The Story & Intro
Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups are one of my favorite desserts to make when I want something light, fresh, and full of joy. Every spoonful feels like summer captured in a cup—the bright tang of lemon, the sweet, fragrant strawberries, and the airy creaminess of mousse.
Hi👋 I’m MARILYN, a 34-year-old from the United Kingdom. Cooking is my passion, and I love sharing delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Join me on marilynrecipes.com to explore a world of culinary delights, from comforting classics to innovative creations. Let’s make cooking fun and enjoyable for everyone! Cooking is about more than just food it’s about sharing stories and making memories.
I first made these Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups on a sunny afternoon. I wanted something quick, elegant, and perfect for sharing with friends. I had fresh strawberries on the counter and lemons in the fridge, and the idea of a light mousse in pretty cups just clicked. The result? A dessert that’s soft, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible. I serve these Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups at family gatherings, tea parties, or whenever I want a sweet, cheerful treat.
The delicate mousse texture, combined with fruity layers, makes this dessert feel indulgent without being heavy. Every time I make Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups, I feel like I’m giving my family a little bite of happiness, and they always ask for seconds.
Why I Love Making This Recipe
I love making Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups because they’re simple, quick, and elegant. Unlike layered cakes, they require no baking, which makes them perfect for warm days or last-minute guests.
The lemon adds a refreshing brightness, while the strawberries give natural sweetness and beautiful color. The mousse itself is light and airy, melting in your mouth and leaving you with that delightful “I want more” feeling.
I also love how versatile this recipe is. I can serve it in little glasses for individual portions, in jars for a picnic, or even in fancy dessert cups for special occasions. It always looks pretty, tastes amazing, and makes everyone feel special.
Ingredients & Little Kitchen Secrets
Ingredients
- 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional garnish: fresh strawberry slices, lemon zest, or mint leaves
My Little Kitchen Secrets
I always macerate the strawberries with sugar and a little lemon juice for 15–20 minutes. This draws out their natural juices, making them sweeter and juicier, which intensifies the flavor of the mousse.
For a perfectly airy mousse, I whip the cream until soft peaks form before folding it into the strawberry mixture. I gently fold to keep the mousse light and fluffy.
If I want a slightly tangier mousse, I add extra lemon zest on top before serving. I also sometimes layer crushed biscuits or graham crackers at the bottom of the cup for a subtle crunch.
How I Make It, Step by Step
- I sprinkle the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it bloom for 5 minutes.
- While the gelatin blooms, I macerate the strawberries with sugar and lemon juice in a bowl for 15–20 minutes.
- I puree the macerated strawberries using a blender until smooth.
- I gently warm the bloomed gelatin for 10 seconds in the microwave and whisk it into the strawberry puree until fully combined.
- I whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then gently fold in the vanilla extract.
- I fold a small portion of the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture to lighten it, then fold in the rest until fully incorporated.
- I spoon the mousse into individual cups or glasses, filling them about three-quarters full.
- I chill the cups in the fridge for at least 2 hours or until set.
- Before serving, I garnish with fresh strawberry slices, lemon zest, or a mint leaf.
How I Serve It at Home
I love serving Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups chilled on a sunny afternoon. They’re perfect as a light dessert after a hearty lunch or for a cozy tea time.
Sometimes I add a few edible flowers on top for a delicate, beautiful touch. My family enjoys them straight from the fridge, and they always feel like a little indulgence.
For gatherings, I line them up in a row on a tray. The layered colors of the mousse and fresh strawberries always make them look festive and inviting.
Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead Tips
Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups must be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. They stay fresh for up to 3 days.
I don’t recommend freezing them because the mousse can lose its airy texture when thawed.
I often make the mousse a day ahead. Chilling overnight allows the flavors to meld beautifully, giving the dessert an even brighter taste and firmer set.
100-Word Short Version
Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups are light, airy, and full of fresh flavor. I macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice, blend them into a smooth puree, then fold in whipped cream for a soft, dreamy mousse. I chill the mousse in individual cups, garnish with fresh strawberries and lemon zest, and serve as a refreshing, elegant dessert. Perfect for summer gatherings, tea parties, or any day I want a sweet, bright treat, these Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups are easy to make, visually stunning, and irresistibly delicious. Everyone loves the light, fruity flavor and creamy texture.
Recipe Card
⏱️ Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional garnish: fresh strawberries, lemon zest, mint
👩🍳 Instructions
- Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for 15–20 minutes.
- Puree macerated strawberries until smooth.
- Warm gelatin slightly and whisk into strawberry puree.
- Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks, add vanilla.
- Fold whipped cream into strawberry mixture gently until smooth.
- Spoon mousse into cups, filling three-quarters full.
- Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, lemon zest, or mint.
📝 Notes
For brighter flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Handle whipped cream gently to maintain airy texture. Can layer with crushed biscuits for added crunch.
🍽️ Nutrition (per cup, approx.)
Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 11g
Sugar: 14g
Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups are light, airy, and full of fresh flavor. This no-bake dessert features sweet macerated strawberries blended with lemon and folded into whipped cream for a dreamy, refreshing treat perfect for summer or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Optional garnish: fresh strawberries, lemon zest, mint
Instructions
- Bloom gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.
- Macerate strawberries with sugar and lemon juice for 15–20 minutes.
- Puree macerated strawberries until smooth.
- Warm gelatin slightly and whisk into strawberry puree.
- Whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks, add vanilla.
- Fold whipped cream into strawberry mixture gently until smooth.
- Spoon mousse into cups, filling three-quarters full.
- Chill in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Garnish with fresh strawberries, lemon zest, or mint.
Notes
For brighter flavor, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Handle whipped cream gently to maintain airy texture. Can layer with crushed biscuits for added crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Conclusion
Every time I make Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups, I feel like I’m capturing a moment of joy. They’re light, refreshing, and effortlessly elegant, bringing a little summer to my kitchen no matter the season. I hope you enjoy making them as much as I do, sharing these delicate, creamy cups with your family and friends, and creating sweet memories together.