There’s something undeniably romantic about berry desserts in spring and summer—the burst of tart-sweet flavor, the light texture, the beautiful natural color. One of my favorite treats this time of year is a classic blackberry mousse: delicate, creamy, and refreshingly tangy. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or simply want to elevate a weekday dessert, this blackberry mousse recipe will not disappoint.
Inspired by the elegant berry-based desserts my grandmother used to serve after Sunday lunch, this recipe captures that old-world charm with a modern, effortless twist. It’s a perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity—just a few ingredients, no baking, and a texture so airy it melts on your tongue.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Mousse
- Fresh, fruity flavor – tangy blackberries shine in every bite.
- No baking required – ideal for hot spring or summer days.
- Elegant yet easy – perfect for dinner parties or casual indulgence.
- Naturally beautiful – the vibrant purple hue is a showstopper!
Prep & Chill Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: About 3 hours including chilling
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp unflavored gelatin (or 1 sheet gelatin)
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: mint leaves or crushed graham crackers for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Blackberries
In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Strain the Puree
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove seeds. Press with a spoon to extract as much juice and pulp as possible. Discard the solids and let the puree cool slightly.
3. Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Once softened, gently heat (in the microwave or over a warm water bath) until fully dissolved—do not boil.
4. Combine Puree and Gelatin
Stir the dissolved gelatin into the warm blackberry puree and mix until fully incorporated. Allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Reserve a small amount if you’d like to pipe or dollop on top later.
6. Fold and Chill
Gently fold the cooled blackberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth. Spoon into serving glasses or ramekins. Chill for at least 2–3 hours until set.
7. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top with fresh blackberries, a sprig of mint, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for texture. Serve cold.
Tips for Success
- Use chilled cream and tools for optimal whipping results.
- Don’t rush the cooling process—let the berry puree reach room temperature before folding into cream.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste—add a touch more sugar if berries are especially tart.
- Want it boozy? Add a tablespoon of crème de cassis or Chambord to the puree.
Variations
- Berry Medley: Mix blackberries with raspberries or blueberries.
- Vegan Version: Swap gelatin for agar agar and use coconut cream.
- Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate before chilling.
- Frozen Mousse: Pour into popsicle molds and freeze for a mousse pop.
Serving Ideas
This mousse pairs beautifully with:
- Almond biscotti or shortbread
- A glass of chilled prosecco or rosé
- Vanilla sponge cake as a layered trifle
Serve it in elegant glass jars, mini cups, or martini glasses for an elevated look. It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert for bridal showers, garden parties, or date nights.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerate: Keep covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing can alter the mousse texture.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sugar: 13g
- Protein: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Light on the stomach, yet satisfyingly rich—just what a spring dessert should be.
Explore More Fresh Dessert Ideas
- Classic Lemon Posset Recipe
- Berry Pavlova with Whipped Cream
- Mini No-Bake Cheesecakes
- 5 Whipped Cream Tips You Need to Know
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking.
Can I make this mousse ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for making 1–2 days in advance.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Definitely. Just maintain the ingredient ratios and chill in a large bowl or tray for scooping.
What if I don’t have gelatin?
You can use agar agar or cornstarch, though textures will vary slightly.
Is this mousse very sweet?
No, it’s more on the tart side to let the blackberry flavor shine. You can increase the sugar to taste.
Blackberry Mousse Recipe : Light and Luscious Delight
- Total Time: About 3 hours including chilling
Description
There’s something undeniably romantic about berry desserts in spring and summer—the burst of tart-sweet flavor, the light texture, the beautiful natural color.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp unflavored gelatin (or 1 sheet gelatin)
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: mint leaves or crushed graham crackers for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Blackberries
In a small saucepan, combine blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly.
2. Strain the Puree
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to remove seeds. Press with a spoon to extract as much juice and pulp as possible. Discard the solids and let the puree cool slightly.
3. Bloom the Gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Once softened, gently heat (in the microwave or over a warm water bath) until fully dissolved—do not boil.
4. Combine Puree and Gelatin
Stir the dissolved gelatin into the warm blackberry puree and mix until fully incorporated. Allow to cool to room temperature.
5. Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream and vanilla until soft peaks form. Reserve a small amount if you’d like to pipe or dollop on top later.
6. Fold and Chill
Gently fold the cooled blackberry mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and smooth. Spoon into serving glasses or ramekins. Chill for at least 2–3 hours until set.
7. Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top with fresh blackberries, a sprig of mint, or a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for texture. Serve cold.
Notes
- Use chilled cream and tools for optimal whipping results.
- Don’t rush the cooling process—let the berry puree reach room temperature before folding into cream.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste—add a touch more sugar if berries are especially tart.
- Want it boozy? Add a tablespoon of crème de cassis or Chambord to the puree.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 13g
- Fat: 20gV
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
Keywords: Blackberry Mousse