As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet scent of strawberries mingling with warm chocolate filled the air, transporting me to a cozy café where dessert dreams come true. It’s incredible how a simple recipe like Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Cups can evoke such joy and nostalgia. This delightful treat boasts a luscious strawberry mousse layered atop a crunchy Oreo base, all draped in a rich chocolate ganache.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, hosting friends for a dinner party, or simply treating yourself during the week, this dessert never fails to impress. What’s more, its vibrant flavors strike a perfect balance between indulgence and freshness, making every spoonful a celebration.
Join me as we dive into this elegant dessert that’s not only easy to make but visually stunning too. Let’s create something unforgettable together!
Why Love This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse?
Indulgent Flavors: Experience a rich combination of smooth chocolate and vibrant strawberries.
Elegant Presentation: The layered effect of mousse, ganache, and crunchy base looks stunning in any setting.
Easy Preparation: Simple steps mean you can impress your guests without stress, making it a perfect choice for gatherings.
Versatile Ingredients: Swap in different fruits or chocolate types to customize your dessert to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dessert is destined to be a hit, whether it’s a date night or a casual family dinner. Dive into this tasty treat and create lasting memories!
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Ingredients
For the Oreo Base
• Oreos – Provides a crunchy base layer; substitute with graham crackers for a different flavor profile.
• Unsalted Butter – Binds the Oreo crust together; use coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances sweetness and flavor.
For the Mousse
• Fresh Strawberries – Primary flavoring for the mousse; raspberries can be used for a different fruit profile.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the mousse; coconut sugar can be used for a less refined option.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the mousse; arrowroot powder can be a substitute.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens flavor; substitute with lime juice for variation.
• Unflavored Gelatin – Provides stability to the mousse; substitute with agar-agar for a vegetarian option.
• Cold Water – Activates the gelatin.
• Heavy Cream – Adds richness to the mousse; non-dairy heavy cream can be used for a vegan version.
For the Ganache
• Dark Chocolate (60% cacao) – Creates a rich chocolate ganache; semi-sweet chocolate can be used for less intense flavor.
• Refined Coconut Oil – Helps emulsify the ganache; can be omitted if not needed.
For the Topping
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens the whipped cream topping; powdered coconut sugar can be used as an alternative.
• Fresh Strawberries – Used for garnishing; choose the ripest berries for maximum flavor.
• Crushed Oreos – Adds an extra crunch on top.
Enjoy creating this show-stopping Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse!
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse
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Prepare Oreo Base: Start by crushing the Oreos into fine crumbs. In a bowl, mix the crumbs with melted unsalted butter and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of your serving cups.
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Make Strawberry Mousse: In a blender, blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan, add granulated sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice, and cook on medium heat until thickened. Allow this mixture to cool completely before the next step.
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Fold in Whipped Cream: Once your strawberry mixture is cool, gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined, creating a light and airy mousse texture.
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Layering: Carefully spoon the strawberry mousse over the Oreo base in each cup, filling them generously but leaving a little room for the ganache.
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Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and refined coconut oil together. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly before pouring it over the mousse layer in each cup.
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Chill: Place the assembled mousse cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the layers to set beautifully.
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Finish: Before serving, whip the remaining heavy cream with confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form, then pipe it onto the mousse. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed Oreos for that extra touch.
Optional: For a fun twist, drizzle some melted chocolate over the top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dessert and discover a world of flavors!
- Milk Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier taste that kids will love.
- Fruit Purees: Use purees like mango or raspberry instead of strawberries to introduce fresh, fun flavors in your mousse.
- Nutty Crunch: Add crushed nuts like almonds or hazelnuts to the Oreo base for an unexpected but delicious texture.
- Liqueur Infusion: Mix in a tablespoon of Chambord or Frangelico into the mousse for an elegant adult twist.
- Coconut Cream: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical flare that perfectly complements the chocolate and fruit.
- Spicy Kick: Add a hint of cayenne pepper to the ganache for a surprising heat that beautifully balances the sweetness.
- Herb Infusion: Introduce a touch of fresh mint or basil to the mousse for a fragrant, refreshing note that delights the palate.
- Vegan Delight: Substitute all dairy ingredients with vegan-friendly options to craft a completely plant-based version of this indulgent dessert.
Experimenting with these variations will not only keep your culinary experiences fresh but also add a personal touch to your entertaining rituals!
Make Ahead Options
These Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Cups are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing quality! You can prepare the Oreo base and chocolate crunchies up to 3 days in advance, storing them in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness. The strawberry mousse can also be made up to 24 hours ahead; just be sure it cools completely before folding in the whipped cream. When you’re ready to serve, layer the mousse over the crust, pour the ganache on top, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Following these steps ensures that your dessert remains just as delicious and visually stunning as it would be if made fresh!
