Description
Craving a light, fruity dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious? What if you could whip up a creamy, airy treat with vibrant strawberry flavor in just a few steps? Say hello to Strawberry Mousse! This no-bake dessert features a fluffy mousse made with strawberry jello and Cool Whip, layered over sweet strawberry preserves, and topped with whipped cream and fresh strawberries.
Ingredients
For the Mousse
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Strawberry Jello (3 oz): Provides structure and intense strawberry flavor for the mousse.
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Boiling Water (1 cup): Dissolves the jello to create a smooth base.
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Ice-Cold Water (1 cup): Cools the jello mixture quickly, helping it set.
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Cool Whip (16 oz): Adds a light, creamy texture and stabilizes the mousse.
For the Layers and Garnish
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Strawberry Preserves (1½ cups, e.g., Smucker’s): Creates a sweet, fruity base layer.
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Extra Whipped Cream (for garnish): Adds a fluffy, decorative topping.
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Fresh Strawberries (for garnish): Provide a fresh, vibrant finish.
Substitutions and Variations
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Jello: Use sugar-free strawberry jello for a lower-sugar option, or raspberry jello for a different berry flavor.
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Cool Whip: Substitute with homemade whipped cream (2 cups heavy cream whipped with ¼ cup powdered sugar) or a vegan whipped topping for a dairy-free version.
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Preserves: Swap with raspberry, blueberry, or mixed berry preserves, or use fresh strawberry puree (blend 2 cups strawberries with ¼ cup sugar).
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Water: Replace ice-cold water with cold fruit juice (e.g., apple or cranberry) for added flavor, ensuring it’s chilled.
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Add-Ins: Fold ½ cup diced fresh strawberries or white chocolate chips into the mousse for texture.
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Vegan Option: Use vegan jello, plant-based whipped topping, and vegan-friendly preserves.
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Gluten-Free: Ensure the jello and preserves are gluten-free (most are, but check labels).
Instructions
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Prepare the Jello Base:
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine one 3 oz package of strawberry jello with 1 cup boiling water.
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Whisk for 1–2 minutes until the jello is completely dissolved and the mixture is clear.
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Tip: Boil the water just before using to ensure the jello dissolves fully, and whisk vigorously to avoid granules.
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Cool the Jello Mixture:
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Add 1 cup ice-cold water to the jello mixture, stirring until all ice is melted and the mixture cools to room temperature, about 2–3 minutes.
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If ice remains, remove any unmelted pieces to avoid diluting the mixture.
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Tip: Use very cold water or add a few ice cubes to speed up cooling, but ensure the mixture isn’t too cold before adding Cool Whip.
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Incorporate the Cool Whip:
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Whisk in 16 oz Cool Whip until fully combined and no streaks remain, creating a smooth, pink mousse. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
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Set aside at room temperature while preparing the serving glasses.
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Tip: Fold gently with a spatula if the Cool Whip is thick to maintain airiness, and work quickly to keep the mixture from setting prematurely.
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Assemble the Dessert:
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In six 8-ounce serving glasses (e.g., dessert cups, mason jars, or wine glasses), spoon ¼ cup strawberry preserves into the bottom of each glass, spreading evenly.
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Divide the strawberry mousse mixture evenly among the glasses, spooning or piping it over the preserves (about ¾ cup per glass). Use a spoon or offset spatula to smooth the top.
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Tip: Use a piping bag for a cleaner, professional look, and tap the glasses gently to settle the mousse and remove air pockets.
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Chill:
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Cover each glass with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to fully set the mousse.
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Tip: Overnight chilling ensures a firm, stable mousse that holds its shape when garnished.
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Garnish and Serve:
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Just before serving, top each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream (use a piping bag for swirls or spoon for a rustic look).
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Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, halves, or whole berries for a vibrant finish.
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Serve chilled directly from the glasses, with a small spoon to scoop every layer.
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Tip: Add garnishes right before serving to keep the whipped cream fluffy and strawberries fresh.
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