Lusciously smooth, light, and bursting with vibrant berry flavor, Raspberry Mousse is the perfect make-ahead dessert for any occasion. This elegant yet simple dessert blends fresh raspberries with whipped cream and a touch of sweetness, resulting in a soft, airy treat that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether served in delicate glasses for a formal event or as a fruity finale to a casual dinner, raspberry mousse is always a showstopper.
What sets this dessert apart is its texture—fluffy, cloud-like, and silky on the tongue. The tartness of the raspberries balances beautifully with the creamy base, making it a favorite even among those who usually avoid overly sweet desserts. It’s also a naturally gorgeous dessert, thanks to the deep red-pink color of fresh raspberries, and it can be layered or garnished for extra flair.
Best of all, raspberry mousse is easier to make than it looks. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, it’s a fuss-free way to impress your guests or treat yourself to something special. From summer picnics to Valentine’s Day dinners, this recipe adds a touch of class—and a burst of berry flavor—to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Airy Texture – Fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth mousse that feels indulgent without being heavy.
- Fresh and Fruity – Made with real raspberries for a tart-sweet flavor burst.
- No Bake Required – Perfect for warm weather or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Elegant Presentation – Looks stunning in glass cups or layered desserts.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepares easily in advance and stores well in the fridge.
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
- Sugar
- Lemon juice
- Heavy whipping cream
- Gelatin (or a vegetarian substitute like agar-agar)
- Water
- Vanilla extract (optional)
- Fresh raspberries or mint leaves (for garnish)
Variations
- Chocolate Raspberry Mousse: Layer with chocolate mousse or add cocoa to the whipped cream for contrast.
- Vegan Version: Use coconut cream and agar-agar instead of dairy and gelatin.
- Mixed Berry Mousse: Combine raspberries with strawberries or blueberries.
- Swirl with Jam: Fold in a spoonful of raspberry jam for extra intensity.
- Liqueur Infusion: Add a splash of Chambord or raspberry liqueur for a grown-up twist.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Raspberry Puree
Blend fresh or thawed frozen raspberries until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Stir in lemon juice and sugar to taste.
Step 2: Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes until it blooms (softens and swells).
Step 3: Heat and Dissolve
Warm the raspberry puree gently on the stove. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream (and vanilla extract, if using) until soft peaks form.
Step 5: Fold and Combine
Gently fold the cooled raspberry mixture into the whipped cream. Be careful not to deflate the cream.
Step 6: Chill
Spoon mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh raspberries, mint leaves, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use chilled utensils and bowls when whipping cream for best results.
- Taste and adjust sweetness depending on how tart your raspberries are.
- Fold gently to maintain the mousse’s light texture.
- Chill thoroughly for the mousse to set properly.
- For extra smoothness, double strain the raspberry puree.
How to Serve
- Serve in individual glass cups for an elegant look.
- Layer with crushed cookies or sponge cake for a parfait-style dessert.
- Top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or candied lemon peel.
- Use in tart shells or as a filling for layered cakes.
- Serve with shortbread cookies on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep mousse chilled until ready to serve.
Freezing
Not recommended—freezing can alter the texture and cause separation once thawed.
Reheating
This is a cold dessert and should not be reheated.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, just thaw them first and strain well to remove excess liquid and seeds.
2. Is gelatin necessary?
Yes, it helps the mousse set. For a vegetarian version, you can use agar-agar.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It’s best made several hours or a day in advance for proper chilling.
4. What if my mousse is too runny?
It may not have set fully. Be sure to chill long enough and use the right amount of gelatin.
5. Can I sweeten with honey or maple syrup?
Yes, but be sure to adjust the amount to your taste, as they may slightly alter the flavor.
6. How do I make it look fancy for guests?
Serve in stemmed glasses, top with fresh berries and mint, or add a white chocolate curl.
7. Can I add fruit pieces to the mousse?
Yes, but add small bits and fold them in gently so the mousse stays light.
8. Does this work as a cake filling?
Yes! Use it as a light, fruity layer in chilled mousse cakes or trifles.
9. Can I skip straining the puree?
You can, but straining removes seeds for a smoother texture.
10. What’s the best way to whip cream?
Use chilled heavy cream and a cold mixing bowl. Beat just until soft peaks form.
Conclusion
Raspberry Mousse is a light, luscious dessert that blends the tang of fresh berries with the richness of whipped cream for an irresistibly smooth treat. Elegant, easy, and endlessly versatile, it’s perfect for everything from romantic dinners to summer parties. Whether you’re looking for a no-bake dessert or a make-ahead option that looks impressive, this mousse delivers every time. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can bring a little luxury to any occasion.
PrintRaspberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (+ 2 hours chill time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Light, silky, and bursting with fresh berry flavor, Raspberry Mousse is an elegant no-bake dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Made with real raspberries and whipped cream, this make-ahead treat offers a beautiful balance of tartness and creaminess in every spoonful. Whether served in delicate glasses for a dinner party or layered in a trifle, it’s the kind of effortless indulgence that never fails to impress.
Ingredients
-
2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen)
-
1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 1/2 tsp unflavored gelatin (or 1 tsp agar-agar for vegetarian)
-
2 tbsp cold water
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1 cup heavy whipping cream
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1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
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Fresh raspberries and mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
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Prepare Raspberry Puree: Blend raspberries until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds. Stir in lemon juice and sugar.
-
Bloom Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
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Heat and Combine: Warm the raspberry puree in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Cool to room temperature.
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Whip Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream (and vanilla, if using) until soft peaks form.
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Fold Together: Gently fold cooled raspberry mixture into whipped cream until fully combined.
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Chill: Spoon into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
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Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh raspberries, mint, or a dusting of powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For smoother texture, double-strain the raspberry puree.
Adjust sugar depending on raspberry tartness.
Use agar-agar for a vegetarian-friendly version (follow package directions).
Avoid over-whipping cream to maintain mousse texture.
Can be layered with sponge cake or cookies for a parfait-style dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for heating puree)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake / Chilled
- Cuisine: French-Inspired / American
Keywords: raspberry mousse, no-bake dessert, berry dessert, make-ahead mousse, whipped cream mousse, summer dessert, easy raspberry recipe, elegant dessert