

• Cover before chilling – Prevents skin forming.
• Refrigerate only – Keeps fresh for up to 2 days.
• Avoid freezing – Affects texture.
• Serve cold – Best consistency.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse (If Needed)

This dessert should not be reheated. Serve straight from the fridge or allow it to sit briefly at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: Moderate
• Protein: From cream and egg whites
• Fat: From double cream
• Carbohydrates: From fruit and sugar
• Vitamin C: High due to strawberries

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FAQs

Why is my strawberry mousse not setting properly?

Strawberry mousse usually stays loose if the gelatine is not fully dissolved or the purée is still warm when mixed with the cream. Make sure the gelatine is melted completely, and allow the strawberry mixture to cool before folding in the cream and egg whites.

Can I make strawberry mousse without gelatine?

Gelatine is important for structure in this recipe. Without it, the mousse will be more like a soft cream and may not hold its shape. If needed, agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute, but it must be measured carefully and heated correctly.

Should strawberries be cooked before making mousse?

The strawberries do not need to be cooked, but blending them smoothly and straining if necessary helps achieve a silky texture. Cooking is only required to gently dissolve the gelatine, not the fruit itself.

How long should strawberry mousse chill before serving?

Strawberry mousse needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set properly. For the best texture and flavour, chilling overnight is ideal and gives a firmer, more stable mousse.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry Strawberry Mousse is a calm, elegant dessert that highlights fresh fruit and gentle technique. Light, smooth, and refreshing, it is a reliable recipe that suits both everyday meals and special occasions without feeling heavy or complicated.