Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The sweet and tangy taste of blackberries shines through every bite.
- Elegant yet Easy: Looks sophisticated but requires minimal effort to prepare.
- Versatile: Perfect for dinner parties, summer gatherings, or a simple weeknight indulgence.
- Customizable: Make it firmer with gelatin or keep it naturally creamy without.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh blackberries
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Heavy whipping cream
- Vanilla extract
- Unflavored gelatin (optional)
- Water (if using gelatin)
Directions
- Prepare the Blackberries
Puree the blackberries in a blender or food processor until smooth. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, pressing to extract all the liquid. You should end up with about 1 cup of blackberry puree. - Sweeten the Puree
In a small saucepan over low heat, mix the blackberry puree, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. - Whip the Cream
In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be cautious not to overwhip. - Optional: Add Gelatin
For a firmer mousse, bloom the gelatin by sprinkling it over 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then heat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds until melted. Stir the gelatin into the cooled blackberry puree. - Combine
Carefully fold the blackberry mixture into the whipped cream, maintaining the light, airy texture by mixing gently. - Chill
Divide the mousse into serving cups or bowls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. - Serve
Top with fresh blackberries and a dollop of whipped cream before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4-6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours
Variations
- Swap the Berries: Use raspberries, strawberries, or a mix of berries for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with a sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
- Layered Dessert: Layer the mousse with crushed cookies or cake for a trifle-style dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the mousse covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This dessert is best served cold and does not require reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, thaw the blackberries first and follow the recipe as written.
2. Do I have to use gelatin?
No, gelatin is optional. Without it, the mousse will have a softer, creamier texture.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the mousse up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until serving.
4. How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
Fold the blackberry puree into the whipped cream gently to preserve the airiness.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients and follow the same steps.
6. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
7. How can I make this vegan?
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and agar-agar in place of gelatin if needed.
8. Can I add other flavors?
Sure! A splash of liqueur like Chambord or Grand Marnier complements the blackberry flavor beautifully.
9. How do I make the mousse firmer without gelatin?
Whip the cream to stiffer peaks and chill the mousse longer for a naturally firmer texture.
10. Can I use a food processor instead of a blender?
Yes, both work well for pureeing the blackberries.
Conclusion
Blackberry Mousse is a luxurious, effortless dessert that combines a creamy texture with the vibrant flavor of fresh blackberries. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or treating yourself to something sweet, this mousse is bound to be a hit. With easy variations and make-ahead convenience, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire.
Blackberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Experience the delicate sweetness of fresh blackberries in this creamy and airy Blackberry Mousse. This dessert is a perfect blend of fruity tanginess and velvety texture, ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 envelope (1/4 oz) unflavored gelatin (optional, for stability)
- 2 tbsp water (if using gelatin)
Instructions
- Prepare the Blackberries:
- Puree the blackberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, extracting about 1 cup of puree.
- Sweeten the Puree:
- Heat the blackberry puree with sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Stir until sugar dissolves, then cool slightly.
- Whip the Cream:
- In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla until stiff peaks form. Avoid overwhipping.
- Prepare the Gelatin (Optional):
- Bloom gelatin by sprinkling it over 2 tbsp of water and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Heat the mixture gently until melted and mix it into the cooled puree.
- Combine:
- Fold the blackberry mixture gently into the whipped cream until just combined to maintain its airy texture.
- Chill:
- Divide into serving dishes, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh blackberries and whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use agar-agar instead of gelatin.
- Adjust sweetness by adding or reducing sugar based on the tartness of the blackberri
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American