This Passion Fruit Mousse is sunshine in a glass — lusciously creamy, utterly refreshing, and a pure tropical escape for your tastebuds. With minimal ingredients and a blissful balance of sweet and tangy, it’s a dessert that always gets rave reviews and leaves everyone wanting just one more spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vibrant Tropical Flavor: Each airy bite bursts with the tangy citrusy essence of passion fruit, balanced by silky smooth cream.
- Quick & Easy: Just blend, chill, and top — you’ll spend less than 10 minutes on hands-on prep before this dessert heads to the fridge.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Passion Fruit Mousse is even better made in advance, perfect for entertaining or prepping dessert ahead of a big meal.
- Showstopping Presentation: Its sun-kissed color and the jewel-like topping offer instant wow factor for guests or a special family treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how this dreamy mousse comes together from such humble kitchen staples! With just a few, first-rate ingredients, every spoonful shines with a playful balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. Let me walk you through what makes each one essential and how to choose the best for maximum flavor.
- Unflavored Gelatin: This is the secret to a mousse that holds its beautiful shape yet stays feather-light. Hydrate well, and melt gently to avoid lumps.
- Water: Used to bloom the gelatin — just a splash is all you need for the perfect texture.
- Heavy Cream: Ice-cold cream ensures the mousse whips up fluffy and rich for that perfect melt-in-your-mouth feel.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: This brings irresistible creaminess and a dreamy amount of sweetness; don’t substitute here for the authentic Brazilian flavor!
- Passion Fruit Pulp or Unsweetened Juice Concentrate: This is where the tropical magic happens — go for authentic pulp or juice (without added sugar) for that punchy, aromatic finish.
- Fresh Passion Fruit Pulp with Seeds (for topping): Adds irresistible crunch, vibrant color, and pure passion fruit fragrance to finish things off in style.
- Sugar (for topping): Gently balances the tang of fresh passion fruit and turns your topping into a glossy, irresistible sauce.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Passion Fruit Mousse? It’s endlessly customizable! Whether you want to change up the flavor, accommodate dietary needs, or experiment with colors and textures, there’s plenty of room for creativity — let your tastebuds lead the way.
- Coconut Twist: Swap half the heavy cream for coconut cream and add a tablespoon of shredded coconut for an irresistibly tropical variation.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut condensed milk and your favorite plant-based cream for a fully vegan dessert with all the passion fruit punch.
- Citrus Medley: Blend in a bit of orange or lime zest along with the passion fruit to lift the mousse with extra brightness and aroma.
- Boozy Brunch Mousse: Add a splash of passion fruit liqueur or white rum before blending for a grown-up, party-worthy twist.
How to Make Passion Fruit Mousse
Step 1: Hydrate and Melt the Gelatin
Start by stirring the unflavored gelatin with water in a small bowl. Make sure every bit is moistened — no dry patches! Let it stand until the gelatin looks spongy and fully absorbed, then gently melt in the microwave for about 30 seconds (or use a double boiler). Cool it just so it’s still liquid but not hot, which keeps the mousse creamy.
Step 2: Blend the Mousse
Add the cold heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, passion fruit pulp (or juice concentrate), and the just-melted gelatin straight into your blender. Blend on high for a full five minutes — this is where the magic happens, as air gets whipped in for an unbeatable airy, cloud-like mousse.
Step 3: Chill to Set
Pour the luscious mixture into one big serving dish or divide it between individual glasses for a stunning presentation. Pop in the fridge for at least three hours, letting the mousse firm up and all those vibrant flavors meld together.
Step 4: Make the Passion Fruit Sauce
While your mousse chills, combine the fresh passion fruit pulp (with those beautiful seeds!) and sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer gently until the sugar melts and the sauce just begins to thicken and glisten. Let it cool completely — it will thicken a bit more as it stands.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Spoon the cooled passion fruit sauce generously over the set mousse, making sure each serving gets plenty of glossy seeds and tangy syrup. Serve immediately or pop them back into the fridge until ready to dazzle your guests!
Pro Tips for Making Passion Fruit Mousse
- Gelatin Technique: Always let the gelatin cool down before blending — if it’s too hot, it can seize up and create tiny lumps in your mousse.
- Blender Boost: Let your blender run for the full five minutes; this incorporates plenty of air and results in that signature light, mousse-like texture.
