Light and Creamy Pineapple Mousse Recipe

Last week, I found myself craving something cool and tropical after a particularly warm afternoon in my kitchen.

That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s pineapple mousse, a dessert that always transported me straight to summer, no matter the season.

As I pulled out my trusty whisk and reached for that can of golden pineapple chunks, I could already imagine the silky, cloud-like texture melting on my tongue.

You know how some desserts just make everything better? This pineapple mousse is exactly that kind of magic.

Why I’m Always Craving This Pineapple Mousse

I’ve been making this pineapple mousse for years, and it never fails to bring smiles to my family’s faces.

You’ll adore how incredibly simple it is – just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, yet the results taste like something from a fancy restaurant.

The creamy coconut base paired with bright pineapple creates the most refreshing summer treat that my grandchildren always request for birthdays and barbecues.

When I’m planning a complete summer dessert spread, I love pairing this pineapple mousse with my easy peach tartlets recipe, the combination of tropical and stone fruit flavors creates such a beautiful variety.

For those who prefer something with a bit more richness, my perfect peach custard pie recipe makes an wonderful companion dessert that balances the lightness of the mousse perfectly.

Ingredients You Need for Pineapple Mousse

Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy pineapple mousse:

• 400g pineapple chunks (canned, about 3 cups) – I prefer canned for consistency, but fresh works too with a little extra prep
• 2½ teaspoons unflavored gelatin – This is what gives our mousse that perfect, silky texture
• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar – You can adjust this to your sweetness preference
• 1 cup coconut cream (250ml) – The secret to that rich, velvety base
• ¼ cup room temperature water – For blooming the gelatin

Helpful notes: If you’re using fresh pineapple, you’ll need to cook it briefly first to neutralize the bromelain enzyme that prevents gelatin from setting.

For the coconut cream, I always use the thick cream from the top of a chilled can – it whips up beautifully and adds incredible richness to our pineapple mousse.

How to Make Pineapple Mousse

Step 1: Bloom the Gelatin Start by adding the room temperature water to a small heatproof bowl. Sprinkle your gelatin evenly over the surface and give it a gentle stir. Let this sit for about 10 minutes – I like to use this time to prep my other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Pineapple While your gelatin is blooming, drain your pineapple chunks and reserve about ¼ cup of the juice. Puree the pineapple with that reserved juice until smooth. For the silkiest pineapple mousse, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any fibrous bits.

Step 3: Dissolve the Gelatin Heat a small amount of water in a saucepan and place your bowl of bloomed gelatin over the hot water. Stir gently until the gelatin completely dissolves – this usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Whip the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine your coconut cream and powdered sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy – this is what gives our mousse its airy texture.

Step 5: Combine Everything Add your strained pineapple puree to the coconut mixture and whisk until well combined. Then, while whisking continuously, slowly pour in the dissolved gelatin mixture. Make sure everything is thoroughly incorporated.

Step 6: Set and Chill Divide your pineapple mousse between serving cups or bowls. Cover each with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 6-8 hours, or overnight for best results.

My Little Tricks for Fuss-Free Pineapple Mousse

The secret to perfect pineapple mousse lies in two key steps: first, always strain your pineapple puree to avoid any stringy texture, and second, make sure your gelatin is completely dissolved before adding it to the mixture.

I’ve learned that adding the gelatin slowly while whisking prevents any lumps from forming.

My favorite trick is to make this dessert the night before serving, the extra chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about on party day.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but you’ll need to cook it briefly first. Fresh pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that prevents gelatin from setting properly.

Simply simmer your fresh pineapple chunks in a little water for 3-4 minutes, then cool before pureeing.

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How long does pineapple mousse keep in the refrigerator?

Your pineapple mousse will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator when properly covered.

I find the texture is actually at its best on the second day after the flavors have had time to develop.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally dairy-free when you use coconut cream.

For an even lighter version, you can substitute the coconut cream with whipped coconut milk from a chilled can.

What toppings work best with this mousse?

I love topping my pineapple mousse with diced fresh pineapple, toasted coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.

For chocolate lovers, a few shavings of dark chocolate create a beautiful contrast to the tropical flavors.

I’d love for you to save this pineapple mousse recipe for your next gathering! You can find this and all my other favorite summer desserts on Pinterest.

I’m always sharing new recipe ideas and kitchen tips that make cooking feel like a joyful adventure rather than a chore.

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How I Love to Serve My Pineapple Mousse

This pineapple mousse has become my go-to dessert for summer barbecues and family gatherings. I particularly love serving it after spicy meals – the cool, creamy texture is the perfect palate cleanser.

During the holidays, I often make individual portions in clear glasses and top them with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an elegant presentation.

My grandchildren especially love when I serve it alongside fresh berries for a colorful, healthy dessert that feels like a special treat.