Best Blackberry Mousse

This blackberry mousse is light, airy, and bursting with fresh berry flavor. It’s the kind of dessert that feels elegant but is surprisingly simple to make. With its smooth texture and vibrant color, I love serving it in individual cups for dinner parties or as a refreshing treat on warm days. Whether I use fresh or frozen blackberries, it always turns out silky, sweet, and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this mousse strikes the perfect balance between tart and sweet. It’s naturally beautiful, no food coloring needed, and it’s a make-ahead dessert—ideal for entertaining or whenever I want something special without fussing at the last minute. It’s also versatile—I can serve it plain, with whipped cream, or topped with fresh berries for a pretty presentation.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh or frozen blackberries

• Granulated sugar

• Lemon juice

• Unflavored gelatin

• Cold water

• Heavy cream

• Vanilla extract

• Optional: extra blackberries or mint leaves for garnish

directions

1. I start by pureeing the blackberries in a blender or food processor until smooth.

2. I strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds and collect the juice.

3. In a small bowl, I sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.

4. While that sets, I combine the blackberry puree, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. I stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm.

5. I add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved, then remove the mixture from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

6. In a separate bowl, I whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until it forms soft peaks.

7. I gently fold the cooled blackberry mixture into the whipped cream until well combined and smooth.

8. I spoon the mousse into serving glasses or bowls and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 to 6 servings, depending on portion size. It takes about 20 minutes to prepare and at least 4 hours to chill, so I usually make it in advance and let it set in the fridge overnight.

Variations

• I sometimes swirl in a little lemon curd before chilling for a tangy twist.

• For a dairy-free version, I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

• When I want extra texture, I layer the mousse with crushed shortbread cookies or granola.

• I’ve also made it with a mix of berries like raspberries and blueberries—just as delicious.

• A splash of blackberry liqueur or Chambord gives it a more grown-up, dessert-party feel.

storage/reheating

I store the mousse in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. I never freeze it, since the texture can change after thawing. It doesn’t need reheating—just serve chilled right from the fridge. If I’m prepping it for guests, I garnish just before serving to keep everything fresh and pretty.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Yes, I often use frozen blackberries when fresh aren’t in season. I thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before blending.

Do I have to use gelatin?

Gelatin helps the mousse set and hold its shape. I haven’t had much success without it, but I’ve heard agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian substitute.

How do I get a smooth texture?

I always strain the blackberry puree to remove seeds. This step makes a big difference in creating a silky, smooth mousse.

Can I make this mousse ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight. That way, it’s perfectly set and ready to serve.

What toppings go well with blackberry mousse?

I love adding fresh berries, whipped cream, or a mint sprig. A few chocolate curls or a drizzle of berry coulis also make it look and taste extra special.

Conclusion

This blackberry mousse is everything I want in a dessert—light, creamy, fruity, and elegant. It’s simple enough for a casual treat but fancy enough for guests. Whether I serve it in little glasses or spoon it straight from the bowl, it always brings a smile. It’s a beautiful way to showcase the bright, juicy flavor of blackberries in a truly delightful dessert.

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