Pin it
Whenever I want something simple and wow-worthy that feels like sunshine in a cup, I whip up this fluffy strawberry treat. Juicy berries and smooth whipped filling make it a hit, whether it's a random Wednesday or a family get-together.
The first time I made this, I needed something quick but still fun for a birthday dinner. Everyone loved it. Now, it's my go-to for surprise guests.
Creamy Ingredients
- Extra strawberries & more Cool Whip: for topping, grab the sweetest berries you can find for prettiest results
- Cool Whip: gives that light, fluffy feel, just let it thaw so it stirs in easily to make everything cloud-soft
- Vanilla extract: boosts the taste and gives a sweet scent—I like the real stuff if you can get it
- Cold water: helps the mousse firm up with just the right bounce, filtered is best for clean flavor
- Cream cheese: brings in creamy tang and balances the sweetness, let it warm up so it mixes without lumps
- Fresh strawberries: the main flavor, adds a burst of real berry goodness, go for dark red, fragrant ones
- Boiling water: melts the Jello for a silky mousse, be sure your water is truly bubbling hot
- Strawberry Jello mix: gives a bright color and helps everything hold together, pick a good brand if you can
Simple Steps
- Garnish and Serve:
- Just before eating, add some fresh sliced strawberries and a puff of Cool Whip on each dish. Keep them chilled until you pass them out.
- Chill and Set:
- Spoon the mousse into little cups or bowls. Let them hang out in the fridge for a couple hours so they firm up and turn creamy.
- Mix in the Whipped Topping:
- Scoop your berry mixture into a big bowl. Fold in Cool Whip using a big whisk. Mix until the color is totally even and no white streaks show up. That's how it gets so airy.
- Blend the Fruit Mix:
- Put your dissolved Jello, berries, soft cream cheese, vanilla, and cold water in a blender. Blend well for a full minute. You want it totally smooth—no leftover chunks.
- Prep the Jello:
- Pour the Jello powder into a bowl, add the boiling water, and stir until it's fully melted and not gritty at all. Make sure it's blended well for a smooth mousse later.
Pin it
Strawberries are the key here for me. Still remember laughing as my kid helped me slice berries for her birthday and sneaking extras when she thought I wasn't watching. That burst of berry flavor always brings back summer vibes.
Keeping It Fresh
Pop your strawberry mousse in the fridge and it'll stay tasty for up to three days. Just cover it up tight so it won't soak up any strange smells. Wait to add the toppings till you're ready to eat for the best look and taste. Freezing can mess up the smoothness, so skip that.
Swaps and Changes
If Cool Whip isn't around, regular whipped cream works—just beat it to soft, pillowy peaks. Switch up the berries with raspberries or a berry blend, but blend everything until it’s super smooth. You can use low-fat cream cheese, but it'll turn out a little less rich.
Ways to Serve
These cups fit right in at picnics, a sunny party, or with afternoon tea. Layer mousse and cake cubes in a big bowl for a real show-off dessert. Small jars or glasses make these easy to hand out at potlucks.
Pin it
Food History
Mousse started out big in France, but this American version skips eggs and uses Jello and ready-made whipped topping for a quick, breathable texture. Folks really picked it up in the 1950s for no-stress desserts and potlucks when they wanted something fast but tasty too.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep it soft and fluffy?
Mix everything thoroughly, then carefully fold the whipped topping in. Don’t overmix, and let it chill completely before serving.
- → Can I swap fresh with frozen strawberries?
Absolutely! Make sure to thaw and drain them well first to avoid watering down the dessert.
- → How long should it stay in the fridge?
Give it at least two hours to set fully and reach the best fluffy texture.
- → Any cream cheese replacements?
You can try mascarpone or thick Greek yogurt for a similar rich texture. The flavor might be a little different.
- → What’s a good topping suggestion?
Slice up some fresh strawberries and add a dollop of whipped cream on top before serving for a bright finishing touch.