Vanilla mousse is a mouthwatering dessert with a light, airy texture and a rich, creamy flavor. It’s a quick and easy treat that combines the sweetness of vanilla with a luxurious velvety texture!
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Ditch the basic desserts and experience the unforgettable world of vanilla mousse, an elegant treat that has a velvety smooth texture and delicate flavor.
The magic of vanilla mousse lies in its ethereal texture, achieved through a delicate process of whipping together vanilla, cream, eggs, and sugar — all without gelatin! Discover a harmonious blend of floral notes, warm undertones, and a subtle hint of sweetness in every bite.
In just 10 minutes, you can prepare a light and fluffy homemade dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. I love making this vanilla mousse recipe because I can prepare it ahead of time for holidays and dinner parties!
Whether enjoyed on its own or used as a vanilla mousse cake filling, this treat is a timeless symbol of culinary bliss.
How to Make This Vanilla Mousse Recipe
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Add heavy cream and instant vanilla pudding to a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat this mixture on low speed for 2-3 minutes, gradually increasing to medium-high speed. Continue until the cream has doubled in size and reached soft peaks.
STEP TWO: Incorporate whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste into the bowl with the whipped cream. Beat the mixture on medium-high speed for approximately 1 minute until thoroughly combined. If the mousse appears too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of cream to achieve the desired consistency.
STEP THREE: Transfer the prepared mousse into individual mousse cups and top with your choice of fresh berries, chocolate curls, or toasted nuts — or serve it plain!
More Mousse Recipes
Tips for the Best Vanilla Mousse
- Use very cold cream. This guarantees a light and fluffy texture as room temperature cream will not whip properly.
- Don’t skip the pudding. Not only does it add sweetness and vanilla flavor, but it also acts as a stabilizer. This allows you to make the mousse in advance without it deflating.
- Whipped cream cheese is best. Since it’s already airy, it helps to create a lighter and softer consistency in the vanilla mousse. If you only have regular cream cheese, you can use 4 ounces of softened brick cream cheese as a substitute.
- Use vanilla bean paste for a distinct vanilla flavor and beautiful specks of vanilla bean throughout the mousse. If you don’t have vanilla bean paste, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or the caviar from one vanilla bean.
Variations for Vanilla Mousse Cake Filling
- Add grated lemon, orange, or lime zest into the vanilla mousse for a refreshing twist.
- Mix in a small amount of instant coffee or espresso powder to create a delightful coffee-infused dessert.
- Fold in fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for bursts of fruity flavor.
- Crush some Oreo cookies and sprinkle them between layers of mousse for a delightful cookie crunch.
- Add a splash of amaretto liqueur and finely chopped almonds for a sophisticated twist.
- Fold in melted white chocolate for an extra creamy and indulgent vanilla mousse cake filling.
- Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the mousse for a cozy flavor profile.
More Dessert Recipes
- Edible Brownie Batter
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake with Crushed Pineapple
- Chocolate Fruit Dip
- Lemon Biscotti
- Pink Sugar Cookies
- Peppermint Kiss Cookies
Can I Use Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives in Place of Heavy Cream?
Non-dairy milk alternatives may not whip properly like heavy cream, resulting in a different texture. It’s best to use non-dairy whipping cream specifically designed for dessert making in this vanilla mousse recipe.
Coconut cream will also work. You can find it in cans labeled as such, or use just the thick, solid layer on top of a can of full fat coconut milk. Keep in mind that it will affect the overall flavor of the dessert.
Can I Freeze Vanilla Mousse?
No, you should not freeze vanilla mousse because the texture and consistency won’t be the same once thawed.
Instead, leftover vanilla mousse cake filling can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days!
Should I Let Mousse Chill Before Serving?
That depends on the recipe! Often you will need to let homemade mousse chill and set for at least 1-2 hours, but you can serve my version right away.
You can also prepare the recipe ahead of time and let the vanilla mousse chill until guests arrive if you prefer — just be sure to spoon into individual cups before it goes in the refrigerator.
Other Fluffy Dessert Recipes You’ll Love:
- 3 Ingredient Banana Pudding
- Cottage Cheese Jello Salad
- Oreo Mousse
- Peanut Butter Mousse
- Banana Pudding with Sour Cream
- Cool Whip Fruit Dip
- Orange Dreamsicle Salad
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Vanilla Mousse
Ingredients
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons instant vanilla pudding optional, see notes
- 1 container 8 ounces whipped cream cheese, at room temperature
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Instructions
- In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment), beat the heavy cream and instant vanilla pudding for 2-3 minutes on low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high speed. Beat until the cream has doubled in size and just barely reached soft peaks.
- Add the whipped cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste to the bowl with the whipped cream. Continue beating on medium-high speed until well combined– about 1 minute. If the mousse is too thick, add another 1-2 tablespoons of cream.
- Transfer to your serving bowls and garnish with fresh berries, chocolate curls, or toasted nuts. Store any leftover mousse in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
