Strawberry Mascarpone Mousse

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 0 mins | Course: Dessert | Servings: 8 

Fresh sweet strawberry puree with whipped mascarpone cream. Quick to make, this light and airy dessert is perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn the oven on.

1 lb fresh strawberries, hulled 

8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened

6 Tbsp sugar, divided

2 Tbsp chambord, fraise or frambois liqueur, divided (optional)

1 ½ tsp vanilla, divided

1 cup heavy cream

Whole or sliced strawberries, for garnish

In a blender, puree strawberries until smooth. In a stand mixer, beat mascarpone cheese until fluffy with the whisk attachment. Scrape down the bowl and add 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon berry-flavored liqueur (if using), and 1 teaspoon vanilla, then the heavy cream. Beat until whipped to soft peaks. To the strawberry blender, add 3 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon berry liqueur (if using), and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Pulse to blend together. Reserve 1 cup of berry puree for serving dishes. Pour the remaining puree into the whipped mascarpone cream. Continue to whip to medium peaks. In small stemmed glasses, glass containers, or ramekins, ladle 2 tablespoons of fresh strawberry puree. Pipe or spoon mascarpone whipped cream on top. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with a small whole berry or some berry slices.