Strawberry Mousse Cake has been my go-to dessert for almost every summer celebration. I remember the first time I made this easy strawberry mousse cake for my best friend’s birthday; the anticipation of that first bite was almost unbearable! The aroma of sweet strawberries filled my kitchen, and seeing everyone’s eyes light up when they tasted that light and airy texture was pure joy. This homemade strawberry mousse cake truly captures the essence of a perfect summer treat. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Mousse Cake
- An absolutely delightful taste experience, bursting with fresh strawberry flavor.
- It’s surprisingly quick to prepare, with minimal active time needed.
- A healthier dessert option, packed with fruit and less sugar than many alternatives.
- This recipe is budget-friendly, using common pantry staples and seasonal fruit.
- Your family will adore this light and airy strawberry mousse cake; it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- The elegant presentation makes it perfect for special occasions.
- Enjoy a truly light and airy strawberry mousse cake that feels decadent yet refreshing.
- It’s a wonderful way to celebrate summer with a vibrant and delicious treat.
Ingredients for Strawberry Mousse Cake
Gathering the right strawberry mousse cake ingredients is the first step to this delightful dessert. You’ll need a few things for the tender cake base and the star of the show, the strawberry mousse. For the cake, we’ll use 2 cups cake flour for a delicate crumb, 1 tbsp baking powder for lift, and 0.5 tsp salt to balance the sweetness. You’ll also need 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup white granulated sugar, and 0.25 cups canola or vegetable oil to create a moist foundation. Three large egg whites, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1 cup of sour cream add richness and moisture. For the creamy strawberry mousse, grab 2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen, 1 tbsp powdered gelatin to help it set, and 1 cup heavy cream, cold, which whips up beautifully. Optionally, 0.5 cups ground freeze-dried strawberries can intensify the flavor. Finally, for decoration, have 1 cup fresh strawberries ready.
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cake
Let’s dive into how to make this stunning strawberry mousse cake! It seems fancy, but breaking it down into steps makes it totally achievable. We’ll first create a lovely cake base, then whip up a dreamy strawberry mousse, and finally bring it all together for a show-stopping dessert.
Making the Cake Base
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Get a 9×9-inch baking pan ready by spraying it with nonstick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your cake releases perfectly.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups cake flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, and 0.5 tsp salt. Sifting these dry ingredients ensures no lumps and a lighter cake.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened, 1 cup white granulated sugar, and 0.25 cups canola or vegetable oil. Beat until the mixture is visibly light and fluffy – this aeration is key for a tender crumb.
- Step 4: Add 3 large egg whites, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1 cup sour cream to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix only until they are just incorporated; overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Step 6: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Creating the Strawberry Mousse
- Step 7: For the mousse, puree 2 cups strawberries, fresh or frozen, until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds, giving you a silky-smooth base.
- Step 8: Simmer the strawberry puree in a small saucepan with a touch of sugar and vanilla for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. This concentrates the flavor beautifully.
- Step 9: While the puree simmers, bloom 1 tbsp powdered gelatin by sprinkling it over 1/4 cup cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it looks like applesauce. You can learn more about the science behind gelatin and its properties.
- Step 10: Stir the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry puree. Gently heat the mixture, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Be careful not to boil it.
- Step 11: Let the strawberry mixture cool down to room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until it’s cool but not set.
- Step 12: In a separate, chilled bowl, whip 1 cup cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This gives the mousse its wonderful, light texture.
- Step 13: If using, gently fold in the 0.5 cups ground freeze-dried strawberries for an intensified flavor. Then, carefully fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until just combined, creating a gorgeous, light mousse.
Assembling and Chilling the Cake
- Step 14: Once the cake base is completely cool, place it back into the cleaned 9×9-inch pan (you can wash and dry it).
- Step 15: Pour the prepared strawberry mousse evenly over the cake layer. Gently spread it to the edges to ensure an even finish.
- Step 16: Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until the mousse is firm and set. This chilling time is crucial for the best texture.
