White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Bars

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both elegant and irresistibly creamy, White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Bars are exactly what you need. These bars combine the luscious sweetness of white chocolate with the fresh, fruity tang of strawberries, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for summer gatherings, afternoon treats, or any time you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, these mousse bars are a delightful slice of heaven.

Why It Deserves a Spot

White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Bars are more than just a pretty face on your dessert table. The combination of flavors offers a delicate balance — the smoothness of the white chocolate mousse complements the brightness of the fresh strawberries, while the graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious but is surprisingly simple to make. Plus, the light and airy mousse texture is a refreshing alternative to heavier cakes or pies, making it a great choice for warm weather or after a rich meal.

If you love desserts that showcase fresh fruit in a creamy form, you might also enjoy the Strawberry Spinach Poppy Seed Salad, which brings a fresh twist to strawberries in a meal setting.

What Goes Into White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Bars

• 1 cup white chocolate chips – This is the heart of the mousse, providing sweetness and a creamy texture.
• 2 cups heavy cream – Whipped to airy perfection, it gives the mousse its light and fluffy body.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the flavors with just the right amount of sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the white chocolate and strawberry flavors with a warm, fragrant note.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed – Adds natural strawberry flavor and a lovely pink hue to the mousse.
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped – Mixed into the mousse for bursts of texture and juicy pops of flavor.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter – Melted and mixed with graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs – Forms the crunchy and buttery base that holds everything together.

Appliances & Accessories

• Mixing bowls: For whipping cream and combining ingredients.
• Electric mixer or stand mixer: Essential for whipping the heavy cream to stiff peaks.
• Food processor or blender: To puree the fresh strawberries smoothly.
• 8×8-inch square baking pan: Perfect size for setting and slicing the mousse bars.
• Spatula: To fold ingredients gently without deflating the mousse.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient amounts.

How to Prepare White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Bars

Step 1: Prepare the crust

Start by melting the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter, stirring until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your 8×8-inch pan. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill and firm up while you prepare the mousse.

Step 2: Melt the white chocolate

In a heatproof bowl, melt the white chocolate chips gently over a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once melted and smooth, set aside to cool slightly but do not let it harden.

Step 3: Puree the strawberries

Using a blender or food processor, puree 1 cup of fresh strawberries until smooth. Set this aside for incorporation into the mousse.

Step 4: Whip the cream

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip the cream until stiff peaks form. This may take several minutes, so it’s important to watch closely to avoid over-whipping.

Step 5: Combine mousse ingredients

Gently fold the melted white chocolate into the whipped cream, taking care not to deflate the airiness. Next, fold in the pureed strawberries until the mixture is evenly pink and creamy. Finally, fold in the chopped fresh strawberries for a delightful burst of texture.

Step 6: Assemble the bars

Pour the mousse mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is fully set.

Step 7: Serve

Once set, cut into bars and serve chilled. These bars are perfect on their own or paired with a light fruit salad or even a dollop of whipped cream.

If you’re looking for a more indulgent chocolate option to pair with these bars, the Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake is a rich companion dessert.

Flavor-Forward Alternatives

• Raspberry Swirl: Substitute the pureed strawberries with raspberries for a tangier twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of fresh lemon zest to the mousse for a bright citrus note.
• Mint Infusion: Fold in finely chopped fresh mint leaves to complement the strawberry flavor.
• Almond Extract: Replace vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty aroma.
• Chocolate Chips: Mix in mini dark chocolate chips for an unexpected crunch.

Author’s Commentary

White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Bars are one of those recipes that never fail to impress guests without demanding hours of prep time. The use of fresh strawberries really elevates the mousse, lending a natural sweetness and vibrant color that’s hard to beat. I love how the graham cracker crust adds just the right crunch to contrast the airy mousse. This recipe is also very forgiving — you can swap ingredients or adjust sweetness depending on your taste.

One tip: make sure your heavy cream is very cold before whipping. It whips up faster and holds its shape better, ensuring a fluffy mousse. Also, gently folding the ingredients is key to maintaining that light texture. Overmixing can deflate the mousse and result in a denser dessert.

If you enjoy dips and spreads, the Cherry Cheesecake Dip offers another fruity, creamy option to enjoy alongside your mousse bars at your next party.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

• Make ahead: These bars can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Keep them covered and chilled in the refrigerator.
• Storage: Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the bars for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Serving tip: For the best texture, serve the bars cold but not straight from the freezer to avoid a hard mousse.

Popular Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries are preferred for their bright flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before pureeing and chopping to avoid excess moisture in the mousse.

Is it possible to make these bars without white chocolate?

White chocolate is key to the creamy sweetness in this mousse, but you can experiment with cream cheese or mascarpone cheese for a tangier mousse. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ from the original.

How do I know when the mousse is properly set?

The mousse should be firm enough to hold its shape when sliced but still soft and creamy to the bite. Refrigerating for at least 4 hours usually achieves this, but overnight chilling is ideal for best results.

Can I substitute the graham cracker crust with something else?

Absolutely! Crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla cookies work well as a base. Just combine with melted butter the same way to create a sturdy crust.

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Save & Share

These White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Bars are a showstopper worth sharing. Save this recipe to your favorites, and don’t forget to share it with friends who appreciate a dessert that’s both stunning and simple. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these mousse bars will quickly become a household favorite. Happy baking!

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