These Strawberry Mousse Tartlets are a dream come true for anyone who loves fruity, creamy desserts with a light and airy finish. They’re elegant enough for special occasions but so easy to make, you’ll find yourself whipping them up for casual dinners and weeknight treats too. The crisp, buttery tart shells cradle a cloud-like strawberry mousse that’s bursting with fresh berry flavor—sweet, slightly tangy, and irresistibly smooth. And the best part? No complicated steps or fancy equipment needed!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Yet Impressive: These tartlets come together surprisingly fast, especially if you use pre-made tart shells. Yet they look like they came straight from a pâtisserie.
Light and Refreshing: The strawberry mousse is airy and fresh—not too heavy, making it perfect after a big meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving a group or just treating yourself, these tartlets never fail to impress with their vibrant color and delicate texture.
Customizable: From the crust to the topping, this dessert welcomes creativity and substitution without losing its charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make these delightful Strawberry Mousse Tartlets. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a dessert that’s as balanced as it is beautiful.

Tart Shells: Use buttery, crisp tart shells as the perfect base. Store-bought is totally fine for ease, but homemade adds an extra layer of love.
Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show—ripe strawberries give the mousse its fruity flavor and natural sweetness.
Sugar: Helps bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and balances the tartness.
Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy kick that enhances the strawberry flavor.
Gelatin: Sets the mousse, giving it that stable, yet airy structure.
Heavy Cream: Whipped into soft peaks to create that luxuriously light texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle background note of warmth that deepens the overall flavor.
Fresh Berries and Mint Leaves (for garnish): Not just for looks—they add freshness and a little textural contrast.

Variations

Looking to mix things up a little? Here are some easy ways to put your own spin on this dessert:

Chocolate Shells: Swap traditional tart shells with chocolate pastry shells for a decadent twist.
Mixed Berry Mousse: Combine strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a more complex flavor.
Mini Cheesecake Layer: Add a thin layer of no-bake cheesecake filling beneath the mousse for a creamy surprise.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and a plant-based gelatin alternative to make it suitable for dairy-free diets.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse Tartlets

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Wash and hull the strawberries, then puree them until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds if desired, for a silkier mousse.

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor

In a saucepan, heat the strawberry puree gently with sugar and lemon juice, just until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully melted.

Step 3: Cool the Mixture

Let the mixture cool to room temperature. It should be cool enough not to melt the whipped cream but still fluid enough to fold in easily.

Step 4: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 5: Fill the Tart Shells

Spoon or pipe the strawberry mousse into the tart shells. Smooth the tops if needed, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top each tartlet with sliced strawberries, mint leaves, or even a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve chilled and enjoy every creamy bite.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overwhip the Cream: Soft peaks are key. Overwhipping will make the mousse too dense and may affect the texture.
Cool the Puree Completely: Warm puree will deflate the whipped cream, so be patient and let it cool.
Use a Piping Bag: For a cleaner, more elegant finish when filling the tartlets, use a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off.
Prep Ahead: You can make the mousse a day in advance and keep it chilled until ready to assemble.

How to Serve

These tartlets are best served cold, straight from the fridge. They pair beautifully with a glass of sparkling wine, a cup of espresso, or even a fresh mint tea. For a plated dessert look, drizzle a little strawberry coulis or melted chocolate on the plate before placing the tartlet. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the assembled tartlets in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the mousse (without the tart shell) if needed. Once frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and then pipe into fresh tart shells before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed! These are served chilled, which makes them even more convenient for entertaining or prepping in advance.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well—just be sure to thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before pureeing to avoid a watery mousse.

How do I prevent soggy tart shells?
If you’re making the tart shells yourself, brushing them with melted chocolate or an egg white before filling can help create a moisture barrier.

Is gelatin necessary for the mousse?
Yes, the gelatin helps the mousse set properly and hold its shape. You can use a vegetarian alternative like agar-agar if preferred.

Can I make this into a large tart instead of individual tartlets?
Absolutely! Just use a full-size tart shell and pour in the mousse as directed. Chill until firm, then slice and serve.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Mousse Tartlets are a delightful combination of simplicity and elegance. Light, creamy, and packed with berry flavor, they’re the kind of dessert that makes you feel like a pastry chef without breaking a sweat. Whether for a dinner party, afternoon tea, or just a quiet moment of indulgence, they’re sure to bring a smile to your face. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

Strawberry Mousse Tartlets Recipe