Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a few simple ingredients, this mousse comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Light and Refreshing: A perfect balance of creamy and fruity flavors that is not overly heavy.
- Impressive Presentation: Its beautiful purple hue makes it an eye-catching addition to any dessert table.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (plus a few extra for garnish)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ cups heavy cream (chilled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Fresh mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Directions
-
Prepare the Blackberry Purée:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the blackberries soften and release their juices, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and use a blender or immersion blender to purée the mixture until smooth.
- Strain the blackberry purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Let it cool to room temperature.
-
Whip the Cream:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the chilled heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add the vanilla extract and powdered sugar, and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
-
Fold in the Blackberry Purée:
- Gently fold the cooled blackberry purée into the whipped cream, being careful not to over-mix to maintain the airy texture.
- Spoon the blackberry mousse into serving glasses or bowls.
-
Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the mousse for at least 2 hours, allowing it to set.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and mint leaves before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: About 20 minutes.
- Chilling Time: At least 2 hours.
Variations
- Berry Mix: Combine blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry mousse.
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange or lime zest to the blackberry purée for a citrusy note.
- Chocolate Delight: Fold in some melted white chocolate into the whipped cream before adding the blackberry purée for a richer flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Blackberry mousse can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed the same day to preserve its fresh taste and creamy texture. This dessert is not suitable for freezing, as it may affect the mousse’s consistency.
FAQs
What type of blackberries should I use for this mousse?
Fresh blackberries are ideal for this recipe, but if they’re not in season, frozen blackberries can be used as a substitute. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained before use.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mousse a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Is it necessary to strain the blackberry purée?
Straining the purée removes the seeds, resulting in a smoother mousse. However, if you don’t mind the texture of the seeds, you can skip this step.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. Adjust the sugar levels accordingly, as some fruits may be sweeter or more tart.
How can I make this mousse dairy-free?
Substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free whipping cream alternative. Ensure all other ingredients used are also dairy-free.
What can I do if my mousse doesn’t set properly?
Ensure that the whipped cream is beaten to stiff peaks before folding in the blackberry purée. Also, make sure the mousse chills for at least 2 hours to set properly.
Can I add gelatin to stabilize the mousse?
If you prefer a firmer mousse, you can dissolve a teaspoon of unflavored gelatin in a small amount of warm water and mix it into the cooled blackberry purée before folding it into the whipped cream.
How can I reduce the sweetness of the mousse?
You can reduce the amount of granulated and powdered sugar used in the recipe to suit your taste preferences.
What garnishes work well with blackberry mousse?
Fresh blackberries, mint leaves, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of blackberry syrup make excellent garnishes.
Can I layer this mousse with other desserts?
Yes, this mousse pairs well when layered with sponge cake, ladyfingers, or graham cracker crumbs to create a parfait or trifle.
Conclusion
This blackberry mousse is an elegant, flavorful dessert that is simple to make yet impressive to serve. Perfect for summer evenings, dinner parties, or anytime you crave a light and fruity treat!
Blackberry Mousse
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and refreshing blackberry mousse, a light and airy dessert bursting with fresh berry flavor. This easy mousse recipe is made with blackberries, whipped cream, and a touch of vanilla, creating a luscious treat perfect for summer gatherings or elegant dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1½ cups heavy cream (chilled)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Blackberry Purée
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries soften and release their juices.
- Remove from heat and blend the mixture until smooth.
- Strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds. Let it cool.
Whip the Cream
- In a mixing bowl, beat chilled heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form.
- Add vanilla extract and powdered sugar, then continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Fold in the Blackberry Purée
- Gently fold the cooled blackberry purée into the whipped cream. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls.
Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and mint leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a mixed berry mousse, add raspberries or blueberries.
- For a citrusy twist, mix in a teaspoon of orange or lime zest.
- For a firmer mousse, add 1 teaspoon of dissolved gelatin to the blackberry purée before folding into the whipped cream.
