Wondering what to do with a bag of Trader Joe’s Freeze Dried Strawberries? If you love light desserts, this Freeze Dried Strawberry Mousse Recipe is one delicious way to use them! Made with just four ingredients, this creamy, high protein mousse tastes like strawberry ice cream but is healthy, easy to make, and ready in just 5 minutes.
I’m on a cottage cheese mousse kick and also love chocolate cottage cheese mousse, peanut butter cottage cheese mousse, and healthy mocha mousse.
This freeze dried strawberry mousse recipe is my latest favorite, and I can’t wait for you to try it! It’s sweet, airy, and melts in your mouth, offering the perfect balance of tangy strawberry flavor and smooth, creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love Freeze Dried Strawberry Mousse
Strawberry mousse using freeze dried strawberry powder is incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced bakers alike. You get all the delicious, sweet strawberry flavor without the hassle of straining seeds from fresh fruit.
Using freeze dried strawberries is a game changer because they don’t require refrigeration. You can also store them for a long time – perfect for keeping your pantry stocked for a quick treat.
This freeze dried strawberry mousse dessert has a velvety texture that’s both rich and refreshing. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy strawberries when they’re out of season.
Another perk? You can make freeze dried strawberry mousse cups ahead of time for parties, dinner gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. It’s a convenient and time-saving dessert option that still tastes indulgent.
If you love delicious desserts, don’t miss Strawberry Milk Jello.
Ingredients in This Freeze Dried Strawberry Mousse Recipe
This freeze dried strawberry mousse is as simple as it gets! It only requires three main ingredients, plus a little optional milk or heavy cream if you like to adjust the consistency.
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious, healthy freeze dried strawberry mousse recipe:
- Freeze Dried Strawberries (1.2 Ounces / 34 Grams): I use Trader Joes Freeze Dried Strawberries for this recipe. Each 1.2 ounce bag contains the equivalent of 12 ounces of fresh strawberries. You can also find other brands at most grocery stores or purchase them online.
- Cottage Cheese: I use 2% cottage cheese, which gives the recipe about 15 grams of protein per serving. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and adds a creamy texture that helps the mousse stay light yet rich. It also contains salt, so there’s no need to add any.
- Sweetener of Choice: You can use sugar, zero-calorie monk fruit sweetener, maple syrup, or honey – depending on your preference. For a sugar-free version, I recommend using monk fruit sweetener.
- Milk or Heavy Whipping Cream (Optional): If your mousse is too thick after blending, you can thin it out with a little milk or heavy whipping cream. The heavy cream will make the mousse even richer, while milk will keep it lighter.
How to Make Freeze Dried Strawberry Mousse
Making freeze dried strawberry mousse is a breeze and takes less than 10 minutes. Here’s how to make it with 4 simple ingredients:
- Blend the Freeze Dried Strawberries: Start by grinding the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor or blender. This step helps incorporate the strawberry flavor evenly into the mousse.
- Add the Cottage Cheese: Once your strawberries are powdered, add the protein-rich cottage cheese to the blender or food processor. Blend the two ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sweetener: If you’re using a granulated sweetener, like monk fruit or sugar, the mousse will thicken more than if you use a liquid sweetener.
- Add Milk or Heavy Cream if Needed: If it’s too thick, thin it with 1-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy whipping cream until you reach the desired flavor and consistency.
- Chill: Use a spoon or rubber spatula to pour the strawberry mixture into small cups or serving glasses. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 2 or more hours to allow it to set and chill properly. I love waiting until the next day! This step is optional but helps the mousse firm up and develop more flavor.
- Serve & Enjoy: Once this easy strawberry mousse has chilled, it’s ready to enjoy! You can top it with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, strawberry slices, fresh berries, chopped nuts, mini white chocolate or chocolate chips, or even more freeze-dried strawberry powder for an extra touch of flavor.
What is Freeze Dried Strawberry Powder?
Freeze dried strawberry powder is made by grinding freeze dried strawberries into a fine powder. It captures the intense, concentrated flavor of strawberries without the moisture that comes with fresh fruit. This makes it ideal for use in mousse, smoothies, baked goods, and more.
The great thing about freeze dried strawberry powder is that it’s shelf-stable, so it doesn’t require refrigeration and can be stored for a long time. It’s also convenient, saving you time and effort since you don’t have to strain seeds out of fresh strawberries.
If you love freeze dried strawberry mousse, freeze dried strawberry powder is your new best friend.
Variations and Flavor Ideas
While this freeze dried strawberry mousse is already amazing on its own, you can easily switch things up. Here are some fun variations and flavor ideas for other delicious creations:
Chocolate Strawberry Mousse: Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder or melt a little dark chocolate and blend it into the mousse for a delicious chocolate-strawberry combo.
