If you’re looking for a dessert that is light, refreshing, and beautifully tropical, Passion Fruit Mousse fits the bill. This dessert pairs the vibrant, tangy flavor of passion fruit with the lush creaminess of condensed milk and whipped cream. It’s a no‑bake treat that feels elegant yet is surprisingly simple to prepare. With its silky texture and bright notes, it’s perfect for dinner parties or a refreshing finish to any meal.
Why You’ll Love It
- Requires just a handful of accessible ingredients
- No baking necessary — it comes together in about 20 minutes of active work
- Naturally gluten-free
- Creamy, airy, and never heavy
- Can be made ahead and stored for a few days
Ingredients
- 240 ml passion fruit pulp (fresh or frozen, seeds removed)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 10 g unflavored halal gelatin powder
- 45 ml cold water (for blooming the gelatin)
- 240 ml heavy cream (well chilled)
- 120 ml sweetened condensed milk
- Optional for garnish: fresh passion fruit pulp (with seeds)
- Optional for garnish: mint leaves
Instructions
- Bloom the Gelatin
Sprinkle the gelatin powder over 45 ml of cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes so the granules hydrate and swell. - Warm the Passion Fruit Mixture
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the passion fruit pulp, granulated sugar, and the 2 tablespoons of water. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes just warm. Be careful not to let it boil, as you want to preserve the freshness and aroma of the fruit. - Dissolve the Gelatin
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the bloomed gelatin into the warm fruit mixture and stir until fully dissolved, with no lumps. Then let this mixture cool to room temperature before proceeding. (If it’s too warm, it can deflate your whipped cream.) - Whip the Cream
In a large bowl, whip the cold heavy cream using an electric mixer or whisk until soft peaks form. Don’t overwhip — you want it airy but still able to fold smoothly with other ingredients. - Fold in Condensed Milk
Gently fold the sweetened condensed milk into the whipped cream using broad strokes so as not to knock out too much air. - Incorporate the Passion Fruit Mixture
Slowly pour the cooled passion fruit + gelatin mixture into the cream base, folding gently until the mousse is homogeneous and light yellow in color. - Portion & Chill
Spoon or pipe the mousse into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Refrigerate (uncovered) for at least 3 hours, or until the mousse is set but still slightly jiggly. - Garnish & Serve
Just before serving, top with a spoonful of fresh passion fruit pulp (with seeds) and a sprig of mint for color and freshness. Serve well chilled.
Tips & Notes
- Make ahead: You can prepare this mousse in advance — up to 3 days in the fridge. Keep it covered to protect from odors.
- Avoid freezing: Freezing can ruin the silky texture, making it icy instead of creamy.
- Ingredient swaps:
- Fresh passion fruit is ideal, but good-quality frozen pulp works well too.
- For a lighter version, you can replace half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt (but expect a less airy texture).
- For a vegetarian version, substitute gelatin with agar-agar—adjust per the instructions on the package.
- Flavor balance: Taste your passion fruit pulp before combining. If it’s very tart, you might want to adjust the sugar.
- Whipping trick: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand to help the cream whip better.
- Serving ideas: Pair with crisp cookies or shortbread for crunch; layer in a trifle with cake; or serve alongside sparkling wine if desired.
Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)
- Calories: 265
- Total Fat: 16 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Protein: 4 g
These values are estimates and for informational purposes.
Cultural Context
In Brazil, this dessert is often called mousse de maracujá and is a beloved fixture at celebrations—from birthdays to weddings. It strikes a harmonious balance between sweet and tart, making it a festive choice that evokes tropical brightness and joy.
Final Thought
This passion fruit mousse is a delightful way to bring sunlit, tropical flavors into your kitchen. It’s elegant but approachable, creamy but never heavy, and distinctly vibrant in taste. Whether you’re impressing guests or indulging at home, it offers a refreshing, flavor-forward finish to any meal.