If you love the smooth, creamy richness of cheesecake but want something lighter and easier to make, this Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse is your perfect dessert. Combining the velvety texture of cheesecake with the airy, fluffy lightness of mousse, this dessert is a decadent treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. The tangy raspberry flavor cuts through the rich, sweet cream cheese filling, creating a balanced and irresistible combination. Perfect for a special occasion or an elegant finish to any meal, this raspberry mousse will have your guests asking for the recipe.

The mousse can be served in individual cups or as a larger dessert, making it incredibly versatile. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a beautiful and delicious dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Light and Creamy Texture

This mousse is the perfect combination of creamy and fluffy, giving you the indulgent taste of cheesecake without being overly heavy.

2. Easy to Make

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps with no baking involved, making it the perfect dessert for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

3. Perfect Balance of Flavors

The tangy raspberry flavor contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy cheesecake base, resulting in a perfectly balanced dessert.

4. Versatile and Customizable

You can serve it in individual cups for a fancy presentation or make one large bowl for a more casual gathering. Feel free to add fresh berries or a drizzle of raspberry sauce on top for extra flair.

5. No-Bake Dessert

This mousse doesn’t require any baking, so it’s a great option for hot days or when you want to avoid turning on the oven. Simply chill and enjoy!

Ingredients

Cream cheese (softened)
Heavy whipping cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Fresh raspberries (or raspberry puree)
Gelatin (optional for setting)
Lemon juice (optional for added tang)

Variations

Mixed Berry Mousse: Substitute raspberries with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse: Stir in some melted chocolate or cocoa powder into the mixture for a chocolate twist.
Lemon Raspberry Mousse: Add a tablespoon of lemon zest or extra lemon juice for a refreshing citrusy note that complements the raspberry perfectly.
Vegan Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream for a vegan-friendly alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Gelatin (Optional)

If you’d like the mousse to have a firmer texture, start by dissolving the gelatin. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over a couple of tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Then, gently heat the gelatin in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly before adding it to the mousse mixture.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. If you’re using gelatin, add it to the mixture at this stage and mix until incorporated.

Step 4: Fold in the Raspberries

Purée the fresh raspberries in a blender or food processor. If you prefer, you can strain the raspberry purée to remove the seeds, but this step is optional. Gently fold the raspberry purée into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring everything is well combined.

Step 5: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake-raspberry mixture. Be gentle to maintain the mousse’s light texture.

Step 6: Chill the Mousse

Spoon the mousse into individual serving dishes or one large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours, or until the mousse has set and is nice and chilled.

Step 7: Serve

Before serving, garnish with fresh raspberries or raspberry sauce for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps in the mousse. You can microwave it for a few seconds if needed.
Whip the Cream to Stiff Peaks: To achieve the best texture for your mousse, make sure the heavy cream is whipped until stiff peaks form. This will help create a light, airy mousse.
Use Fresh Raspberries: Fresh raspberries will give the best flavor and texture to this mousse, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
Chill Properly: For the best results, allow the mousse to chill for at least a couple of hours to give it time to set and fully develop its flavor.
Customize the Toppings: Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a drizzle of raspberry sauce all make excellent garnishes to add a little extra flair to your mousse.

How to Serve

This Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse can be served in individual cups for a refined look or in a large bowl for a more casual gathering. Top each serving with fresh raspberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a drizzle of raspberry sauce for added visual appeal. For a decadent touch, you can sprinkle some crushed graham crackers or cookies on top for that classic cheesecake crust flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The mousse will remain creamy and delicious for a few days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

While mousse doesn’t freeze well due to its texture, you can freeze individual servings for up to 1 month. However, the texture may change slightly when thawed, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dessert. Simply serve chilled and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes, you can use frozen raspberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before puréeing.

2. Can I make this mousse without gelatin?

Yes, gelatin is optional. If you want a lighter, fluffier mousse, you can skip the gelatin and still achieve a creamy texture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this mousse can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before serving.

4. How do I prevent the mousse from being too runny?

Make sure your cream cheese is properly softened and the heavy cream is whipped to stiff peaks. Using gelatin can also help stabilize the mousse.

5. Can I substitute the raspberries with other fruits?

Yes, you can substitute raspberries with other berries like strawberries, blueberries, or blackberries. Each will give a slightly different flavor but will work well in the mousse.

6. Can I use cream cheese with a lower fat content?

You can use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese, but the texture and flavor may not be as rich as when using full-fat cream cheese.

7. Can I make this mousse without sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the powdered sugar with a sugar alternative like stevia or a sugar-free sweetener, although the flavor may vary.

8. How can I add more flavor to the mousse?

You can enhance the flavor by adding a little lemon juice or zest to complement the raspberries or even a splash of vanilla extract for depth.

9. Can I make this mousse dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream in place of the heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this mousse.

10. Can I serve this mousse in a large bowl instead of individual cups?

Yes, you can serve this mousse in a large bowl or trifle dish for a more casual presentation, or even in a pie crust for a no-bake cheesecake variation.

Conclusion

This Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its creamy texture, tangy raspberry flavor, and ease of preparation, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves a light, indulgent treat. Whether served in individual cups or a large bowl, it’s a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Make it for your next gathering and watch it disappear in no time!