Print

No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Mousse

No-Bake Chocolate Strawberry Mousse - recipe card
Print Recipe
Print Recipe

A luxurious no-bake dessert featuring a silky chocolate mousse layered with fresh strawberries. The mousse is light and airy from whipped cream, with a rich chocolate flavor balanced by the natural sweetness of strawberries. Perfect for a quick yet elegant treat that requires no oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tsp unflavored gelatin powder
  • 2 tbsp cold water
  • 8 oz semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream, divided into 1/4 cup and 3/4 cup
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and finely chopped
  • 4 fresh strawberries, sliced, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes until spongy and absorbed. This ensures the gelatin dissolves evenly and sets the mousse properly without lumps.
  2. Place the chopped chocolate and 1/4 cup of heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, about 1-2 minutes total. Avoid overheating to prevent the chocolate from seizing and becoming grainy.
  3. After blooming, microwave the gelatin mixture for 10-15 seconds until it becomes liquid and clear. Immediately stir it into the melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated, which adds stability and a firm set to the mousse as it chills.
  4. In a chilled mixing bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Whip on medium-high speed with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overwhip to avoid turning the cream into butter, which would ruin the texture.
  5. Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula. Use a figure-eight motion, scraping from the bottom up, until no white streaks remain. This preserves the airiness of the mousse while ensuring even chocolate distribution.
  6. Hull and finely chop 1 cup of strawberries. Gently fold half of the chopped strawberries into the chocolate mousse mixture to incorporate bursts of fruit flavor and texture without deflating the cream.
  7. Divide the remaining chopped strawberries evenly among 4 serving glasses or bowls, creating a base layer. This adds a fresh strawberry element that contrasts with the creamy mousse.
  8. Spoon the chocolate mousse over the strawberry layer in each glass, filling them evenly. Smooth the tops with the spatula for a neat presentation that will set uniformly during chilling.
  9. Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the mousse to set firmly. The gelatin and chilled cream will create a stable, rich texture that holds its shape when served.
  10. Before serving, slice the additional strawberries and arrange them on top of each mousse as garnish. Serve immediately while chilled for the best flavor and consistency, ensuring a refreshing dessert experience.

Notes

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; do not freeze as the texture may become grainy due to separation. Serve chilled directly from the fridge for optimal results, and avoid leaving at room temperature for more than 30 minutes to maintain structure.

Nutrition

Keywords: no-bake chocolate strawberry mousse, chocolate strawberry mousse recipe, French dessert, easy no-cook dessert, summer dessert, chocolate mousse, strawberry dessert, whipped cream dessert, party dessert, quick dessert, no-oven dessert, creamy chocolate dessert

Find it online: https://inagartencooks.com/no-bake-chocolate-strawberry-mousse-recipe/