Creamy yet light strawberry mousse made with fresh berries and no gelatin.*Quick Note Before You Dive In: This recipe card covers the basics, but if you want to know how to create those defined layers, scroll back up! Everything you need for foolproof results is in the post.
Rinse strawberries under cold water, hull, and pat dry. Set aside 4 strawberries for garnish.
Make the purée
In a food processor, combine the remaining strawberries with the sugar and salt. Pulse until the purée is smooth.
Place 4 (7 to 8-ounce) dessert cups onto a tray.
Spoon 4 tablespoons of the purée into each cup and place the tray in the freezer for 1 hour.
Make the mousse
Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese with ¼ cup heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
Add the remaining heavy cream. Beat on medium speed until the mixture begins to thicken slightly, then increase to high and whip until stiff peaks form.
Gently fold the remaining strawberry puree into the whipped cream in two additions. Only add the second addition once the first half is incorporated.
Gently spoon the mousse into the dessert cups over the purée, and garnish with the remaining strawberries (leaving them whole or thinly sliced).
Chill for at least 1 hour, then serve.
Notes:
Heavy cream is also referred to as whipping cream in Canada. Look for whipping cream with 35% M.F.Allow the purée layer to set properly before adding the mousse. If it is too soft, the mousse may sink and blur the layers.Fold the purée into the whipped cream in two batches to prevent the mousse from deflating.