Strawberry mousse cake recipe is a divine dessert that captivates with its airy texture and vibrant, fruity flavor. This delectable treat combines a silky-smooth strawberry mousse layered over a crunchy graham cracker crust, creating a perfect balance of textures.
Ideal for any occasion, from elegant gatherings to cozy family dinners, it promises to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings.
In this post, I’ll guide you through each step of crafting this exquisite cake, ensuring your culinary creation is as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Let’s embark on this sweet journey together, turning simple ingredients into a masterpiece of taste and elegance.
What Is Mousse In Cake?
Mousse in cake refers to a light and airy mixture that is typically used as a filling or a layer within the cake.
It is made by incorporating air into a flavored base, such as chocolate, fruit puree, or custard, which is then stabilized with gelatin or another setting agent.
The whipped cream or beaten egg whites used in mousse give it a fluffy texture and a rich, yet delicate, flavor profile.
In cakes, mousse adds a luxurious and creamy element that contrasts beautifully with the denser texture of cake layers, creating a balanced and delightful dessert experience.
Recipe Details And Preparation
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (includes chilling time)
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 8 servings
Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch springform pan or cake pan
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Small bowl (for gelatin preparation)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Strawberry Mousse:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces (113 g) Mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup fresh chopped strawberries
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
How To Make Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe
1. For the Crust
1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
2. Form the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming a firm crust. Chill the crust in the fridge for 20 minutes to set while you prepare the mousse.
2. For the Strawberry Mousse
3. Gelatin Preparation: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
4. Strawberry Puree: In a blender, combine hulled strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
5. Heat Gelatin: Gently heat the bloomed gelatin in the microwave or on the stove until dissolved, then mix into the strawberry puree.
6. Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
7. Mix Cheese and Mousse: In a large bowl, beat Mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese) with salt until smooth. Fold in the strawberry puree and gently mix in the whipped cream until fully combined.
8. Assemble the Cake: Pour the mousse mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Chill the cake for at least 3 hours to set.
3. For the Topping
9. Prepare the Topping: Dissolve gelatin in cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Heat it gently until dissolved.
10. Strawberry Topping: Combine chopped strawberries with sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture becomes syrupy. Stir in the gelatin and allow the topping to cool to room temperature.
11. Finish the Cake: Once the mousse has set, pour the strawberry topping over the mousse layer. Refrigerate again for an hour or until ready to serve.
Special Notes
❖ Gelatin: If you’re vegan or prefer a plant-based alternative, agar-agar can be used as a substitute for gelatin. Just follow the instructions on the agar-agar packet for the correct substitution.
❖ Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or mango for a unique twist on this mousse cake.
❖ Storage: This cake keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for preparing in advance for dinner parties or gatherings.
Nutrition Statement Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 4g |
Tips and Variations
1. Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance and kept in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
2. Flavor Variations: Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different berry flavor.
3. Gelatin-Free Option: For a vegetarian version, use agar-agar instead of gelatin, adjusting the quantity according to package instructions.
4. Graham Cracker Substitute: Use digestive biscuits or oreo crumbs for the crust if you prefer a different base flavor.
Make Strawberry Mousse Cake Even More Delicious
1. Add a Layer of Chocolate Ganache:
Enhance the richness of your strawberry mousse cake by adding a layer of smooth chocolate ganache. Simply melt high-quality dark chocolate with heavy cream and pour it over the chilled mousse before adding the final strawberry topping.
The combination of chocolate and strawberry creates a decadent flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
2. Incorporate Fresh Mint:
Infuse your cake with a refreshing twist by adding finely chopped fresh mint leaves to the strawberry puree.
The mint adds a burst of freshness that complements the sweetness of the strawberries, making each bite more invigorating and balanced. You can also garnish the cake with whole mint leaves for an extra touch of elegance.
3. Use a Nutty Crust:
Upgrade the traditional graham cracker crust by mixing in finely chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans.
The nuts add a delightful crunch and a deeper flavor to the base of the cake, providing a nice contrast to the smooth and creamy mousse. Toasting the nuts before incorporating them will enhance their flavor even further.
4. Layer with Lemon Curd:
Add a tangy surprise by incorporating a layer of homemade or store-bought lemon curd between the crust and the mousse.
