Short description

I’m so excited to share this strawberry mousse recipe that’s naturally eggless, dairy-free (unless cream cheese is used), and free from gelatin, Cool Whip, condensed milk, heavy cream, mascarpone, agar agar, or strawberry Jell‑O. It’s designed to work with various dietary styles—vegan, gluten-free, paleo, keto, and sugar-free. A versatile, creamy, and airy dessert with endless tweaks!

Strawberry Mousse

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple yet adaptable this mousse is. It blends wholesome ingredients—cream cheese or coconut cream, sweetener, optional yogurt, and strawberry purée—into a luscious, fluffy dessert. I don’t need gelatin or heavy creams, and it’s naturally egg-free. Plus, whether I’m craving keto-friendly sweetness or a vegan treat, this recipe fits the bill beautifully.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Fresh strawberries
Cream cheese (or thick coconut cream for dairy-free/vegan)
Sweetener of choice: powdered sugar, monk fruit/allulose blend, erythritol, or powdered xylitol for sugar-free
Optional: plain or Greek yogurt
Optional: vanilla bean paste

directions

Read through the recipe instructions and gather ingredients.
If using cream cheese, I let it come to room temperature for smooth blending. If using coconut cream, I check the can to ensure it’s thick and creamy—not flaky.
I remove the strawberry stems and purée the berries until smooth using a blender or mash them for texture.
I add cream cheese or coconut cream, sweetener, yogurt (if using), and vanilla bean paste into the blender or bowl.
Using a food processor, hand mixer, or blender, I whip the mixture until stiff peaks form—this whips air in and gives mousse its fluffiness. A fork works too but yields a denser texture.
I transfer the mousse into glasses, bowls, or cups.
Chill in the refrigerator—they thicken considerably as they cool.

Servings and timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings (½ cup each).
Prep time: 10–15 minutes to purée strawberries and blend ingredients.
Chill time: At least 1–2 hours in the refrigerator for best texture.

Variations

Vegan: Use coconut cream and omit yogurt or use plant-based yogurt.
Paleo/refined sugar-free: Swap in maple syrup or date syrup as sweetener in place of powdered sugar.
Keto/sugar-free: Sweeten with monk fruit, erythritol, or xylitol instead of sugar.
Flavor boosts: Add citrus zest, a splash of almond extract, or layer mousse with granola, fresh berries, or dairy-free chocolate.
Texture adjustments: Fold in whipped coconut cream or a little aquafaba for extra fluff.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. While I can freeze it, the creamy texture suffers—freezing changes the consistency. I recommend enjoying it cold, right from the fridge.

FAQs

How can I make this mousse lighter and airier?

I find that using a food processor, electric hand mixer, or blender to whip the mixture helps incorporate more air. Whipping until stiff peaks form gives the lightest texture.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often prepare the mousse and chill it ahead—1 to 2 hours or even overnight works perfectly. The chilling time lets the mousse thicken and flavors deepen.

What’s the best sugar-free sweetener option?

For keto, I stick with powdered monk fruit, allulose, erythritol, or powdered xylitol. I avoid stevia—its potency and consistency can lead to a runny texture.

I don’t have a mixer. Can I use a fork?

Yes—but the mousse will be much denser since I can’t whip in much air with a fork. It’ll still taste great but lack that light, fluffy feel.

Is coconut cream an exact substitute for cream cheese?

It works well texturally but yields a different flavor. If I need to mimic the tangy cream cheese taste, I mix in a bit of dairy-free yogurt or opt for vegan cream cheese instead.

Conclusion

I always love how this strawberry mousse hits the mark—deeply fruity, fluffy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether I’m doing sugar-free, vegan, or paleo, I tweak just a few ingredients and get an indulgent yet clean dessert. It’s easy to pull together, feels elegant, and leaves me wanting more. Give it a try—I notice how bright the strawberry flavor is and how versatile this mousse can truly be!