Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse

There’s something truly magical about the combination of strawberries and lemon. This Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse brings that magic to life in a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The tangy lemon zest perfectly balances the sweetness of the ripe strawberries, while the rich mascarpone adds a luxurious texture.

Ingredients

To create this luscious Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. Let’s break them down by each component of the dessert.

For the Strawberry Puree

• 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

For the Mascarpone Mousse

• 1 cup mascarpone cheese at room temperature
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• Fresh strawberries sliced
• Lemon zest finely grated
• Mint leaves
• Whipped cream

Tools and Equipment

To create the perfect Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse, you’ll need a few essential tools and equipment. Having the right items on hand will ensure a smooth cooking process and the best results.

Essential Tools

1. Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least three mixing bowls in various sizes for different components of the recipe. One for mixing the mascarpone, one for whipping the cream, and another for combining ingredients.
2. Electric Mixer: An electric mixer makes it easy to whip the cream to stiff peaks and blend mascarpone until smooth and creamy.
3. Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula is essential for gently folding ingredients together without deflating the whipped cream.
4. Zester: This will help you finely zest the lemon, capturing the aromatic oils without the bitter pith.
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are crucial, so use measuring cups and spoons to measure out your ingredients accurately.
6. Knife and Cutting Board: You’ll need a sharp knife and a cutting board to hull and slice the strawberries.
7. Piping Bag (Optional): For a professional look, use a piping bag to serve the mousse. This can be optional if you prefer to spoon the mousse into serving dishes.
8. Serving Glasses or Bowls: Elegant glasses or bowls work well for serving, enhancing the presentation of the dessert.

• Fine-Mesh Sieve: Useful for sifting sugar or straining any lumps from the lemon juice.
• Microplane: If you don’t have a zester, a microplane works perfectly for zesting lemons.
• Chilled Metal Bowl: Chilling a metal bowl before whipping the cream can help achieve a stable, fluffy consistency.

By ensuring all these tools and equipment are ready, you’ll be well-prepared to create a delightful Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse that looks as good as it tastes.

Directions

In this section, I will guide you through the process of creating a delectable Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse. Follow these steps for a perfectly layered and flavorful dessert.

Prepare the Strawberry Puree

1. Wash and Hull Strawberries: Start by washing and hulling 1 pound of fresh strawberries.
2. Blend Strawberries: Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
3. Strain the Puree: Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the strawberry puree into a bowl, removing seeds.
4. Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Mix in 2 tablespoons of sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Make the Mascarpone Mousse

1. Whip the Cream: In a chilled metal bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy whipping cream using an electric mixer on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
2. Prepare Mascarpone Mixture: In another mixing bowl, combine 8 ounces of mascarpone cheese, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy.
3. Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture using a rubber spatula. Ensure the mixture is fully incorporated but still light and airy.
4. Layer the Mousse: In serving glasses or bowls, spoon a layer of the strawberry puree at the bottom.
5. Add Mascarpone Layer: Add a layer of mascarpone mousse on top of the strawberry puree.
6. Repeat Layers: Continue to layer strawberry puree and mascarpone mousse until the glasses are filled. End with a mousse layer.
7. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled mousse for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the mousse to set.
8. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberry slices and a bit of lemon zest. Enjoy your Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse!

Serve and Storage Tips

When it comes to presenting the Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse, appearance is everything. I recommend using clear glass bowls or parfait glasses to showcase the beautiful layers of the mousse. Top each serving with a fresh strawberry slice, a dollop of whipped cream, and a sprig of mint for an elegant finish.

Serving Tips

1. Chill Before Serving: Ensure the mousse is thoroughly chilled before serving. At least 2-3 hours in the refrigerator will allow it to set properly and develop a perfect texture.
2. Individual Portions: Serve in individual portions to maintain the mousse’s structure and enhance its visual appeal. Small dessert cups or ramekins work wonderfully.
3. Additional Garnishes: For extra flair, consider adding a drizzle of strawberry coulis or a sprinkle of lemon zest on top. These little touches can elevate the presentation and add even more flavor.
4. Serve Cold: Always serve the mousse cold to maintain its creamy texture and refreshing taste.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover mousse in the refrigerator. Cover the bowls with plastic wrap or transfer the mousse to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
2. Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the creamy texture, making it grainy upon thawing.
3. Keep Ingredients Fresh: If you need to prepare the mousse ahead of time, keep the individual components (strawberry puree and mascarpone mixture) separate and combine them when ready to serve.
4. Labeling: Always label your storage containers with the date to keep track of freshness. This helps ensure you’re enjoying the mousse at its best quality.

By following these serve and storage tips, you can fully enjoy the delightful flavors and creamy texture of the Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Making the Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse ahead of time is a breeze and perfect for planning parties or family gatherings. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree Ahead: Follow the recipe steps to make the strawberry puree. Once it’s ready, transfer the puree to an airtight container and refrigerate. The puree can be made up to two days in advance.
2. Make the Mascarpone Mousse in Advance: Whip together the mascarpone, cream, lemon zest, and juice as per the recipe. Store the mousse in a separate airtight container in the fridge. This can also be prepared up to two days ahead.
3. Layer the Dessert: For best presentation and integration of flavors, assemble the mousse layers just before serving. However, you can layer the dessert up to eight hours in advance. Cover each serving with plastic wrap to prevent any fridge odors and keep them fresh.
4. Chilling: Allow the completed layered dessert to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. This chilling time blends the flavors and adds to the texture.
5. Garnishing Just Before Serving: Add the fresh strawberry slices, lemon zest curls, and mint leaves right before serving. This ensures the garnish is vibrant and adds a fresh touch.

These steps ensure that your Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse is not only delicious but also convenient to assemble and serve, saving you last-minute rush and letting you enjoy the occasion.

Conclusion

Creating a Strawberry Lemon Mascarpone Mousse is a delightful way to impress your guests with minimal effort. The combination of fresh strawberries, tangy lemon, and creamy mascarpone delivers a dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. By following the steps outlined, you’ll achieve a beautifully layered and flavorful treat.

Remember to chill the mousse well and serve it cold for the best experience. Whether you’re preparing it ahead for a party or enjoying it as an after-dinner treat, this recipe offers convenience and a guaranteed delicious outcome. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and the compliments that are sure to follow!