There’s a certain magic that happens when ripe strawberries are blended into a light, airy mousse – a delight that feels like summer on a spoon! I discovered this Vegan Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse during a quest for a dessert that stays true to the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit while being free from dairy and eggs. Picture this: velvety, fluffy mousse that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to whip up, using just six ingredients.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to something sweet after a long day, this mousse delivers both elegance and ease. Plus, it’s naturally sweetened and can easily be adapted with other fruits like raspberries or blueberries, making it a versatile addition to your dessert repertoire. Join me as we dive into this refreshing treat that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also impress anyone lucky enough to share in the experience!
Why is Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse a Must-Try?
Light and Airy Delight: This mousse is incredibly fluffy, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth experience everyone craves.
Easy Preparation: With just six simple ingredients, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert ready in no time.
Naturally Sweetened: Say goodbye to processed sugars; maple syrup provides the perfect touch of sweetness.
Versatile Recipe: Feel free to swap strawberries for your favorite fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a new twist!
Impressive Presentation: Garnish with mint leaves or chocolate shavings for an elegant touch that wows guests.
Vegan-Friendly: This treat caters to all diets, making it a delightful choice for everyone at the table.
Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse Ingredients
For the Mousse
• Fresh Strawberries – The foundation for this mousse, providing natural sweetness and vibrant flavor. Substitution: Use the ripest and sweetest strawberries available; frozen strawberries haven’t been tested.
• Maple Syrup – Acts as a natural sweetener, enriching the flavor profile. Substitution: Can replace with granulated sugar (3 tablespoons).
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor. Substitution: Use seeds from half a vanilla bean for a more intense flavor.
• Coconut Cream – Provides richness and helps to stabilize the mousse. Substitution: Use hard part of refrigerated full-fat coconut milk if coconut cream is unavailable.
• Agar Powder – A gelatin substitute that helps set the mousse. Note: Essential for structure; no reliable substitutes.
• Aquafaba – The liquid from canned chickpeas; it mimics egg whites for a light, airy texture. Note: Must be at room temperature for best whipping results.
How to Make Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse
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Prepare Strawberries: Rinse, dry, and blend fresh strawberries with maple syrup and vanilla until smooth. This creates a luscious strawberry juice that will be the heart of your mousse.
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Activate Agar: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut cream and agar powder, whisking constantly. Heat until it boils and the agar is dissolved, then remove from heat for the next step.
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Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the hot coconut mixture into the strawberry juice, whisking until combined. Let this mixture cool to a warm temperature, as the consistency is key.
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Whip Aquafaba: In a clean mixing bowl, whip aquafaba until stiff peaks form. This fluffy component is what will give your mousse that signature lightness!
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Fold Together: Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped aquafaba in two increments. Be careful to maintain that fluffy texture, which is essential for the mousse’s lightness.
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Chill: Once fully combined, transfer the mixture into ramekins and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set. This is where the magic happens!
Optional: Serve with a dollop of coconut cream or fresh mint leaves for a lovely garnish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse Variations
Feel free to play around with this mousse recipe to make it truly your own and explore new tastes!
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Raspberry Twist: Substitute fresh strawberries with ripe raspberries for a tangy flavor that brightens each bite. The tartness of raspberries adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
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Blueberry Bliss: Use juicy blueberries in place of strawberries. They’re bursting with antioxidants and will give your mousse a beautiful violet hue!
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Citrus Zing: Add a splash of lemon or lime juice while blending the strawberries for a refreshing citrus twist. This brightens the flavor and adds a zesty kick.
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Tropical Fusion: Swap coconut cream for blended mango or pineapple puree for an exotic finish. This creates a creamy mousse with a fruity flavor reminiscent of a tropical paradise.
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Chocolate Indulgence: Fold in cacao powder or melted dark chocolate to the mixture for a chocolate-covered berry experience that adds depth and richness.
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Beetroot Boost: Add half a teaspoon of beetroot powder during blending for an attractive deep color and a hint of earthiness. Not only does it beautify, but it packs an extra nutritional punch.
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Nutty Delight: Drizzle almond or hazelnut extract into the blend for a nutty undertone that perfectly complements the fruity flavors – a unique twist on this classic.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or cinnamon into the mixture for a surprising hint of spice that elevates the flavor profile and warms the palate!
What to Serve with Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse?
Indulging in this velvety mousse opens the door to a delightful meal experience that pairs enchanting flavors and textures.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness and contrast to the creamy mousse, enhancing the fresh strawberry flavor.
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Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Fresh strawberries or bananas dipped in rich dark chocolate create a luxurious pairing, perfectly complementing the mousse’s airy texture.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: A dollop of this airy, plant-based cream amplifies the dessert’s tropical notes while providing a decadent finish.
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Lemon Sorbet: This refreshing palate cleanser cuts through the sweetness of the mousse, offering a zesty contrast to the flavors.
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Herb-Infused Mocktails: A refreshing mint or basil mocktail elevates the dining experience with herbal notes that harmonize beautifully with the mousse.
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Almond Biscotti: A delightful crunchy counterpart that adds texture, while its nutty flavor pairs marvelously with the light, fruity mousse.
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Coffee or Espresso: The rich bitterness of freshly brewed coffee balances out the sweetness, creating a comforting contrast to the dessert’s fluffiness.
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Chocolate Shavings: Use as a garnish on top of the mousse for added texture and a touch of elegance that enhances the overall experience.
Expert Tips for Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse
• Choose Ripe Strawberries: Use the sweetest, ripest strawberries for the best flavor. Avoid using frozen strawberries as they can alter the mousse’s texture.
• Room Temperature Aquafaba: Ensure that aquafaba is at room temperature for optimal whipping. Cold aquafaba may not whip to stiff peaks effectively, impacting your strawberry aquafaba mousse’s fluffiness.
• Don’t Rush Cooling: Allow the coconut cream and agar mixture to cool to a warm temperature before combining it with the strawberry juice. This helps prevent the agar from setting prematurely.
• Folding Technique: Gently fold the mixtures together in increments. This technique preserves the light and airy texture crucial for a successful mousse.
• Consume Within Two Days: For the best texture and flavor, enjoy your mousse within two days. Over time, it may lose its delightful fluffiness.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to switch out strawberries for other soft fruits like raspberries or blueberries to create fun variations of your strawberry aquafaba mousse!
Make Ahead Options
This Vegan Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse is an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts who want to save time! You can prepare the strawberry juice and activate the agar up to 24 hours in advance, simply refrigerating the mixture until you’re ready to whip the aquafaba. To maintain the mousse’s airy texture, be sure to keep the aquafaba at room temperature before whipping. When you’re ready to serve, just fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped aquafaba, then chill for at least 3 hours before enjoying. This way, you can have a restaurant-quality dessert ready to impress your family or guests—all without the last-minute rush!
Storage Tips for Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse
Fridge: Store your strawberry aquafaba mousse in an airtight container for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled for the freshest taste.
Freezer: If you want to extend its life, freeze the mousse in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: To maintain its fluffy texture, avoid reheating. Instead, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer and enjoy it cold.
Presentation: Garnish fresh before serving to make it look delightful; it’s an impressive dessert that’s sure to wow guests or family!
Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose the ripest, sweetest strawberries you can find. Look for vibrant, unblemished berries without dark spots or soft areas. Frozen strawberries haven’t been tested for this recipe, as they can change the mousse’s texture.
How long can I store the mousse in the fridge?
You can keep your strawberry aquafaba mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled for a refreshing dessert, but remember that its fluffy texture will gradually diminish over time.
Can I freeze Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse?
Yes, if you want to extend its life! You can freeze the mousse in individual portions for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply place the mousse in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This way, you can still enjoy that light and airy texture, perfect for a delightful dessert anytime!
What if my aquafaba doesn’t whip to stiff peaks?
Very! If your aquafaba isn’t forming stiff peaks, it’s likely too cold or you may need to ensure your mixing bowl is clean and dry. To fix this, ensure the aquafaba is at room temperature and whip in a clean bowl. You can also add a pinch of cream of tartar to help stabilize the aquafaba as you whip it.
Is this mousse suitable for people with allergies?
Definitely! This strawberry aquafaba mousse is vegan, dairy-free, and egg-free, making it an excellent option for those with egg or dairy allergies. Just make sure to use allergen-free ingredients and check labels, particularly on things like maple syrup, to ensure they meet specific dietary needs. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about food allergies.
What is aquafaba, and why is it important in this recipe?
Aquafaba is the liquid found in canned chickpeas, and it acts as a wonderful egg white substitute, giving this mousse its fluffy and airy texture. Be sure to use it at room temperature for the best whipping results—it’s essential for achieving those delightful stiff peaks!
Delightfully Light Strawberry Aquafaba Mousse Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse, dry, and blend fresh strawberries with maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine coconut cream and agar powder, whisking constantly until it boils.
- Slowly pour the hot coconut mixture into the strawberry juice, whisking until combined.
- In a mixing bowl, whip aquafaba until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped aquafaba in two increments.
- Transfer the mixture into ramekins and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.