Description

Craving a light, fluffy dessert that bursts with fresh strawberry flavor? Look no further than Strawberry Mousse! This no-bake treat combines the vibrant taste of strawberry jello and preserves with creamy Cool Whip, creating a silky, airy mousse that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

This mousse comes together with a short list of ingredients that create a creamy, fruity dessert. Here’s what you need and why each matters:

Strawberry Jello (3 oz): Provides structure and a bold strawberry flavor.
Boiling Water (1 cup): Dissolves the jello for a smooth base.
Ice-Cold Water (1 cup): Cools the jello mixture quickly to room temperature.
Cool Whip (16 oz): Adds a light, airy texture to the mousse.
Strawberry Preserves (1½ cups): Intensifies the strawberry flavor with a sweet, jammy layer. Smucker’s is recommended.
Extra Whipped Cream (for garnish): Adds a creamy topping for presentation.
Fresh Strawberries (for garnish): Provide a fresh, vibrant finish.

Substitutions and Variations

Jello: Use sugar-free strawberry jello for a lighter option or try raspberry or mixed berry jello for a flavor twist.
Cool Whip: Substitute with 4 cups homemade whipped cream (whip 2 cups heavy cream with ½ cup powdered sugar until stiff peaks form).
Preserves: Swap for strawberry jam, fresh strawberry puree, or other fruit preserves like raspberry or blueberry.
GarnishesRU: Use chocolate shavings, mint leaves, or crushed cookies instead of or alongside strawberries.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free whipped topping and ensure the jello and preserves are dairy-free.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Jello Base:
- In a medium bowl, combine the 3 oz package of strawberry jello and 1 cup boiling water. Whisk until the jello is completely dissolved (about 1–2 minutes).
- Add 1 cup ice-cold water and mix until all ice is melted and the mixture cools to room temperature (about 2–3 minutes).
Incorporate the Cool Whip:
- Whisk in the 16 oz Cool Whip until fully combined and no streaks remain, creating a smooth, pink mousse. Set aside.
Assemble the Mousse:
- In 6 (8-ounce) serving glasses, spoon ¼ cup strawberry preserves into the bottom of each glass.
- Top the preserves with the strawberry mousse mixture, dividing it evenly among the glasses (about ¾ cup per glass).
Chill:
- Cover the glasses with plastic wrap or lids and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to ensure the mousse sets fully.
Garnish and Serve:
- Just before serving, top each mousse with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh strawberry slices or whole berries.

Cooking Tips

Cool Jello Properly: Ensure the jello mixture is at room temperature before adding Cool Whip to prevent melting or separation.
Gentle Whisking: Whisk the Cool Whip gently to maintain the mousse’s airy texture.
Even Layers: Spoon preserves and mousse carefully for a neat, layered look in clear glasses.
Chill Overnight: Overnight chilling yields the firmest texture and best flavor meld