The Strawberry Mousse Tart is a delightful and refreshing summer dessert that perfectly combines the richness of a mousse filling with a crisp, buttery tart crust. The mousse, made from fresh strawberries and whipped cream, is light and silky, while the tart shell offers a satisfying crunch. This dessert is topped with fresh strawberries and crushed pistachios, making it both a visually appealing and delicious treat. Ideal for gatherings, picnics, or as a sweet end to a dinner, this tart brings the sweet and slightly tangy flavors of strawberries into a decadent, creamy experience. It’s the perfect way to celebrate strawberry season and impress your guests!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 cups crushed Graham crackers

• 3/4 cup shredded coconut

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 cup butter, melted

For the filling:

• 3 cups (425 g) fresh chopped strawberries

• 1/2 cup of water

• 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) heavy whipping cream

• 4 ounces (113 g) cream cheese

• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 package or 4 teaspoons of unflavored gelatin powder

• 4 tablespoons cold water

For Garnish:

• Fresh strawberries

• Pistachio nuts, crushed

• Edible flowers (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 11-inch tart pan with a removable base with butter or cooking spray and line the base with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they resemble breadcrumbs. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shredded coconut, sugar, and melted butter. Mix well until the butter is fully incorporated. Press the mixture firmly into the tart pan, making sure the edges are even. Bake for 10-15 minutes until light golden brown. Once baked, let the crust cool completely in the pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Mousse Filling
Puree the fresh strawberries with 1/2 cup of water in a blender until smooth. Run the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed for about 5 minutes until fluffy and whipped. In a small bowl, add the cold water and gelatin powder, stirring until well combined. Then, add 2 tablespoons of the strawberry puree to the gelatin mixture and stir. Microwave the gelatin mixture for 12 seconds, then set it aside. Gently fold the strawberry puree and gelatin mixture into the whipped cream mixture, being careful not to over-mix.

Step 3: Assemble the Tart
Spread the strawberry mousse mixture over the cooled tart crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and refrigerate the tart for at least 4 hours to allow the mousse to set.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once the mousse has set, remove the tart from the refrigerator. Top with fresh strawberries, crushed pistachios, and edible flowers (if desired). Slice and serve!

Nutrients per Serving

Each serving of Strawberry Mousse Tart contains approximately:

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Protein: 3g

• Fat: 20g

• Saturated Fat: 12g

• Cholesterol: 45mg

• Sodium: 180mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 25g

• Vitamin A: 350 IU

• Vitamin C: 35mg

• Calcium: 45mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Allure of Strawberry Mousse Tart

Strawberries, often referred to as the “queen of fruits,” have long been admired for their delicate flavor and vibrant red color. When paired with a mousse, they create an airy, light filling that doesn’t overpower the dish but rather complements it. The use of fresh strawberries in this tart elevates the dessert, providing a fresh, fruity flavor that works perfectly with the creamy mousse base.

The mousse itself, with its delicate texture, creates a wonderful contrast to the crispness of the graham cracker crust. The crust, made with graham crackers and coconut, adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that balances the tartness of the strawberries. This contrast of textures – soft mousse, crunchy crust, and fresh fruit – creates a multi-dimensional experience that delights the senses. The pistachio garnish adds a touch of elegance and a crunchy bite that complements the creaminess of the mousse and the freshness of the strawberries.

Why Strawberry Mousse Tart is the Perfect Summer Dessert

The Strawberry Mousse Tart is the perfect summer dessert. It’s light enough to enjoy on a hot day without feeling overly indulgent, but rich enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. The strawberry mousse is cool and refreshing, making it ideal for warm weather. Unlike heavier, baked desserts, this tart doesn’t require hours of oven time, which is particularly beneficial during the hot summer months when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen.

The vibrant red color of the strawberries also makes this dessert visually striking. Whether served at a barbecue, family dinner, or picnic, it will surely become the centerpiece of any table. The light, airy mousse filling and the crunchy tart shell make it an appealing choice for a summer celebration, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures that guests will love.

Health Benefits of Fresh Strawberries

One of the key benefits of using fresh strawberries in this dessert is the array of health benefits they offer. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune function and skin health. Strawberries also contain fiber, which aids in digestion, and are low in calories, making them a healthier option compared to other fruits or ingredients often used in desserts.

In addition to their nutritional value, strawberries are naturally sweet, which means that you can reduce the amount of added sugar in recipes, making the dessert even healthier. By incorporating fresh strawberries into this mousse tart, you not only get a burst of sweetness but also a boost of essential nutrients, making this dessert a more wholesome option for those looking to indulge without the guilt.

Customizing the Strawberry Mousse Tart

While this recipe uses fresh strawberries, it can easily be adapted to include other fruits or flavors. For instance, if strawberries are out of season, you can substitute them with other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, all of which provide a similar texture and tartness. For a tropical twist, you can add mango puree or coconut milk to the mousse for a creamy, exotic flavor.

If you want to make the tart even more indulgent, you could add a layer of chocolate ganache or strawberry jam beneath the mousse layer. For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a touch of citrus zest, such as lemon or lime, to the mousse. This brightens up the tart and complements the strawberries’ natural sweetness with a zesty contrast.

Another way to customize the tart is by changing the crust. The original recipe calls for a graham cracker and coconut crust, but you can swap these ingredients for something else. For a gluten-free version, simply use almond flour or gluten-free cookies to create the base. If you prefer a nut-free version, try a plain cookie crust or even a crust made from oats.

The Appeal of No-Bake Desserts

No-bake desserts, like this Strawberry Mousse Tart, have gained popularity because of their simplicity and ease of preparation. Unlike baked goods, no-bake desserts don’t require precise timing or special equipment like mixers or electric beaters. This makes them ideal for beginner bakers or anyone who wants to prepare a delicious dessert with minimal effort.

Another reason no-bake desserts are so appealing is that they retain the fresh, vibrant flavors of their ingredients. In this tart, the fresh strawberries shine through in both the mousse and the garnish. The lack of baking ensures that the fruit maintains its natural sweetness, providing a fresher taste compared to some baked desserts where fruits can lose their vibrant flavor.

Perfect for Every Occasion

This Strawberry Mousse Tart is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for almost any occasion. Its light and refreshing nature makes it a perfect choice for a summer dinner party or family gathering. The tart is also elegant enough to serve at a bridal shower or baby shower, adding a touch of sophistication to the event. You can make this dessert ahead of time, as it requires refrigeration to set, which makes it a fantastic option for entertaining when you want to save time on the day of the event.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself and your loved ones, this tart brings joy to any gathering. The beautiful presentation, combined with the freshness of strawberries, makes it a dessert everyone will enjoy.

Storing and Serving the Tart

The Strawberry Mousse Tart can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. After preparing it, be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The mousse filling will remain light and airy, and the crust will hold up well, maintaining its texture.

When ready to serve, remove the tart from the fridge and top it with fresh strawberries and pistachios for a pop of color and added texture. If you want to add a bit more sweetness, you can drizzle some honey or maple syrup on top before serving.

Strawberry Mousse Tart is a light, fresh, and indulgent dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this tart makes a perfect centerpiece for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, having friends over, or just treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress. The combination of the smooth mousse, crunchy crust, and vibrant strawberries is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone wanting more.