Dairy-Free Strawberry Mousse: Use a dairy-free yogurt or coconut milk yogurt in place of the cottage cheese to make this mousse dairy-free. You can also opt for a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk.
Lemon Strawberry Mousse: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the mousse for a tangy, refreshing twist.
Vanilla Strawberry Mousse: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mousse for a subtle vanilla flavor that complements the strawberry.
Freeze-Dried Fruit Powders: You can, of course, try this recipe with different fruit powders. I’ve made it with Trader Joe’s Freeze-Dried Raspberries, though I found they contained more seeds. I haven’t tried using Trader Joe’s Organic Freeze-Dried Berry Medley or Trader Joe’s Freeze-Dried Mango yet. A friend also mentioned that Costco sells freeze-dried fruit powders, but I haven’t tested those either.
Also try: Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse.
Equipment for This Healthy Freeze Dried Strawberry Mousse Recipe
To make this freeze dried strawberry mousse, you don’t need fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Food Processor or Blender: To grind the freeze dried strawberries into powder and to blend the mousse ingredients together. If you don’t have a food processor, a regular high-speed blender will work just fine!
- Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the food processor or blender.
- Spoon or a Piping Bag: For serving. If you want to make your mousse look extra fancy, use a piping bag for clean, neat servings.
- Mousse Cups or Serving Glasses: Use small cups, glasses, or bowls to serve your mousse. You can even use mason jars for a cute and rustic touch.
Storage Tips for Healthy Strawberry Mousse
Refrigerate This Freeze Dried Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Store your freeze dried strawberry mousse in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s best to consume it within that time frame to maintain its flavor and texture.
Can You Freeze Strawberry Mousse?
Yes, you can freeze this freeze dried strawberry mousse dessert in an air-tight container.
Why This Recipe Works
This freeze dried strawberry mousse recipe is so easy, versatile, and healthy that it quickly became a family favorite. It’s packed with protein from the cottage cheese, and the freeze dried strawberries offer that perfect burst of flavor without the mess or preparation of fresh fruit. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite sweetener or add-ins, making it adaptable to any dietary need.
Whether you’re serving it at a party, enjoying it as a post-workout snack, or simply indulging on a quiet evening, this mousse is the perfect guilt-free treat.
Now you’ve got everything you need to make the most delicious, protein-packed freeze dried strawberry mousse! This recipe is sure to be a hit wherever you serve it. Enjoy!
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Freeze Dried Strawberry Mousse Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor or Blender – To grind the freeze dried strawberries into powder and to blend the mousse ingredients together.
- 1 Rubber Spatula – To scrape down the food processor or blender.
- 1 Spoon or a Piping Bag – For serving. If you want to make your mousse look extra fancy, use a piping bag for clean, neat servings.
- Mousse Cups or Serving Glasses – Use small cups, glasses, or bowls to serve your mousse. You can even use mason jars for a cute and rustic touch.
Ingredients
- 1.2 Ounces Freeze Dried Strawberries (34 Grams) – I make this with one bag of Trader Joe's Freeze Dried Strawberries.
- 1½ Cups Cottage Cheese (12 Ounces) – I use 2% cottage cheese, which gives the recipe about 15 grams of protein per serving. Cottage cheese contains salt, so there's no need to add any.
- 1-2 Tablespoons Sweetener of Choice: Sugar, Zero-Calorie Monk Fruit Sweetener, Maple Syrup, or Honey
- 1-3 Tablespoons Milk or Heavy Whipping Cream – If your mousse is too thick after blending, you can thin it out with a little milk or heavy whipping cream. It will set further in the refrigerator.
Instructions
- Blend the Freeze Dried Strawberries: Start by grinding the freeze dried strawberries into a fine powder using a food processor or blender. This step helps incorporate the strawberry flavor evenly into the mousse.
- Add the Cottage Cheese: Once your strawberries are powdered, add the cottage cheese to the blender or food processor. Blend the two ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Sweetener: If you’re using a granulated sweetener, like monk fruit or sugar, the mousse will thicken more than if you use a liquid sweetener.
- Add Milk or Heavy Cream if Needed: If it's too thick, thin it with 1-3 tablespoons of milk or heavy whipping cream until you reach the desired flavor and consistency.
- Chill: Spoon the mousse into small cups or serving glasses. Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours – or overnight – to allow it to set and chill properly. This step is optional but helps the mousse firm up and develop more flavor.
- Toppings: You can top the chilled mousse with whipped cream, fresh strawberries, chopped nuts, mini white chocolate or chocolate chips, or even more freeze dried strawberry powder for an extra touch of flavor.
Notes
This was really easy to make and tastes so good. Great snack!
Glad you enjoyed it. You might also like cottage cheese chocolate mousse.