Sam Craving a tropical dessert that’s light, creamy, and bursting with fruity flavor? This Passion Fruit Mousse is your no-bake dream come true. It’s a wildly popular Brazilian dessert—known locally as mousse de maracujá—that captures the sunshine-filled essence of passion fruit in every bite. With its sweet-tart flavor and silky, airy texture, this mousse is an elegant but incredibly easy treat.
Perfect for summer gatherings, festive meals, or an everyday indulgence, this mousse is made with just a few pantry staples: passion fruit puree, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream. There’s no gelatin, no baking, and no complicated steps. It’s an ideal make-ahead dessert that sets up beautifully in the fridge and is guaranteed to wow anyone lucky enough to try it.
Whether you’re looking for a dinner party finale or a refreshing sweet fix on a hot day, this passion fruit mousse with whipped cream hits all the right notes—cool, creamy, tangy, and delightfully tropical.
Want to know more about the health benefits of tropical fruits? Check out this overview on passion fruit nutrition from Healthline. Curious about food safety for no-bake recipes? Visit the FDA’s guide to safe food prep. Interested in condensed milk’s nutritional profile? Explore the NIH’s database on dairy and milk-based products.
RECIPE OVERVIEW
- Difficulty Level: Super Easy
- Cuisine: Brazilian / Tropical
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2–4 hours
- Total Time: ~4 hours
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Sugar: 30g
- Protein: 4g
- Fiber: 2g
Budget Breakdown
- Passion fruit puree: ~$3.00
- Sweetened condensed milk: ~$1.50
- Heavy cream: ~$2.00
- Garnishes (optional mint, pulp): ~$1.00
- Total Cost: ~$7.50
- Cost per Serving: ~$1.25
Why You’ll Love This Passion Fruit Mousse
- Tropical flavor that feels like a vacation
- No baking required—perfect for hot days
- Ready in minutes, chills while you relax
- Great for entertaining and make-ahead prep
- Adaptable: add toppings or swap ingredients easily
Perfect For:
- Summer cookouts and BBQs
- Light and fruity dinner party desserts
- No-bake tropical mousse recipes
- Easy passion fruit desserts for a crowd
- Brazilian food nights or cultural potlucks
- Hosting guests with dietary restrictions (easy to make gluten-free or gelatin-free)
Behind the Recipe
Passion fruit mousse has long been a staple in Brazilian homes and restaurants. Known as mousse de maracujá, it’s typically served chilled in small glasses or bowls and finished with a splash of tangy passion fruit pulp.
This version ditches the gelatin commonly found in mousse recipes and relies on whipped cream for structure. The result is a cloud-like, creamy dessert that melts in your mouth while delivering vibrant, sunny flavor. I was introduced to this dessert at a potluck by a Brazilian friend and was instantly hooked—now it’s in my regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup passion fruit puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (chilled)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Passion fruit pulp or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Passion Fruit Puree: Use 100% puree for bold tropical flavor. Look for it in the frozen fruit section or make your own by blending and straining fresh passion fruit.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luscious thickness and sweetness without needing added sugar.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it provides the mousse’s iconic airy texture.
- Vanilla & Salt: Optional, but they deepen the flavor profile and balance the tangy fruit.
- Garnish Options: Spoon on passion fruit pulp, zest, or mint leaves for visual pop and extra zing.
How to Make Passion Fruit Mousse
Step 1: Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a separate large bowl, combine the passion fruit puree, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla (if using), and salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Fold in Whipped Cream
Gently fold the whipped cream into the passion fruit mixture using a spatula. Mix just enough to blend—don’t deflate the cream.
Step 4: Portion and Chill
Divide the mousse among serving glasses, ramekins, or a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours or until set and chilled.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top with a spoonful of passion fruit pulp, mint, zest, or a sprinkle of white chocolate curls.
Pro Tips for Success
- Chill your cream and bowl for better whipping results.
- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold whipped cream—this keeps your mousse light.
- Don’t skimp on the chill time—the mousse sets up beautifully when fully cooled.
- Layer it in jars with crushed cookies, graham crackers, or cake cubes for parfaits.
