Strawberry Mousse Cake

Introduction

Strawberry Mousse Cake is a delicate and elegant dessert that layers a smooth, airy mousse with a light, fluffy sponge cake. The fresh, fruity sweetness of ripe strawberries shines through in the mousse, while the cake offers a soft, tender base that perfectly complements the creamy topping. These treats are an irresistible choice for anyone who loves the bright flavor of strawberries, and they make the perfect dessert for both special occasions and casual get-togethers.

I remember the first time I made this for a summer dinner party. The vibrant pink layers were so eye-catching, and the moment everyone took their first bite, you could see their faces light up with delight. What’s great about Strawberry Mousse Cake is how refreshing and light it feels despite being indulgent. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something sweet, these treats are sure to impress and leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Perfect for:

• Birthdays and celebrations
• Summer parties
• Afternoon tea
• Strawberry lovers
• Dessert buffets

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Strawberry Mousse Cake is bound to become a favorite:

• Light and Airy Mousse: The mousse is velvety smooth and light, creating a perfect contrast with the tender cake beneath.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The mousse is made with fresh strawberries, giving it a natural, vibrant flavor that’s both sweet and slightly tart.
• No-Bake Elements: The mousse doesn’t require baking, making it easy to prepare while still looking impressive.
• Customizable Layers: You can easily adapt the mousse and sponge layers to your liking, adding more fruit or even a different flavor for variety.
• Stunning Presentation: This cake is as beautiful as it is delicious, making it an impressive addition to any gathering.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Chilling Time: 4 hours
• Servings: 12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Mousse Cake:

For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Strawberry Mousse:

• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, pureed
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon gelatin powder
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (optional for added tang)

For the Strawberry Glaze:

• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: The key ingredient that brings natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to both the mousse and glaze.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Essential for making the mousse light and creamy, while also providing a rich texture.
• Gelatin Powder: Helps the mousse set, giving it a firm yet smooth consistency.
• Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and a slight tang to the mousse, balancing the sweetness.
• Sponge Cake: A soft, airy base that supports the mousse and creates a wonderful texture contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Mousse Cake:

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
4. Add Vanilla and Oil: Stir in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil until fully combined.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to deflate the batter.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan, then remove and set aside.

Prepare the Strawberry Mousse:

7. Prepare the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over the cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Then, heat it gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until dissolved and smooth.
8. Puree the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth.
9. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
10. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the strawberry puree, Greek yogurt (if using), and dissolved gelatin into the whipped cream. Stir carefully to combine, ensuring the mousse remains light and airy.

Assemble the Cake:

11. Cut the Cake: Once the sponge cake has cooled, slice it horizontally into two equal layers.
12. Layer the Mousse: Place one layer of the cake at the bottom of a springform pan or a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper. Pour half of the strawberry mousse over the cake layer, spreading it evenly. Add the second layer of cake on top and then pour the remaining mousse on top of that, smoothing it out evenly.
13. Chill: Cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the mousse to set properly.

Prepare the Strawberry Glaze:

14. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the pureed strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat until it starts to simmer. Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, until the glaze thickens. Let it cool completely.

Finish the Cake:

15. Apply the Glaze: Once the mousse has set, pour the cooled strawberry glaze over the top of the mousse. Spread it out gently with a spatula to cover the surface evenly.
16. Chill Again: Place the cake back in the fridge for another 30 minutes to set the glaze.

Serve and Garnish:

17. Slice and Serve: Carefully remove the cake from the pan and slice it into wedges. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices or mint leaves if desired.

How to Serve

Strawberry Mousse Cake is perfect for serving on special occasions or as a light dessert:

• For Afternoon Tea: Pair this cake with a cup of tea or coffee for an elegant treat.
• As a Birthday Cake: Decorate the top with fresh berries or edible flowers to make it extra special.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside additional fresh strawberries or other berries for a burst of color and flavor.
• Chilled on a Hot Day: Keep it in the fridge and serve chilled on a warm day as a refreshing, fruity dessert.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Mousse Cake turns out perfectly:

• Don’t Overmix the Mousse: When folding in the strawberry puree and gelatin, mix gently to keep the mousse light and airy.
• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the mousse the best flavor and color.
• Chill Properly: Make sure to chill the mousse long enough for it to firm up, or it may not set properly.
• Adjust Sweetness: If your strawberries are very sweet, you may want to reduce the sugar in the mousse or glaze slightly.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Mousse Cake:

• Mixed Berry Mousse Cake: Use a combination of berries, such as raspberries and blueberries, for the mousse.
• Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake: Add a layer of chocolate mousse or drizzle melted chocolate on top for a decadent twist.
• Vegan Strawberry Mousse Cake: Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream and agar-agar instead of gelatin for a vegan-friendly version.
• Lemon Strawberry Mousse Cake: Add a hint of lemon zest to the mousse for a citrusy contrast to the strawberries.
• Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Cake: Layer the mousse with pieces of shortcake or sponge cake for added texture.
• Strawberry Coconut Mousse Cake: Add shredded coconut to the mousse or glaze for a tropical twist.
• Strawberry Mint Mousse Cake: Infuse the mousse with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal note.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Mousse Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the sponge cake to make the cake gluten-free.
• Strawberry Almond Mousse Cake: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the mousse for a nutty, fragrant flavor.
• Strawberry Chiffon Mousse Cake: Replace the sponge cake with a light, airy chiffon cake for a different texture.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze the mousse cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
• Storage: Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 3 days.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing

the Strawberry Mousse Cake easier:

• Springform Pan: Ideal for removing the mousse cake from the pan without damaging it.
• Electric Mixer: For beating the egg mixture and whipping the cream quickly.
• Saucepan: For making the strawberry glaze and simmering the ingredients.
• Cake Slicer: For evenly slicing the sponge cake layers.

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Conclusion

The Strawberry Mousse Cake is a perfect balance of light, airy mousse and tender cake, with the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this cake is sure to impress. It’s customizable, visually stunning, and most importantly, delicious!

With its layers of fluffy sponge cake and velvety mousse, this cake brings together the best of both worlds—texture and flavor. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re decorating it with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of strawberry sauce, the result is always elegant and mouthwatering.

This recipe is straightforward to prepare, and the lightness of the mousse makes it a refreshing treat, perfect for any time of year. Serve it chilled for the best experience, and enjoy the compliment-worthy flavors that are sure to make this a new favorite.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Mousse Cake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creation. Happy baking!