Dreamy No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse Recipe for Summer
Summer calls for effortless desserts that sparkle with fresh flavors, and this no-bake strawberry cheesecake mousse delivers pure delight.
Creamy texture meets vibrant berry essence in a dessert that requires zero oven time.
Silky cream cheese blends seamlessly with ripe strawberries, creating a luscious treat that melts on your tongue.
Each spoonful offers a light, airy experience packed with sweet-tangy notes.
The simple recipe cuts through complex dessert-making, bringing professional-level elegance to your table.
Layers of rich, velvety goodness promise to charm every palate and make your gathering memorable.
Let’s find out this dreamy strawberry sensation that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 290 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse
For Creamy Base:
Cream Cheese: Provides rich, tangy foundation that gives the mousse its classic cheesecake flavor and smooth texture.
Sour Cream: Adds subtle tanginess and helps create a luxurious, velvety consistency.
For Sweetness and Flavor:
Sugar: Balances the tartness and enhances the overall sweetness of the dessert.
Vanilla: Introduces warm, aromatic undertones that complement the strawberry's natural sweetness.
Lemon Zest: Brightens the flavor profile with a hint of citrusy freshness.
Salt: Amplifies and rounds out the other flavors in the mousse.
For Lightness and Texture:
Whipping Cream: Creates a cloud-like, airy texture that makes the mousse light and delectable.
Strawberries: Brings natural sweetness, vibrant color, and fresh fruity essence to the dessert. Choose ripe, deep red berries for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Tools to Whip the Perfect Strawberry Mousse
Electric mixer: Essential for smoothly blending cream cheese and whipping cream.
Medium mixing bowls: Two required for separating cream cheese and whipped cream mixtures.
Dessert cups: 4 (8-ounce) glasses needed for layering the mousse.
Spatula: Great for gently folding whipped cream into cream cheese mixture.
Measuring spoons: Important for accurately measuring sugar and vanilla extract.
Zester: Perfect for creating fresh lemon zest.
Cutting board: Used for chopping strawberries into pieces.
Sharp knife: Helps in precisely cutting strawberries for layering.
How to Make Cheesecake Mousse Without an Oven
Creamy Base The secret to this dreamy dessert starts with smooth cream cheese. Whip it until silky and light, creating a luxurious foundation that melts in your mouth.
Flavor Explosion Mix in tangy sour cream and a whisper of vanilla. The lemon zest adds a bright spark that makes the entire dessert sing with freshness.
Fruit Magic Chop succulent strawberries into delicate pieces. These ruby gems will transform the mousse with bursts of natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Fluffy Clouds Whip heavy cream until it forms billowy peaks. This airy cloud-like topping will give the dessert its irresistible light texture.
Gentle Combining Carefully fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture. The key is maintaining that incredible airiness while blending flavors.
Beautiful Layers Select elegant serving glasses. Create a stunning visual treat by alternating strawberry pieces and creamy mousse.
Chill and Shine Refrigerate the dessert, allowing flavors to mingle and texture to set. The waiting is the hardest part, but trust me, it's worth every minute.
Creamy Tips for No-Bake Dessert Success
Experiment with different berries like raspberries or blueberries to create exciting flavor variations that'll make your dessert pop with seasonal excitement.
Prepare this dreamy mousse up to two days in advance, keeping it tightly covered in the refrigerator to maintain its luscious texture and fresh taste.
For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed graham crackers or toasted almonds between layers to add a delightful crispy element that complements the smooth mousse.
Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and use a dairy-free whipped topping to create a delicious alternative that's perfect for those with lactose sensitivities.
For an adult version, mix in a splash of Grand Marnier or strawberry liqueur into the cream cheese mixture to elevate the dessert with a sophisticated twist.
Serve Mousse in Jars, Cups, or Fancy Glasses
Romantic Date Night Delight: Surprise your special someone with this elegant, creamy dessert served in beautiful glass cups, creating an intimate dessert experience perfect for a romantic evening.
Berry Brunch Showstopper: Serve these individual mousses during a weekend brunch, garnishing with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for added texture and visual appeal.
Summer Garden Party Treat: Present these colorful mousse cups at outdoor gatherings, placing them on a decorative tray with extra fresh strawberry slices and a delicate mint sprig for a refreshing summer dessert that wows guests.
Afternoon Tea Elegance: Include these strawberry cheesecake mousses as a sophisticated sweet finale to your afternoon tea, complementing light sandwiches and scones with their delicate, creamy texture.
Storing Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse Made
Fridge-Friendly Storage: Keep your mousse desserts tightly sealed in an airtight container. These delicate treats stay fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated, maintaining their creamy texture and vibrant strawberry flavor.
Freezing Strategy: Want to save some for later? Carefully transfer mousse into freezer-safe containers. They'll last up to 2 weeks when wrapped securely. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, ensuring the smooth consistency remains intact.
Portion Planning: Create individual servings in mason jars or clear glasses for easy grab-and-go desserts. These portable treats work perfectly for meal prep, picnics, or quick weeknight indulgences.
Temperature Control: Always store strawberry cheesecake mousse below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Use a kitchen thermometer to check refrigerator temperatures, keeping your delightful dessert safe and delicious for maximum enjoyment.
Creamy no-bake strawberry cheesecake mousse delivers sweet summer comfort with minimal effort. Delicate layers of cream cheese, fresh strawberries, and graham cracker crumbs promise pure indulgence you can savor quickly.
Ingredients
Scale
2 ½ cups (350 g) strawberries, finely diced
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
1 cup (240 ml) whipping cream, very cold
5–6 tbsps (63–75 g) sugar
2 tbsps (30 ml) sour cream
1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla
½ tsp (2.5 g) lemon zest
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Cream Preparation: Whip cream cheese in a medium bowl using an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, creating a luxurious base for the mousse.
Flavor Infusion: Blend sour cream, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt into the cream cheese, adjusting sweetness to personal preference and ensuring a harmonious flavor profile.
Strawberry Integration: Thoroughly incorporate chopped strawberries into the cream mixture, ensuring an even distribution of fruit throughout the mousse base.
Whipped Cream Development: Craft a light, airy whipped cream by beating heavy cream with sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form, adding volume and richness to the dessert.
Mousse Assembly: Gently fold whipped cream into the strawberry-cream cheese mixture, maintaining the delicate texture and creating a cloud-like consistency.
Layering Technique: Strategically arrange fresh strawberry pieces in serving glasses, creating a vibrant foundation for the mousse.
Final Composition: Expertly layer the strawberry mousse over the fruit base, interspersing additional strawberry fragments and topping with a decorative swirl of remaining whipped cream for visual appeal.
Chilling Process: Refrigerate the dessert for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the mousse to set completely, transforming the ingredients into a sublime, refreshing treat.
Notes
Cream Cheese Softening Tip: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing, which creates a silky texture.
Strawberry Selection Strategy: Choose ripe, vibrant strawberries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness, avoiding overripe or bruised fruits.
Whipping Cream Technique: Chill the mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to help heavy cream reach perfect stiff peaks faster and more efficiently.
Chilling Crucial: Allow full 3-4 hour refrigeration time to let flavors develop and mousse achieve ideal creamy, set consistency.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.