Passion Fruit Mousse (Mousse de Maracujá)
Mousse de maracujá Say it: MOO-see mah-rah-koo-ZHAH
Mousse de maracujá is Brazil's beloved passion fruit mousse: a brilliantly simple, no-bake dessert that turns sweetened condensed milk, cream and tangy passion fruit juice into a silky, spoonable cloud. Home cooks whir it together in a blender for birthdays, Sunday lunches and whenever tropical fruit is in season. The creamy sweetness of the condensed milk is cut by the fruit's bright, aromatic acidity, so each spoonful tastes simultaneously rich and refreshing. It sets in the refrigerator without eggs or gelatine, making it one of the easiest traditional Brazilian sweets.
Passion Fruit Mousse (Mousse de Maracujá)
Mousse de maracujá
Pronounced MOO-see mah-rah-koo-ZHAH
- Serves
- 4
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- —
- Total
- 15 min
- Level
- Easy
Also nut-free and egg-free.
Allergens: contains milk. Check labels on packaged ingredients.
Ingredients
Amounts are scaled. Cooking times and pan sizes stay the same.
Mousse
Method
If using fresh passion fruit, halve them and reserve 2 tablespoons of pulp with seeds for garnish. Scoop the remaining pulp into a blender, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) water, and blend 10 seconds. Strain through a fine sieve, pressing to extract 3/4 cup (180 ml) juice.
Add the sweetened condensed milk and heavy cream to the blender with the passion fruit juice.
Blend on medium speed just until smooth and slightly thickened, about 30–60 seconds; the mousse should coat the back of a spoon.
Pour into 4 small glasses or one serving dish. Refrigerate, uncovered for the first hour or covered, until set but still creamy, at least 2 hours.
Top with the reserved passion fruit pulp and seeds, if using, and serve cold.
Regional variants
Some cooks fold in softly whipped cream or egg whites for an airier mousse; lime juice makes a similarly bright mousse de limão.
Cook's notes
- Choose very wrinkled passion fruits for the sweetest, most aromatic juice; smooth ones are more tart.
- For a firmer, cleanly sliced mousse, soften 1 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatine in 2 tablespoons cold water, dissolve gently, and blend it with the other ingredients.
- If using bottled juice, choose pure passion fruit juice or concentrate, not a sweetened juice drink.
Serve with
Serve chilled, plain or with a little extra passion fruit pulp, fresh mint or a drizzle of passion fruit syrup.
Make ahead and storage
Keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; if a little liquid separates, whisk gently before serving.
