How to Make Authentic Brazilian Passion Fruit Mousse (Mousse de Maracujá)

This Mousse de Maracujá recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Brazil to your kitchen. With its silky texture and perfect balance of sweet and tart, this passion fruit mousse is an easy-to-make dessert that's sure to impress. It's a refreshing end to any meal, especially on warm summer evenings.

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Recipe Details

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

N/A

Servings

6-8

Difficulty

Intermediate

Simple Summary

Mousse de Maracujá is a luscious Brazilian dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of passion fruit with creamy sweetness, creating a tropical treat that's both refreshing and indulgent.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240ml) passion fruit pulp (about 8-10 fresh passion fruits)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 397g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 1 envelope (7g) unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) cold water
  • Fresh passion fruit seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes.

  2. In a blender, combine the passion fruit pulp and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until smooth, about 30 seconds.

  3. Microwave the bloomed gelatin for 10-15 seconds until melted, or heat it gently in a small saucepan over low heat until dissolved.

  4. With the blender running on low speed, slowly pour the melted gelatin into the passion fruit mixture. Blend for another 10 seconds to incorporate.

  5. In a separate large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

  6. Gently fold the passion fruit mixture into the whipped cream using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the airiness of the cream.

  7. Divide the mousse evenly among 6-8 serving glasses or bowls.

  8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until the mousse is set.

  9. Before serving, garnish with fresh passion fruit seeds if desired.

Chef's Notes

  • If fresh passion fruits are unavailable, you can use frozen pulp, which is often found in Latin American grocery stores.
  • For a smoother texture, strain the passion fruit pulp before blending to remove the seeds. However, keeping some seeds adds a nice crunch and authenticity to the dessert.
  • To make this dessert ahead of time, it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Cover with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
  • For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, though this will change the texture slightly.
  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting for the best results.

Nutritional Info

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

  • Calories: Approximately 250
  • Protein: 5g
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Vitamin C: 15% of Daily Value
  • Calcium: 10% of Daily Value

This dessert is rich in vitamin C from the passion fruit and provides a good source of calcium from the dairy ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve chilled in elegant glass dessert cups or martini glasses for a sophisticated presentation.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine like Moscato or a sparkling wine for a delightful dessert course.
  • For a complete Brazilian-themed meal, serve this mousse after a main course of Feijoada or grilled churrasco.
  • Garnish with a mint leaf and a slice of fresh passion fruit for an extra tropical touch.
  • For a fun twist, serve in hollowed-out passion fruit shells for a unique and eco-friendly presentation.