Raspberry Mousse is one of those enchanting desserts that instantly elevates any occasion, while delivering a gorgeous pop of color and fruit-forward flavor. Light, luscious, and gently sweet, it’s a dreamy make-ahead treat perfect for summer gatherings or when you want a touch of elegance at the end of a meal. Every spoonful is brimming with berry brightness and creamy richness, making it a favorite in my kitchen and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need
-
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Raspberry Mixture:
Mousse:
How to Make Raspberry Mousse
Step 1: Cook the Raspberries
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Let the mixture bubble gently, stirring now and then, until the berries break down and release their juices—this takes about 5 to 7 minutes. As the mixture thickens, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible fresh berry aroma.
Step 2: Strain for Silky Smoothness
Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and carefully press the juicy mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. This step is absolutely worth it—it removes the seeds and ensures your Raspberry Mousse is ultra-smooth and delicate every single time.
Step 3: Bloom and Dissolve the Gelatin
In a small bowl, mix the water and gelatin, letting it sit for about 5 minutes so the gelatin absorbs the liquid. Then, warm the bloomed gelatin in the microwave for about 10 seconds, just until dissolved. Stir this directly into the warm raspberry puree so everything’s nice and smooth.
Step 4: Cool the Mixture
Allow the raspberry and gelatin mixture to cool to room temperature. This step is crucial—if it’s too warm, it could deflate your whipped cream later. Take a breather, tidy up, or whip up a little playlist while you wait.
Step 5: Whip the Cream
In a clean bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. You’re looking for a thick, billowy consistency—fluffy, but still soft enough to blend easily. This is where the mousse gets its signature cloud-like texture.
Step 6: Fold It All Together
Gently fold the cooled raspberry mixture into the whipped cream in batches, being careful not to overmix. Aim for a streak-free, pale pink mousse that looks almost too pretty to eat. The key is to be gentle—you want to keep all that lovely air in.
Step 7: Chill and Set
Spoon or pipe the finished mousse into serving glasses or bowls. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 to 3 hours, or until the mousse is fully set. This is when all those flavors meld and the texture firms up perfectly!
How to Serve Raspberry Mousse

Garnishes
Fresh raspberries and mint leaves make beautiful garnishes for Raspberry Mousse, adding color and a delightful fragrance. Just before serving, nestle a few plump berries and a sprig of mint on top for that irresistibly fresh, restaurant-worthy look.
Side Dishes
This light mousse pairs beautifully with almond biscotti, buttery shortbread cookies, or a simple tuile. Add a crisp, neutral cookie on the side for a satisfying contrast in both flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, try piping Raspberry Mousse into elegant stemmed glasses, glass jars, or even hollowed-out lemon halves. Layer it with whipped cream or shaved chocolate for a playful parfait, or serve in mini dessert cups for the ultimate party-ready treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Raspberry Mousse keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Cover each serving with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid to preserve its cloud-like texture and keep those flavors fresh.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze Raspberry Mousse, it’s worth noting that the delicate texture may change as it thaws, potentially becoming a bit grainy. For the true mousse experience, I recommend enjoying it fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
This dessert is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat Raspberry Mousse. If it’s been stored in the freezer, allow it to thaw gently in the refrigerator before serving and give it a gentle stir with a fork to fluff it back up, if needed.
FAQs
Can I substitute strawberries or other berries instead of raspberries?
Absolutely! While raspberries lend their distinctive tart flavor and gorgeous hue, you can swap in strawberries, blackberries, or a mix of berries for a unique twist. Just be sure to strain out the seeds and adjust sugar to taste.
What if I don’t have gelatin—can I use agar agar instead?
Yes, agar agar is a great vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Use an equal amount, dissolve it in water, and add it to the raspberry puree following the same method; just note that agar sets a bit firmer than gelatin.
Can I make Raspberry Mousse ahead of time?
You sure can! Raspberry Mousse is the perfect make-ahead dessert. Prepare it up to two days in advance, store it covered in the fridge, and garnish just before serving for best results.
Why does my mousse sometimes separate or get watery?
Separation can occur if the raspberry mixture is too warm when folded into the cream or if the mousse sits too long uncovered. Be sure to fully cool the raspberry mixture and cover your servings tightly to keep everything lovely and smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! This Raspberry Mousse recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for any guests with gluten sensitivities or simply for anyone looking for a lighter dessert option.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s refreshingly light yet full of flavor, Raspberry Mousse is truly a standout. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in making (and sharing) it as I do. Here’s to bright berries, creamy clouds, and many happy spoons!
Print
Raspberry Mousse Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the light and fruity delight of this Raspberry Mousse that is perfect for a sweet treat. This elegant dessert is easy to make and bursting with the fresh flavors of raspberries.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries (thawed if frozen)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Fresh raspberries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Raspberry Mixture:
Mousse:
Instructions
- Raspberry Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until raspberries break down. Strain mixture.
- Gelatin Mixture: Combine water and gelatin. Warm in microwave until dissolved.
- Mousse: Whip cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Fold in raspberry mixture. Chill for 2–3 hours.
- Serve: Garnish with raspberries and mint.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain raspberry puree well.
- Mousse can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg