Strawberry Mousse Pie: A Light, Creamy, and Fruity Delight!
Get ready to indulge in a cloud of strawberry bliss with this exquisite Strawberry Mousse Pie! This no-bake dessert features a luscious, airy strawberry mousse nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust. Made with fresh strawberries, rich whipped cream, and just a touch of gelatin for stability, it’s a wonderfully light, fruity, and elegant treat that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings, or anytime you crave a taste of fresh berries!
This pie offers a delightful combination of textures: the crisp, sweet crust, and the smooth, ethereal mousse that melts in your mouth. The vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries shines through, making it a truly refreshing and satisfying dessert that’s surprisingly easy to create.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust (9-inch size)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 3 cups sliced)
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin (such as Knox, about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Equipment:
- Blender or food processor
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Small microwave-safe bowl or ramekin
- Whisk or spatula
- Rubber spatula (for smoothing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
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Bloom the Gelatin: In a small microwave-safe bowl or ramekin, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin evenly over the 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to “bloom” or soften. It will absorb the water and become thick and jelly-like.
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Prepare Strawberry Puree: Place the hulled and sliced fresh strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. You should have about 1½ cups of puree. Set aside.
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Whip the Cream: In a large mixing bowl, pour the 1 cup cold heavy cream, ½ cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to over-whip, or it will become grainy.
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Dissolve Gelatin: Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 10–15 seconds on high, or until it is fully dissolved and clear (it should not be hot, just melted). Stir to ensure no granules remain.
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Fold in Strawberry Puree: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream mixture using a spatula until well combined. The mixture should be a lovely pale pink.
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Incorporate Gelatin: Slowly drizzle the melted gelatin into the strawberry mousse mixture while continuing to gently fold. Mix until the gelatin is fully incorporated. This step helps stabilize the mousse.
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Fill the Crust: Carefully pour the strawberry mousse into the pre-made graham cracker pie crust. Use a rubber spatula to smooth the top evenly.
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Chill & Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the mousse is fully set and firm to the touch.
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Serve: Once set, slice the Strawberry Mousse Pie using a sharp knife. For the prettiest slices, you can run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between cuts. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a dollop of extra whipped cream if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful, light dessert!
Tips & Variations:
- Fresh Strawberries are Best: The flavor of this pie truly shines with fresh, ripe strawberries. Frozen strawberries can be used, but ensure they are thawed and well-drained, and you might want to increase the amount slightly for flavor intensity.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the whipped cream based on the sweetness of your strawberries and your personal preference.
- Other Berries: This recipe can be adapted for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. Adjust sugar if needed based on berry tartness.
- Pie Crust: While a graham cracker crust is classic, a shortbread or vanilla wafer crust would also be delicious.
- Garnish Ideas: Besides fresh strawberries or whipped cream, a few mint leaves, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of toasted coconut can add a lovely touch.
- Storage: Store leftover pie covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.