Creamy Keto Strawberry Mousse – Light, Luscious, and Low-Carb
If you’re craving something sweet but keeping carbs in check, this creamy keto strawberry mousse hits the spot. It’s silky, airy, and full of fresh berry flavor without the sugar crash. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients and about 15 minutes of hands-on time.
No baking, no water baths—just a quick blend and a gentle whip. It’s the kind of dessert that feels fancy but fits weeknights just as well as special occasions.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the strawberries: Rinse, hull, and pat dry. If using frozen berries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid. This keeps the mousse thick and prevents watery texture.
- Make the strawberry puree: Blend strawberries with lemon juice and a tablespoon of sweetener until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Set aside.
- Soften the cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining sweetener, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. This base helps the mousse hold its shape.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Don’t overbeat—a soft, billowy whip blends better and keeps the mousse airy.
- Combine the base: Pour the strawberry puree into the cream cheese mixture. Beat briefly on low until combined and smooth.
- Fold in the cream: Add half the whipped cream to the strawberry mixture and gently fold using a spatula. Add the rest and fold again until no streaks remain. Keep it light; overmixing deflates the mousse.
- Taste and adjust: If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more powdered sweetener and fold gently to incorporate.
- Chill to set: Spoon into serving glasses or ramekins. Chill for at least 1 hour for best texture. The flavors mellow and the mousse firms slightly as it cools.
- Garnish and serve: Top with a sliced strawberry or a few shavings of dark chocolate. Serve cold.
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Built for busy home cooks who want real-life structure. Simple steps that fit meal prep, family dinners, and late-night snack attacks.
What Makes This Special
This mousse delivers all the indulgence of a classic dessert while staying low-carb and keto-friendly. Fresh strawberries bring natural sweetness and a bright, summery taste.
Heavy cream gives it that rich, cloud-like texture you expect from a mousse. A touch of lemon balances the flavors and keeps it from feeling too heavy. Best of all, it’s easy to customize and comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (or thawed frozen strawberries, well drained)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, very cold
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3–4 tablespoons powdered erythritol or allulose (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, but recommended for brightness)
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh strawberries or shaved dark chocolate (90%+) for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the strawberries: Rinse, hull, and pat dry.
If using frozen berries, thaw completely and drain excess liquid. This keeps the mousse thick and prevents watery texture.
- Make the strawberry puree: Blend strawberries with lemon juice and a tablespoon of sweetener until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
Set aside.
- Soften the cream cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the remaining sweetener, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and fluffy. This base helps the mousse hold its shape.
- Whip the cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to soft peaks. Don’t overbeat—a soft, billowy whip blends better and keeps the mousse airy.
- Combine the base: Pour the strawberry puree into the cream cheese mixture.
Beat briefly on low until combined and smooth.
- Fold in the cream: Add half the whipped cream to the strawberry mixture and gently fold using a spatula. Add the rest and fold again until no streaks remain. Keep it light; overmixing deflates the mousse.
- Taste and adjust: If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more powdered sweetener and fold gently to incorporate.
- Chill to set: Spoon into serving glasses or ramekins.
Chill for at least 1 hour for best texture. The flavors mellow and the mousse firms slightly as it cools.
- Garnish and serve: Top with a sliced strawberry or a few shavings of dark chocolate. Serve cold.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
The texture may firm up a bit, which many people love.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge for a few hours before serving. Expect a slightly more icy texture, but still delicious.
- Avoid watery results: If using frozen strawberries, drain them well before blending.
Excess liquid shortens the mousse’s fridge life.
Health Benefits
- Low-carb and keto-friendly: With sugar-free sweeteners and heavy cream, this dessert stays within low-carb targets while still tasting indulgent.
- Rich in healthy fats: Heavy cream and cream cheese help keep you satisfied, which can support appetite control on a keto plan.
- Antioxidants from strawberries: Strawberries provide vitamin C and polyphenols, which support immune health and overall wellness.
- No added sugars: Using erythritol or allulose keeps blood sugar stable and reduces cravings later.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Overmixing the cream: This can turn the texture grainy or too stiff. Stop at soft peaks and fold gently.
- Too much liquid from berries: Watery puree can thin the mousse. Drain frozen berries and consider straining the puree if it’s very juicy.
- Using granulated sweetener: Granules won’t dissolve well and can make the mousse gritty.
Use a powdered form for smoothness.
- Skipping the chill time: The mousse needs time to set and develop its flavor. Rushing it can leave it too loose.
- Flavor imbalance: A tiny pinch of salt and a bit of lemon make the strawberry flavor pop. Don’t skip them unless necessary.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate-dipped vibe: Fold in 1–2 tablespoons of finely shaved dark chocolate.
It adds texture and a luxe flavor contrast.
- Berry blend: Swap half the strawberries for raspberries or blackberries. Keep in mind raspberries can be tarter—adjust sweetener to taste.
- Dairy-light: Replace half the heavy cream with coconut cream (solid part from a chilled can). Expect a mild coconut note.
- Protein boost: Beat in 1 scoop unflavored or vanilla whey isolate to the cream cheese mixture.
Add a splash of almond milk if it gets too thick.
- Tart twist: Add 1–2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon zest for a bright, almost cheesecake-like profile.
- Parfait style: Layer the mousse with crushed toasted almonds or keto granola for crunch.
FAQ
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes. Powdered erythritol, allulose, or a powdered stevia blend all work. Start with less, taste, and add gradually.
Allulose tends to be the smoothest and least cooling on the tongue.
Will this work with frozen strawberries?
It does, as long as you thaw and drain them well. If the puree seems very watery, strain it or reduce the amount slightly to avoid a thin mousse.
How do I prevent a grainy texture?
Use room-temperature cream cheese and powdered sweetener. Whip the cream to soft peaks, then fold gently.
Graininess often comes from overwhipping or using granulated sweetener.
Is this safe for strict keto?
Yes, when sweetened with a keto-friendly sweetener and portioned reasonably. Strawberries are one of the lower-carb fruits, but they still add a few carbs. Adjust serving size to fit your goals.
Can I make it ahead for guests?
Absolutely.
Make it up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled. Add garnishes just before serving to keep them fresh and crisp.
What if I don’t have a mixer?
You can whisk by hand, but it takes more effort. Chill the bowl and cream, and whisk in quick, steady motions until soft peaks form.
Can I turn this into a pie filling?
Yes.
Spoon the mousse into a keto nut crust and chill until set. It won’t slice as firmly as a baked cheesecake, but it makes a lovely no-bake pie.
How sweet should it be?
That’s up to you. Start with less sweetener and adjust after combining the puree and cream cheese.
Chill slightly, taste, and tweak before folding in the final whipped cream if needed.
Wrapping Up
This creamy keto strawberry mousse is the kind of dessert you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s quick, elegant, and easy to tailor to your taste. With simple ingredients and a light, silky texture, it satisfies a sweet tooth without derailing your goals.
Make a batch for company or portion it for weekday treats—you can’t go wrong with this one.
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