- Want stronger tartness? Add a squeeze of lime or more pulp on top.
Easy Variations
- Vegan Passion Fruit Mousse: Use full-fat coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use unsweetened Greek yogurt with a touch of honey in place of condensed milk.
- Passion Fruit Cheesecake Mousse: Add softened cream cheese and whip for a cheesecake-inspired twist.
- Tropical Parfait: Alternate layers of passion fruit mousse with mango puree or crumbled vanilla wafers.
- With Gelatin: Bloom 1 tsp of gelatin in warm water and add to the base if you prefer a firmer set.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- In the Fridge: Keeps for up to 3 days, covered, in the refrigerator.
- Not Freezer-Friendly: Freezing changes the texture and may cause separation.
- Serve Chilled: Always serve this mousse cold for the best flavor and texture.
- Presentation Tip: Use clear dessert glasses or mini mason jars for a chic presentation.
🍽️ Make It a Meal 🍜
Pair this Passion Fruit Mousse with:
- Grilled garlic shrimp or coconut chicken skewers
- Brazilian cheese bread (pão de queijo)
- Black beans and rice or a tropical fruit salad
- Sparkling water with lime or chilled hibiscus tea
This mousse is the perfect light ending to a hearty grilled meal or a festive Brazilian-inspired dinner spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
It typically contains passion fruit puree, sweetened condensed milk, and whipped cream. Some variations include gelatin or cream cheese.
Yes! This recipe is completely gelatin-free. The whipped cream provides all the structure you need.
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s 100% puree without added sugar or flavorings.
Using whipped cream gives mousse a thick, airy texture. Full-fat ingredients help ensure a firm set.
At least 2 hours is required, but 4 hours is ideal. Overnight is even better for a firmer, well-developed flavor.
Yes. For a lighter version, replace condensed milk with thick Greek yogurt and a touch of honey.
It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and tropical—with a light and fluffy texture. A perfect balance of bright and rich.
Use fresh or frozen passion fruit pulp, mix with sweetened condensed milk and cream, and chill. Optionally top with fresh pulp or syrup.
While indulgent, passion fruit itself is high in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. You can reduce sugar for a lighter option.
Yes! Passion fruit mousse is ideal for make-ahead entertaining. It holds its shape and tastes better after chilling.
Definitely. Mango, pineapple, or kiwi pair beautifully with the flavor of passion fruit.
Final Thoughts
This Passion Fruit Mousse is an irresistible no-bake dessert that delivers bold tropical flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, light, tangy, and sweet—all the hallmarks of a perfect summer treat. Whether you’re entertaining guests, planning a festive meal, or simply spoiling yourself with something sweet and refreshing, this mousse is a must-make.
Its simplicity is what makes it shine. You only need a few ingredients and no baking skills to create a dessert that’s worthy of a celebration. Plus, with all the variations—from vegan to low-sugar to layered parfaits—it’s incredibly versatile.
Let this mousse be your tropical getaway in a cup. And if you’re building out your list of favorite summer desserts, don’t miss our No-Bake Mango Cheesecake, Pineapple Coconut Bars, and Mango Sticky Rice. Your sweet tooth will thank you.
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📌 Pin This Recipe: Passion Fruit Mousse
Light, creamy, and no-bake—this Passion Fruit Mousse is the ultimate tropical dessert. Made with just a few ingredients and chilled to perfection!
Creamy Passion Fruit Mousse (Easy, No-Bake Tropical Dessert)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Passion fruit puree (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream (chilled)
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Passion fruit pulp or mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Whip the Cream:In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Set aside.
- Mix the Base:In a separate large bowl, combine the passion fruit puree, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla (if using), and salt. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Fold in Whipped Cream:Gently fold the whipped cream into the passion fruit mixture using a spatula. Mix just enough to blend—don’t deflate the cream.
- Portion and Chill:Divide the mousse among serving glasses, ramekins, or a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 2–4 hours or until set and chilled.
- Garnish and Serve:Before serving, top with a spoonful of passion fruit pulp, mint, zest, or a sprinkle of white chocolate curls.
