If you’re searching for a show-stopping dessert that’s as elegant as it is effortless, Raspberry Mousse is simply irresistible. With its delicate, cloud-like texture and vibrant berry flavor, this French-inspired treat is a celebration of summer’s best fruit. Whether you’re prepping for a dinner party or simply want to spoil yourself, Raspberry Mousse delivers a burst of fresh flavor in every spoonful, all with minimal fuss and a dash of pure delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fruit Base
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Gelatin Mixture
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves
How to Make Raspberry Mousse
Step 1: Purée and Strain the Raspberries
Begin by adding your raspberries to a blender or food processor. Blitz until completely smooth, then pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a saucepan. This extra step removes the seeds, guaranteeing your Raspberry Mousse is silky and refined — absolutely worth the few extra minutes!
Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor the Berry Mixture
Stir the sugar and lemon juice into the raspberry purée in the saucepan. Place over medium heat and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sugar dissolves. The lemon juice really wakes up the berry flavor, making your mousse taste bright and fresh.
Step 3: Bloom and Add the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This is called blooming, and it ensures the gelatin dissolves smoothly later. Once the raspberry mixture is warm and the sugar is dissolved, stir in the bloomed gelatin until it’s completely melted and incorporated. Take the pan off the heat and let everything cool to room temperature — patience here pays off with the perfect set!
Step 4: Whip the Cream
While your raspberry mixture cools, whip the chilled heavy cream and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Cold cream whips better and holds air, which is key to a mousse that’s light as air. The gentle vanilla note will bring a subtle warmth to the finished dessert.
Step 5: Fold and Chill
Once the raspberry mixture is fully cooled, gently fold it into the whipped cream. Take your time — folding keeps all that lovely air in the cream, making the mousse fluffy. Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses, then let them chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours until set. When you’re ready to serve, a few fresh raspberries and mint leaves on top make these little cups truly special!
How to Serve Raspberry Mousse
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off Raspberry Mousse like a handful of fresh raspberries and a sprig of mint. The berries add a juicy pop, while the mint makes everything look (and taste) garden-fresh. For a touch of elegance, try a dusting of powdered sugar or a few curls of white chocolate — your guests will swoon!
Side Dishes
Since Raspberry Mousse is so light and fruity, it pairs beautifully with crisp almond cookies, buttery shortbread, or a handful of candied nuts. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside a platter of mixed berries or even a scoop of lemon sorbet to keep things cool and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
You can pipe Raspberry Mousse into tiny glass jars for a picnic, spoon it into delicate teacups for a tea party, or layer it with sponge cake and whipped cream for a stunning parfait. Individual ramekins or elegant wine glasses turn this simple mousse into a showpiece dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Raspberry Mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The texture stays beautifully airy, and the flavors actually deepen a little overnight — it makes the perfect next-day treat!
Freezing
If you’d like to prepare Raspberry Mousse well in advance, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The mousse may lose a bit of its signature fluffiness, but the flavor and color remain bright and inviting.
Reheating
Good news: Raspberry Mousse is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require any reheating. If it’s been in the fridge or freezer, just let it stand at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to soften slightly before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries for Raspberry Mousse?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work perfectly as long as you thaw them first. They’re convenient and available year-round, so you can enjoy this mousse whenever the craving strikes.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?
Yes, you can try using agar-agar powder as a vegetarian substitute. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount and blooming process, as it sets differently from gelatin.
Can I make Raspberry Mousse a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, making Raspberry Mousse a day ahead often results in an even better texture and flavor. Just keep it chilled and covered until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a fine mesh sieve?
If you don’t have a mesh sieve, you can line a strainer with cheesecloth or even use a clean tea towel to strain out the raspberry seeds. This extra step really makes a difference in creating a smooth, luxurious mousse.
How can I make Raspberry Mousse dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream alternative and make sure your gelatin is plant-based. The mousse will have a subtle coconut note, which pairs wonderfully with raspberries!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a homemade Raspberry Mousse — it’s light, luscious, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and fall in love with every creamy, berry-packed bite!
Print
Raspberry Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A light and airy Raspberry Mousse made with fresh raspberries, whipped cream, and a hint of vanilla. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for a refreshing summer treat or elegant dinner finale.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Gelatin Mixture
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh raspberries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Raspberry Purée: In a blender or food processor, purée the raspberries until smooth. Pass the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, ensuring a silky texture. Transfer the strained purée into a small saucepan.
- Cook with Sugar and Lemon: Add the granulated sugar and lemon juice to the saucepan with the raspberry purée. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat.
- Bloom the Gelatin: Sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the gelatin to soften and ‘bloom’ for proper dissolution.
- Dissolve Gelatin in Purée: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm raspberry purée until the gelatin fully dissolves. Let the mixture cool to room temperature to prevent curdling the cream.
- Whip the Cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract with a mixer until soft peaks form, giving the mousse its characteristic light texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the cooled raspberry mixture into the whipped cream carefully to maintain the airy texture until completely combined and smooth.
- Chill to Set: Spoon or pipe the mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the mousse to fully set and develop flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves if desired to add a fresh and elegant touch.
Notes
- For an ultra-smooth texture, make sure to strain the raspberry purée thoroughly to remove seeds.
- You can prepare the mousse a day in advance to enhance the flavor and improve texture.
- If desired, substitute gelatin with vegetarian-friendly agar-agar but adjust the setting time accordingly.
- Use chilled cream and bowl for better whipping results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
