There’s something truly irresistible about the combination of rich chocolate and vibrant strawberries—especially when they come together in a dessert that feels both indulgent and elegant. I discovered this Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Cups recipe one cozy afternoon while daydreaming about the perfect sweet treat for a special occasion. With creamy layers of luscious strawberry mousse nestled atop a crunchy Oreo crust and draped in silky chocolate ganache, this dessert is a delightful celebration of flavors and textures.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for two or simply looking to impress friends at your next gathering, these mousse cups are sure to steal the show. Best of all, they can be prepped ahead of time, making them a stress-free addition to your dessert lineup. Join me as I guide you through the steps to create this decadent yet easy-to-make masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Why is Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse irresistible?
Indulgence in Every Bite: This dessert combines rich chocolate and fresh strawberries for a delightful treat.
Easy to Make: With simple steps, creating this layered dessert is a breeze—even for novice bakers!
Elegant Presentation: The vibrant colors and textures make these mousse cups perfect for any occasion.
Versatile Flavor Swaps: Feel free to try raspberry or flavored extracts to switch things up!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the moment.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone will adore this sweet delight, making it a sure-fire hit at gatherings or special dinners.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Ingredients
For the Oreo Crust
• Oreos – Provides a crunchy layer for structure; feel free to substitute with any chocolate cookie.
• Unsalted Butter – Melts to hold the crust together; can use salted butter but reduce additional salt.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; use table salt if necessary, but adjust quantity as needed.
For the Strawberry Mousse
• Fresh Strawberries – Use ripe strawberries for optimal flavor; frozen strawberries can be substituted but adjust sugar accordingly.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetener; alter quantity to taste or swap with a sugar substitute if desired.
• Cornstarch – Thickening agent for mousse; can be replaced with arrowroot powder for a different texture.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness; substitute with apple cider vinegar if needed.
• Unflavored Gelatin – Stabilizes the mousse; use agar-agar for a vegetarian option.
• Cold Water – Activates gelatin; essential for the proper setting of the mousse.
• Heavy Cream – Used for whipping and in the mousse; can substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
For the Chocolate Ganache
• Dark Chocolate (60% cacao) – Base of the ganache providing rich chocolate flavor; choose any quality dark chocolate, 60% or higher for best results.
• Refined Coconut Oil – Adds shine and smoothness to the ganache; can be replaced with vegetable oil if preferred.
For the Whipped Topping
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Sweetens whipped cream; optional, adjust based on taste to ensure the perfect finish.
How to Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse
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Prepare Oreo Crust: Begin by crushing about 20 Oreos into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with 4 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter and a pinch of kosher salt. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your serving cups. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until set.
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Make Strawberry Mousse Base: In a blender, combine 1 cup of ripe strawberries, ½ cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and the juice of half a lemon. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens, around 5-7 minutes. Let it cool completely before proceeding.
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Fold in Cream: Whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cooled strawberry mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream, just until the two are combined.
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Layer Mousse: Spoon the strawberry mousse over the chilled Oreo crust in the cups. Smooth out the tops and chill for at least another 1-2 hours until set.
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Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Melt 6 ounces of dark chocolate with 2 tablespoons of refined coconut oil in a microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth, then allow to cool slightly before pouring over the set mousse layer. Let it cool at room temperature until set.
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Top and Serve: Whip your remaining heavy cream (about ½ cup) and sweeten with a sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar if desired. Top each mousse cup with the whipped cream, and garnish with chocolate-covered Oreo crunchies and a fresh strawberry.
Optional: Garnish with a drizzle of melted chocolate for extra flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Cups are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the Oreo crust and the strawberry mousse base up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring a delightful burst of flavor without the last-minute rush. Simply make the Oreo crust, press it into your serving cups, and chill it overnight. For the mousse, blend and cook the strawberry mixture, cool it completely, and then fold in the whipped cream before layering it on the set crust. When you’re ready to serve, simply make the chocolate ganache and pour it over the mousse. This way, your dessert will remain just as delicious and fresh, allowing you to enjoy a stress-free celebration!
What to Serve with Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse?
Elevate your dessert experience by pairing it with delicious accompaniments that enhance its luscious flavors.
- Fresh Berries: A side of mixed berries adds a refreshing burst and complements the dessert’s fruity essence beautifully.
- Mint Leaf Garnish: Adding mint leaves not only enhances presentation but also introduces a refreshing hint that balances the rich mousse.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast in texture, making each bite of mousse even more indulgent.
- Coffee: A cup of rich coffee pairs perfectly with the dessert’s sweetness, adding a sophisticated touch for those who adore a bit of caffeine with their treats.
- Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch from chocolate-covered pretzels creates a fun contrast to the smooth, creamy mousse, giving an exciting flavor twist.
- Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Celebrate with a glass of bubbly; the effervescence and acidity work wonders in cutting through the richness of the mousse, making every bite a delight!
- Shortbread Cookies: The buttery texture of shortbread cookies offers a delightful crunch that pairs harmoniously without overwhelming the mousse.
- Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the mousse adds an extra layer of sweetness and complexity to the dessert—a true treat!
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Variations
Feel free to get creative with your mousse cups and personalize them to suit your taste!
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Berry Bliss: Swap fresh strawberries for ripe raspberries or blueberries for a burst of tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
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Nutty Twist: Add crushed hazelnuts or almonds to the Oreo crust for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor—simply mix them in with the cookie crumbs.
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Minty Fresh: Infuse the mousse with a drop of mint extract for a refreshing twist—a little goes a long way in adding a cooling freshness!
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Flavor Fusion: Incorporate flavored extracts like vanilla, almond, or even coffee into the mousse for a unique depth that transforms the classic taste.
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Vegan Delight: For a completely plant-based version, replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use vegan chocolate. Your friends will never guess it’s dairy-free!
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Spicy Sensation: Add a hint of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the ganache for a surprising kick that beautifully complements the sweetness of the chocolate.
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Caramel Drizzle: Before serving, dribble some salted caramel sauce over the tops of the mousse cups to add a luxurious, sweet touch.
These delightful variations will help you create a crowd-pleaser that’s truly your own!
Expert Tips for Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse
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Perfect Cooling: Always allow the strawberry mixture to cool completely before folding in the whipped cream; this helps maintain the mousse’s airy texture.
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Oreo Crunch Prep: Make your Oreo crunchies up to three days in advance to save time. Just store them in an airtight container for freshness.
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Firmness Factor: If you prefer a firmer consistency for your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse, chill the cups for an additional hour before serving.
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Layering Skill: When layering mousse, spoon gently to avoid disturbing the Oreo crust beneath. A careful hand will keep those layers pristine!
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Flavor Boosts: Consider adding a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the strawberry mousse for added depth of flavor. It’s a simple way to elevate your dessert!
How to Store and Freeze Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse
Fridge: Store your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse cups covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezer: If you need to freeze them, carefully wrap individual cups in plastic wrap and then place them in a sealed freezer bag; they can last up to 1 month.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw the mousse cups in the refrigerator overnight; this helps maintain their creamy texture. Avoid refreezing.
Serving Tip: For the best taste and texture, enjoy the mousse cold, and add fresh toppings just before serving for a delightful finish.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Recipe FAQs
What kind of strawberries should I use for the mousse?
Fresh, ripe strawberries are ideal for this recipe as they provide the best flavor and sweetness. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute frozen ones, but be sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe accordingly, as frozen strawberries can be sweeter.
How do I store leftover Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse?
Store your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse cups in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Just remember, it’s best to avoid garnishing the mousse with whipped cream until you’re ready to serve for optimal texture.
Can I freeze the mousse for later?
Absolutely! To freeze your mousse, wrap each individual cup tightly in plastic wrap, then place them into a resealable freezer bag. They can last up to 1 month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight—this helps to maintain their delightful creamy texture.
What should I do if my mousse isn’t setting properly?
If your mousse isn’t setting correctly, it could be due to the gelatin not activating properly. Always ensure the cold water is at the right temperature for activating gelatin. If you find your mousse is still too runny, you can reheat the strawberry mixture gently until it thickens further, then let it cool before folding in the whipped cream again.
Are there any allergy considerations with this dessert?
Yes! This Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse contains common allergens including dairy (in the heavy cream) and gluten (in the Oreos). If you have allergies, consider using dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and gluten-free cookies. Always check labels for hidden allergens. If you’re preparing for someone with a severe allergy, it’s best to make the mousse from scratch with allergy-friendly ingredients.
Can I make this mousse dairy-free?
Certainly! You can easily modify this recipe to be dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream, and using vegan cookies instead of Oreos. Just ensure that any swaps for ingredients like chocolate and butter are dairy-free as well to keep it safe for those avoiding dairy.
Decadent Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Mousse Delight
Equipment
- - Blender
- Mixing bowl
- microwave
- serving cups
- double boiler
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Oreo Crust
- 20 pieces Oreos crushed into fine crumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 pinch kosher salt
For the Strawberry Mousse
- 1 cup fresh strawberries ripe
- ½ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ unit fresh lemon juice juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 cup heavy cream
For the Chocolate Ganache
- 6 ounces dark chocolate (60% cacao) chopped
- 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil
For the Whipped Topping
- ½ cup heavy cream
- to taste confectioners’ sugar optional
Instructions
Making the Mousse
- Prepare Oreo Crust: Crush about 20 Oreos into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter and kosher salt. Press into serving cups and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Make Strawberry Mousse Base: Blend strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened, around 5-7 minutes. Cool completely.
- Fold in Cream: Whip heavy cream until soft peaks. Gently fold into cooled strawberry mixture until just combined.
- Layer Mousse: Spoon strawberry mousse over the chilled Oreo crust. Smooth tops and chill for 1-2 hours until set.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil together until smooth. Cool slightly and pour over set mousse layer. Let cool until set.
- Top and Serve: Whip remaining heavy cream and sweeten with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Top each mousse cup with whipped cream and garnish.