Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

This show-stopping dessert features two luxurious layers: a light, berry-forward strawberry mousse made with fresh fruit and whipped cream, topped with a velvety dark chocolate ganache. The mousse is stabilized with gelatin for a perfect texture, while the ganache adds richness without overwhelming the delicate strawberry flavor. Chilled until set and garnished with fresh berries, this gluten-free, vegetarian treat is ideal for dinner parties or special occasions.

Updated on Fri, 30 Jan 2026 01:41:28 GMT
A glass dessert layered with airy strawberry mousse and rich, glossy chocolate ganache, garnished with fresh berries.  Save
A glass dessert layered with airy strawberry mousse and rich, glossy chocolate ganache, garnished with fresh berries. | grilto.com

Indulge in the perfect marriage of flavors with this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse. This luscious, airy strawberry mousse is layered with a silky chocolate ganache, creating a decadent yet refreshing dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This international recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, serving six people with a professional-quality presentation that belies its medium difficulty level.

A glass dessert layered with airy strawberry mousse and rich, glossy chocolate ganache, garnished with fresh berries.  Save
A glass dessert layered with airy strawberry mousse and rich, glossy chocolate ganache, garnished with fresh berries. | grilto.com

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With a total time of 2 hours and 35 minutes, including chilling, this dessert is a fantastic make-ahead option for busy hosts. By following a few simple steps, you can transform fresh strawberries and high-quality chocolate into a sophisticated treat that will leave your guests asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

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  • Strawberry Mousse
  • 1 1/2 cups (225 g) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp (5 g) powdered gelatin
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) cold water
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Chocolate Ganache
  • 3.5 oz (100 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • Garnish (Optional)
  • Fresh strawberries, halved
  • Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
  • Mint leaves

Instructions

1. Prepare the Strawberry Mousse
Puree the strawberries in a blender until smooth, then pass through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. In a small saucepan, combine the puree and sugar over medium heat until just simmering and the sugar dissolves. Bloom the gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes, then stir it into the warm strawberry mixture until fully dissolved and let it cool to room temperature. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla and salt to soft peaks. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream, then spoon or pipe the mousse into glasses, filling them 2/3 full. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Ganache
Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it stand for 2 minutes before stirring until smooth and glossy. Once the ganache has cooled to room temperature, spoon it over the set strawberry mousse to create a distinct layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the ganache is set.
3. Serve
Just before serving, garnish each glass with fresh strawberry halves, shaved chocolate curls, or fresh mint leaves as desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the smoothest texture, ensure you use a fine mesh sieve for the strawberry puree. It is also important to let the strawberry mixture cool completely to room temperature before folding it into the whipped cream to prevent the mousse from losing its airy volume.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer not to use gelatin, you can substitute it with 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder. For a more adult flavor profile, consider adding a small splash of a fruit liqueur like Grand Marnier to the strawberry puree during the warming process.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these in clear glass ramekins or champagne flutes to show off the beautiful contrast between the pink mousse and the dark ganache. Top with extra shaved chocolate and a sprig of mint for a professional finish.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse served in clear glasses, topped with shaved chocolate curls and ripe strawberry halves.  Save
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse served in clear glasses, topped with shaved chocolate curls and ripe strawberry halves. | grilto.com

Each serving of this decadent mousse provides 310 calories, 21g of fat, and 29g of carbohydrates. Always remember to check labels for allergens, as this recipe contains dairy and may contain traces of nuts or soy from the chocolate. Enjoy this elegant and refreshing treat!

Recipe Help & Answers

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this mousse can be prepared up to one day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and add fresh garnishes just before serving for the best presentation.

What type of chocolate works best for the ganache?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content provides the best balance. High-quality chocolate ensures a smooth, glossy ganache that complements the strawberry mousse beautifully.

Can I substitute the gelatin with a vegetarian alternative?

Absolutely. Use 1 tablespoon of agar-agar powder following the package instructions. This creates a similar setting effect while keeping the dessert fully vegetarian.

How do I prevent the mousse from being too runny?

Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved in the warm strawberry mixture and that it cools completely before folding into the whipped cream. Refrigerate for the full hour to allow proper setting.

What can I use if I don't have fresh strawberries?

Frozen strawberries work well when thawed and drained of excess liquid. You may need to adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the berries.

How should I serve this dessert for a dinner party?

Use clear glass cups or ramekins to showcase the beautiful layers. Garnish with halved strawberries, chocolate shavings, and fresh mint leaves for an elegant presentation.

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Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse

Airy strawberry mousse meets silky chocolate ganache in this elegant, refreshing dessert perfect for any celebration.

Prep Time
25 min
Time to Cook
10 min
Complete Time
35 min
From grilto Jake Turner


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Style International

Serves 6 Portions

Diet Details Meatless, No Gluten

What You Need

Strawberry Mousse

01 1.5 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
02 0.25 cup granulated sugar
03 1.5 teaspoons powdered gelatin
04 2 tablespoons cold water
05 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
06 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
07 Pinch of salt

Chocolate Ganache

01 3.5 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
02 0.5 cup heavy cream

Garnish

01 Fresh strawberries, halved
02 Shaved chocolate or chocolate curls
03 Mint leaves

How-To

Step 01

Puree and Strain Strawberries: Blend strawberries until smooth in a blender or food processor. Pass puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.

Step 02

Warm Strawberry Mixture: Combine strawberry puree and sugar in a small saucepan. Warm over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat.

Step 03

Bloom and Dissolve Gelatin: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes. Stir bloomed gelatin into warm strawberry mixture until fully dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Step 04

Whip Cream: In a large bowl, whip heavy cream with vanilla extract and salt until soft peaks form.

Step 05

Fold Strawberry Mixture: Gently fold cooled strawberry mixture into whipped cream until well combined, being careful not to deflate the cream.

Step 06

Set Mousse Layer: Spoon or pipe mousse evenly into serving glasses, filling each approximately two-thirds full. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until set.

Step 07

Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until just simmering without boiling. Pour hot cream over chocolate and let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.

Step 08

Cool and Layer Ganache: Allow ganache to cool to room temperature. Spoon or pour ganache over set strawberry mousse in each glass, creating a distinct layer. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour until ganache is set.

Step 09

Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry halves, shaved chocolate, or mint leaves as desired.

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Essentials

  • Blender or food processor
  • Fine mesh sieve
  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Saucepan
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Serving glasses or ramekins
  • Spatula

Allergy Advisory

Review every component for allergens. Reach out to a health pro if you’re concerned.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream)
  • Contains gelatin
  • Contains chocolate, may contain traces of nuts or soy

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Facts listed here are for your info, not medical advice. Always double-check if needed.
  • Energy: 310
  • Lipids: 21 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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