Refreshing Strawberry Cloud Mousse
Indulge in this Refreshing Strawberry Cloud Mousse, a delightful and airy dessert that is both light and satisfying. Perfect for warm weather, this mousse combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the zesty notes of orange and lemon juice, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. Made with low-fat ingredients such as 1% cottage cheese and nonfat yogurt, this dessert is a guilt-free treat that can be prepared in advance and chilled to perfection. Whether served in individual bowls or a shared dish, it's an elegant finish to any meal, providing a fresh and fruity escape on a sunny day.
4
Servings
85
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh strawberries
2 cups (washed and hulled)
Orange juice
2 tablespoons (preferably fresh)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (preferably fresh)
Unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 teaspoons (powdered)
Cold water
1/4 cup (none)
Sugar
1/3 cup (divided; 1/3 for gelatin mixture, 1 tablespoon for egg white)
1% fat cottage cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
Egg white
1 (at room temperature)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and hulling the fresh strawberries. In a blender or food processor, puree the strawberries together with the orange juice and lemon juice until completely smooth. Set the strawberry puree aside.
2
In a separate bowl, blend the 1% cottage cheese and nonfat yogurt with the blender or food processor until smooth and creamy. Set aside this mixture.
3
In a small saucepan, add the cold water and sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over it. Let it sit for about 1 minute to soften the gelatin. Then, heat it over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves completely.
4
Once dissolved, stir in 1/3 cup of sugar, cooking and stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and cool slightly until it is just warm to the touch—be careful not to let it set.
5
Gently whisk the strawberry puree and the yogurt-cottage cheese mixture into the gelatin mixture until well combined.
6
Place the bowl in the freezer for 30–40 minutes, whisking every 10 minutes to prevent lumps, until the mixture thickens but does not fully set.
7
In a separate clean mixing bowl, beat the egg white until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
8
Carefully fold the beaten egg white into the thickened strawberry-gelatin mixture until fully integrated, ensuring to maintain as much air as possible for a light texture.
9
Transfer the mousse to a serving bowl or divide it into four individual bowls. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set beautifully.
Nutrition Information
0.75g
Fat
16.25g
Carbs
3.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Strawberry Cloud Mousse?
It is a light and airy dessert made with fresh strawberries, orange and lemon juice, cottage cheese, and yogurt for a guilt-free treat.
How many calories are in one serving of this mousse?
There are 85 calories per serving.
Is this strawberry mousse low in fat?
Yes, it is very low in fat, containing only 0.75g per serving.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What type of strawberries should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh strawberries, washed and hulled.
Can I use bottled juices instead of fresh?
While fresh orange and lemon juices are preferred for flavor, bottled juices can be used as a substitute.
How much gelatin is required for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 teaspoons of unflavored powdered gelatin.
What kind of cottage cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifies 1% fat cottage cheese to keep the dessert light.
Can I use flavored yogurt?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of nonfat plain yogurt to allow the strawberry flavor to shine.
How long does the mousse need to chill in the refrigerator?
The mousse should be chilled for at least 8 hours before serving to set properly.
Why do I need to whisk the mixture while it's in the freezer?
Whisking every 10 minutes while in the freezer for 30-40 minutes prevents lumps from forming as the gelatin begins to set.
How do I prepare the gelatin?
Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water, let it sit for 1 minute, then heat over low heat until dissolved.
How much sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of sugar for the gelatin mixture and an additional 1 tablespoon for the egg whites.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 3.5g of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16.25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a no-bake dessert?
Yes, this is a no-bake dessert, although the gelatin mixture requires a brief moment on the stovetop.
How should the egg white be prepared?
Beat the egg white until soft peaks form, then gradually add 1 tablespoon of sugar and beat until stiff peaks form.
What does 'folding in' the egg white mean?
Gently mixing the egg white into the strawberry mixture using a spatula to keep the air in and maintain a fluffy texture.
Can I use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender or food processor is needed to puree the strawberries and smooth out the cottage cheese and yogurt.
Is the texture of the mousse smooth?
Yes, blending the cottage cheese and yogurt until creamy ensures a smooth, cloud-like consistency.
Can I make this dessert in advance?
Absolutely, it is recommended to prepare it at least 8 hours ahead or even the day before.
What are the primary flavor notes?
The mousse features sweet strawberries complemented by zesty orange and lemon citrus notes.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
No, this recipe contains unflavored gelatin, which is an animal-derived product.
How should I store the finished mousse?
Keep the mousse covered in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
What makes the mousse 'cloud-like'?
The combination of the gelatin-thickened base and the whipped stiff-peaked egg whites creates the airy texture.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh is recommended, thawed frozen strawberries can be used if they are well-drained before pureeing.
Is there any salt added to this recipe?
No, there is no added salt in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
The nutritional information for cholesterol is not specified, but 1% cottage cheese and egg whites contain very little.
What equipment is necessary?
You will need a blender/food processor, a small saucepan, mixing bowls, and an electric mixer for the egg whites.
Can I serve this in individual portions?
Yes, the mousse can be divided into four individual bowls before the final 8-hour chill.