The bright, citrusy flavor of the lemon curd cuts through the sweetness of the mousse and adds a zesty dimension to the dessert, making it more complex and delicious.
5. Top with Balsamic Glaze:
Drizzle a balsamic reduction over the strawberries on top of the cake for a sophisticated flavor enhancement.
The balsamic glaze adds a subtle tartness and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the strawberries, elevating the overall taste of the dessert.
This unexpected addition will make your strawberry mousse cake stand out and impress your guests.
What Is The Best Mousse To Use?
The best mousse to use for a strawberry mousse cake is one made from fresh strawberries, heavy cream, and a touch of gelatin for stability.
This combination ensures a light, airy texture that complements the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of the strawberries.
The heavy cream adds richness and a silky mouthfeel, while the gelatin helps the mousse set perfectly, maintaining its shape when sliced.
Fresh strawberries provide an intense, authentic taste that can’t be matched by artificial flavorings, making the dessert both refreshing and indulgent.
Opting for this homemade mousse guarantees a dessert that is both delicious and visually stunning, perfect for any occasion.
Does Mousse Have Milk?
Traditional mousse recipes often include dairy, typically in the form of heavy cream or whipping cream, which gives the mousse its rich and creamy texture.
However, mousse doesn’t always have to contain milk or cream. There are many variations, including dairy-free and vegan options that use ingredients like coconut milk, almond milk, or other plant-based alternatives to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
Whether or not mousse contains milk depends on the specific recipe and dietary preferences.
Conclusion
Creating a strawberry mousse cake recipe is a delightful experience that brings together the freshness of strawberries and the lightness of mousse.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to special celebrations. The key is to use fresh ingredients and take your time during each step to achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
Enjoy making and sharing this wonderful dessert!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make strawberry mousse cake without gelatin?
Yes, you can make strawberry mousse without gelatin by using agar-agar as a vegetarian alternative. Agar-agar needs to be boiled to activate its gelling properties, unlike gelatin which just needs to be dissolved in warm water.
What can I use if I don’t have a springform pan?
If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper or a plastic wrap with overhangs. This setup makes it easier to lift the cake out once it’s set.
How long does strawberry mousse cake need to set in the refrigerator?
Strawberry mousse cake typically needs to set for at least 2 to 4 hours in the refrigerator. For best results, letting it set overnight ensures that the mousse is firm and holds its shape when sliced.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the mousse?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used for making mousse, especially when fresh strawberries are out of season. Ensure they are thawed and any excess liquid is drained to avoid watering down the mousse.
How can I ensure my mousse is smooth and not grainy?
To ensure a smooth mousse, make sure the gelatin is completely dissolved and the strawberry puree is well-blended without any lumps. Additionally, when combining with the whipped cream, fold gently to maintain the airy texture while ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9-inch springform pan or cake pan
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Saucepan
- Small bowl (for gelatin preparation)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Knife
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Strawberry Mousse:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries hulled
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder
- ¼ cup cold water
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 ounces 113 g Mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Topping:
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- 1 cup fresh chopped strawberries
- ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
Instructions
For the Crust
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture is well combined and resembles wet sand.
- Form the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, forming a firm crust. Chill the crust in the fridge for 20 minutes to set while you prepare the mousse.
For the Strawberry Mousse
- Gelatin Preparation: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let it bloom for about 5 minutes.
- Strawberry Puree: In a blender, combine hulled strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth.
- Heat Gelatin: Gently heat the bloomed gelatin in the microwave or on the stove until dissolved, then mix into the strawberry puree.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside.
- Mix Cheese and Mousse: In a large bowl, beat Mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese) with salt until smooth. Fold in the strawberry puree and gently mix in the whipped cream until fully combined.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the mousse mixture over the chilled graham cracker crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Chill the cake for at least 3 hours to set.
For the Topping
- Prepare the Topping: Dissolve gelatin in cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Heat it gently until dissolved.
- Strawberry Topping: Combine chopped strawberries with sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the mixture becomes syrupy. Stir in the gelatin and allow the topping to cool to room temperature.
- Finish the Cake: Once the mousse has set, pour the strawberry topping over the mousse layer. Refrigerate again for an hour or until ready to serve.