Strawberry Mousse Cake

Introduction

Strawberry Mousse Cake is your ticket to indulging in a light, luscious dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! This elegant treat brings together layers of soft sponge cake and silky strawberry mousse, creating a perfect harmony of sweetness and freshness. With every bite, you’ll experience the natural, fruity essence of ripe strawberries paired with the airy creaminess of the mousse—a combination that’s simply irresistible.

The first time I made this cake, it felt like a little piece of summer on a plate. The vibrant pink hue, the delicate texture, and the refreshing burst of strawberry flavor made it an instant favorite. What’s wonderful about strawberry mousse cake is its versatility—you can top it with fresh berries, a glossy strawberry glaze, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a stunning finish. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of white chocolate takes it to the next level!

Despite its elegant appearance, this cake is easier to make than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dessert that looks straight out of a patisserie. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to something sweet, this Strawberry Mousse Cake is sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Birthdays and celebrations
• Summer desserts
• Romantic occasions
• Afternoon tea
• Light and fruity dessert lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse Cake

Here’s why Strawberry Mousse Cake will become one of your favorite desserts:

• Light and Airy Texture: The combination of sponge cake and mousse makes this cake soft and delicate.
• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Made with real strawberries for a natural, fruity taste.
• Elegant and Beautiful: The vibrant pink hue and smooth layers make it a visually stunning dessert.
• Not Too Sweet: Perfectly balanced flavors that are refreshing and not overly rich.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, making it ideal for parties and gatherings.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 4 hours (includes chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Chilling Time: 3 hours
• Servings: 8-10 slices
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 5g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Mousse Cake:

For the Sponge Cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Strawberry Mousse:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and pureed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping (Optional):

• Fresh strawberries for garnish
• Whipped cream for decoration
• White chocolate shavings or powdered sugar

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: The key to the bright, natural flavor in this mousse cake.
• Gelatin: Helps the mousse set to a firm yet creamy consistency.
• Whipping Cream: Adds richness and lightness to the mousse.
• Egg-Based Sponge Cake: Provides a delicate base that absorbs the flavors of the mousse.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Mousse Cake:

Prepare the Sponge Cake:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Whip the Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed until pale, thick, and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add Vanilla and Milk: Gently mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, heat the milk and butter together until warm but not boiling. Gradually mix this into the egg mixture.
5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and gently fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Strawberry Mousse:

8. Make the Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh strawberries into a smooth puree. Strain if needed to remove seeds.
9. Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Heat gently until fully dissolved.
10. Combine with Strawberries: Stir the dissolved gelatin into the strawberry puree along with sugar and vanilla extract.
11. Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
12. Fold the Mousse Together: Gently fold the whipped cream into the strawberry mixture until well combined and airy.

Assemble the Cake:

13. Prepare the Cake Pan: Place the cooled sponge cake in the bottom of a springform pan.
14. Add the Mousse Layer: Pour the strawberry mousse over the cake, smoothing the top with a spatula.
15. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until the mousse is fully set.

Final Touches:

16. Garnish: Once set, remove the cake from the pan and decorate with fresh strawberries, whipped cream, or white chocolate shavings.
17. Serve and Enjoy! Slice and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Cake

Strawberry Mousse Cake is best served chilled and can be enjoyed in different ways:

• Classic Slice with Berries – Serve a slice with fresh strawberries and a drizzle of strawberry sauce.
• Whipped Cream Topping – Add a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf for a fresh touch.
• Chocolate Garnish – Decorate with white or dark chocolate shavings or curls.
• Berry Medley Side – Serve with a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for extra flavor.
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar – Lightly dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
• Edible Flowers – Decorate with edible flowers like pansies or violets for a gourmet touch.
• Layered with Ice Cream – Pair with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
• Drizzle of Berry Coulis – Serve with a drizzle of raspberry or strawberry coulis for a gourmet look.
• Crunchy Texture – Add crushed pistachios, almonds, or hazelnuts for contrast.
• Elegant Plating – Serve on a stylish plate with artistic sauce swirls and gold leaf accents.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Mousse Cake

• Use Ripe Strawberries: The sweetness and flavor of the cake depend on the quality of the strawberries.
• Chill Properly: Allow at least 3 hours of chilling for the mousse to fully set.
• Use a Springform Pan: Makes it easier to remove the cake without damaging the mousse layer.
• Strain the Strawberry Puree: If you prefer a smoother mousse, strain the puree to remove seeds.
• Avoid Overmixing the Batter: Fold gently to keep the sponge cake light and fluffy.
• Make It in Advance: This cake holds well in the fridge, making it ideal for preparing a day ahead.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Mousse Cake

Try these delicious variations of Strawberry Mousse Cake:

• Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the cake and mousse.
• Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cake: Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the mousse for a tangy twist.
• Berry Medley Mousse Cake: Mix in raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a fruity combination.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Mousse Cake: Use a gluten-free sponge cake base.
• Vegan Strawberry Mousse Cake: Use dairy-free whipped cream and agar-agar instead of gelatin.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Mousse Cake

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The mousse cake can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Mousse Cake

• Springform Pan: Makes removing the cake easier.
• Electric Mixer: For whipping cream and eggs to the right consistency.
• Blender/Food Processor: To puree strawberries smoothly.
• Spatula: For gentle folding of the mousse.
• Wire Rack: Ensures even cooling of the sponge cake.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Mousse Cake

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, thaw and drain them before pureeing.
2. Can I make this cake in advance?
   Yes, it can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
3. Can I use agar-agar instead of gelatin?
   Yes, substitute gelatin with an equal amount of agar-agar powder.
4. Why is my mousse not setting?
   Ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved and incorporated into the strawberry mixture.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Mousse Cake is a light, fruity, and elegant dessert that brings a touch of sweetness to any occasion. With its airy mousse, soft sponge cake, and vibrant strawberry flavor, this treat is as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or simply indulging in something sweet, this cake is sure to impress!

Its delicate texture and refreshing taste make it a perfect dessert for gatherings, afternoon tea, or just a delightful personal treat. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra-special touch.

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 admire your stunning creations. Happy baking!