Expert Tips for Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse
- Cool Ingredients: Ensure the strawberry mixture is completely cool before folding in the whipped cream. This prevents the cream from melting and maintains a fluffy texture.
- Perfect Ganache Temperature: Avoid pouring the ganache while it’s too hot; this will help retain the distinct layers of your mousse.
- Portion Control: This dessert is rich and indulgent, making small servings ideal. Serve in smaller cups to highlight the luxurious experience.
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor in your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse. Opting for quality will elevate your dessert!
- Experiment: Feel free to swap out fruits or chocolates. Using raspberries or white chocolate can create delicious variations that keep this dessert exciting!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse
Room Temperature: Best kept refrigerated; mousse is delicate and should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store assembled Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse cups in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Enjoy the rich flavors at their best during this time.
Freezer: If you need to save mousse for later, freeze it without the garnish for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating: Avoid reheating mousse, as the texture is best enjoyed chilled. Instead, let it naturally come to room temperature before serving if removed from the fridge.
What to Serve with Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse?
Indulging in a rich dessert like this calls for delightful side dishes to elevate the experience.
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Fresh Berries: A medley of mixed berries not only enhances the mousse but adds a refreshing, tangy contrast that brightens each bite.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool complement, balancing the richness of the mousse with its soothing sweetness.
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Chocolate Crumble: A sprinkle of chocolate crumble enhances texture and flavor. The added crunch layers beautifully with the creamy mousse.
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Coffee or Espresso: A bold cup of coffee or a shot of espresso pairs perfectly, cutting through the sweetness while enhancing the chocolate notes.
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Sparkling Wine: A lightly sparkling rosé introduces a fruity acidity that beautifully complements the chocolate, making every bite feel like a celebration.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream takes the mousse over the top, adding lightness and a delightful aesthetic for presentation.
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Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: Sweet and salty, these crunchy bites bring a unique flavor contrast while echoing the chocolate theme of the dessert.
Combining these sides with your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse will transform your dessert into a delightful feast!
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right strawberries for the mousse?
Absolutely! Look for fresh, ripe strawberries that are bright red and blemish-free. The best ones will be firm to the touch with a sweet aroma. If you’re near a farmer’s market, those are often the sweetest and most flavorful options. Avoid strawberries with dark spots all over, as they may be overripe.
What’s the best way to store leftover mousse?
You can store assembled Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To maintain the texture, avoid placing any garnishes on the mousse until just before serving. If you find you have leftover mousse that’s not assembled, that can be kept for a day or two too!
Can I freeze the chocolate-covered strawberry mousse?
Absolutely! If you need to save some for later, you can freeze the mousse without any garnishes. Place it in an airtight container or wrap the cups tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in the freezer. The mousse will keep well for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve chilled.
What should I do if my mousse isn’t setting properly?
Very! If your mousse isn’t setting, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure that the gelatin was fully dissolved in cold water before adding it to your strawberry mixture. If you’re using unflavored gelatin, it generally needs to be activated by blooming in cold water for about 5-10 minutes before heating. Additionally, ensure that your strawberry mixture is completely cool before folding in the whipped cream; if it’s warm, it could lead to a runny mousse.
Is this dessert safe for people with allergies?
I recommend it! Since the Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse contains ingredients like dairy and gluten from the Oreos, those with allergies should be cautious. For gluten-free options, substitute Oreos with gluten-free cookies or graham crackers. There are also many non-dairy and vegan substitutes available for the heavy cream and butter, like coconut cream and vegan butter, making it easier to accommodate various dietary needs.
Decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse to Impress Anyone
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Oreo Base: Start by crushing the Oreos into fine crumbs. In a bowl, mix the crumbs with melted unsalted butter and a pinch of kosher salt until well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottoms of your serving cups.
- Make Strawberry Mousse: In a blender, blend fresh strawberries until smooth. Transfer to a saucepan, add granulated sugar, cornstarch, and fresh lemon juice, and cook on medium heat until thickened. Allow this mixture to cool completely before the next step.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Once your strawberry mixture is cool, gently fold in the whipped cream until fully combined, creating a light and airy mousse texture.
- Layering: Carefully spoon the strawberry mousse over the Oreo base in each cup, filling them generously but leaving a little room for the ganache.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and refined coconut oil together. Stir until smooth, then let it cool slightly before pouring it over the mousse layer in each cup.
- Chill: Place the assembled mousse cups in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the layers to set beautifully.
- Finish: Before serving, whip the remaining heavy cream with confectioners' sugar until soft peaks form, then pipe it onto the mousse. Garnish with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of crushed Oreos for that extra touch.