- Upgrade the Topping: Don’t skip the passion fruit sauce — seeds and all! It adds both gorgeous texture and an extra tangy punch that will take your mousse from lovely to unforgettable.
- Perfect Set: For picture-perfect slices or scoops, always chill for a minimum of three hours (or overnight) for the most stable, airy mousse.
How to Serve Passion Fruit Mousse
Garnishes
This mousse is stunning as-is, but a festive flourish can make it unforgettable! Try extra fresh passion fruit seeds, edible flower petals, mint sprigs, or even a twist of lime zest for a pop of color and fresh fragrance. Each garnish not only makes the dessert prettier but adds a little something extra for your palate.
Side Dishes
Keep things light with crisp coconut shortbread cookies or vanilla wafers on the side, or pair your Passion Fruit Mousse with a platter of tropical fruit like mango slices or pineapple for a real island-inspired finish. If you want a grown-up touch, a small glass of chilled prosecco is heavenly!
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your mousse in pretty glass tumblers, vintage cocktail glasses, or even small jam jars for a playful vibe. For parties, pipe the mousse into mini tart shells or layer in clear cups with crushed cookies for a trifle effect. However you serve it, those golden swirls and glossy seeds make every portion feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any extra Passion Fruit Mousse keeps perfectly well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Just cover the serving dish tightly or use an airtight container to maintain that pillowy texture and guard against fridge flavors sneaking in.
Freezing
Go ahead and freeze leftovers or even make this dessert ahead for up to three months! Store it in individual containers, and when you’re ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or eat straight from the freezer as a semi freddo — dreamy on a hot afternoon.
Reheating
Passion Fruit Mousse is best enjoyed chilled, so no reheating is needed. If you’ve frozen it, simply thaw in the refrigerator. Serve cold for the creamiest texture and most refreshing taste.
FAQs
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Can I make Passion Fruit Mousse without gelatin?
Yes, you can skip the gelatin for a looser, more pudding-like mousse. Just chill it for 5–6 hours (or overnight) instead of three. The flavor will still be wonderful, but you’ll miss the sliceable, airy texture that gelatin brings.
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What can I use if I can’t find passion fruit pulp?
Look for frozen passion fruit pulp or unsweetened juice concentrate at Latin or international markets. In a pinch, bottled passion fruit juice will work, but always pick the unsweetened kind to control the dessert’s sweetness.
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Can I make Passion Fruit Mousse in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Passion fruit mousse is fabulous made 1–2 days ahead. Just keep the mousse and topping separate until serving for the best presentation, and chill until guests arrive.
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How do I get a super smooth mousse?
Be sure the gelatin is fully melted and only slightly warm, and blend the mousse mixture for a full five minutes to incorporate plenty of air. Strain the mousse before chilling if you want an ultra-silky texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a bit of sunshine for dessert, this Passion Fruit Mousse delivers every time — bold, beautiful, and practically effortless. Give it a try and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to treat for parties, family dinners, or simply a moment of tropical joy in your week!
Print
Passion Fruit Mousse Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending, Chilling
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Passion Fruit Mousse is a creamy and tropical dessert that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and fresh passion fruit creates a luscious and flavorful treat that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Main Mousse Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons (8g) unflavored gelatin
- 3 tablespoons water
- 1 1/3 cups (290g) heavy cream, cold
- 1 can (397g) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup (265g) passion fruit pulp or unsweetened juice concentrate
For the topping:
- Pulp of two fresh passion fruits with seeds (about 1/3 cup)
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Making the passion fruit mousse: Mix the gelatin and water in a small bowl until the gelatin is hydrated. Microwave for 30 seconds (or heat on a double boiler) for the gelatin to melt. Cool slightly. Combine the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, passion fruit pulp, and melted gelatin in the blender. Blend for 5 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl or glasses. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set. Top with passion fruit sauce before serving.
- Making the topping: Combine fresh passion fruit pulp and sugar in a saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves and mixture boils. Simmer for another minute or until slightly thickened. Cool to room temperature before using or refrigerating.
Notes
- Gelatin: This recipe can be made without gelatin, but the texture will be looser.
- Make ahead: Mousse and sauce can be prepared 1-2 days in advance.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
- Freezing: Mousse can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 707 kcal
- Sugar: 76g
- Sodium: 182mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 89g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 133mg