- Step 17: When ready to serve, carefully remove the cake from the pan. Slice and garnish with 1 cup fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation. Enjoy this amazing homemade strawberry mousse cake!
Pro Tips for the Best Strawberry Mousse Cake
To ensure your strawberry mousse cake is truly spectacular, I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years. These tips will help you achieve that perfect texture and flavor every time. Remember, a little attention to detail goes a long way for this delightful summer dessert!
- Always use fresh, ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor in your mousse.
- Make sure your heavy cream and mixing bowl are very cold before whipping; this is key for achieving stiff peaks.
- Gently fold the ingredients together rather than stirring vigorously to keep the mousse light and airy.
- Cool the cake base completely before adding the mousse to prevent any melting or uneven setting.
What’s the secret to a perfect light and airy strawberry mousse cake?
The secret lies in properly whipped cream and gently folding in the strawberry mixture. Overmixing can deflate the cream, leading to a denser mousse. Aim for a texture that’s light and delicate, creating a truly ethereal experience. For more on achieving perfect textures, explore baking techniques.
Can I make this no-bake strawberry mousse cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the entire cake up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s covered to prevent it from absorbing other odors. This is a great option for busy hosts, similar to other make-ahead desserts.
How do I avoid common mistakes with strawberry mousse cake layers?
A common pitfall is not letting the cake base cool completely, which can cause the mousse to melt. Also, ensure your gelatin is fully dissolved; undissolved gelatin will create a grainy texture. Finally, don’t rush the chilling time – patience ensures the mousse sets perfectly. Understanding ingredient properties, like how baking ingredients interact, is key.
Best Ways to Serve Strawberry Mousse Cake
This beautiful strawberry mousse cake is a showstopper on its own, but a few serving ideas can elevate it even further! For a truly classic pairing, consider serving a slice of this delightful strawberry mousse cake for dessert alongside a light, refreshing mint tea or a crisp sparkling cider. The coolness of the drink complements the creamy mousse perfectly. You could also offer a small dollop of freshly whipped cream on the side, or a scattering of toasted slivered almonds for a bit of crunch. For an extra touch of elegance, a few extra fresh strawberries or a drizzle of raspberry coulis around the plate adds a pop of color and flavor that guests will adore.
Nutrition Facts for Strawberry Mousse Cake
This delicious strawberry mousse cake is a treat that balances indulgence with a lighter profile. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, so you can enjoy a slice with confidence.
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Strawberry Mousse Cake
Proper strawberry mousse cake storage is key to keeping this dessert fresh and delicious. Once your beautiful cake has set and you’re ready to store it, make sure it has cooled completely. I like to use an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any fridge odors. You can keep this cake refrigerated for about 3 to 4 days. If you find you have more cake than you can finish within that time, don’t worry! You can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double layer of protection is great for preventing freezer burn. Frozen strawberry mousse cake will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. There’s no need to reheat this lovely dessert; it’s best served chilled! For more tips on preserving food, check out food preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Mousse Cake
What is strawberry mousse cake?
A strawberry mousse cake is a delightful dessert featuring a moist cake base topped with a light, airy, and creamy strawberry mousse. It often has a no-bake mousse layer, making it a popular choice for warm weather or when you want an elegant yet relatively simple dessert. The combination of tender cake and fluffy mousse is truly irresistible!
Can I use different berries for this mousse?
While this recipe is designed for strawberries, you can absolutely experiment with other berries! Raspberry mousse cake or mixed berry mousse cake would be delicious. Just ensure you puree and strain them similarly, and adjust the sweetness as needed, as different fruits have varying sugar levels. For other fruit-based recipes, explore our fruit recipes.
What’s the best way to get a smooth mousse texture?
To achieve that perfect, smooth mousse texture in your homemade strawberry mousse cake, make sure your strawberry puree is well-strained to remove seeds. Also, gently folding in the whipped cream and strawberry mixture is crucial; avoid overmixing, which can deflate the airiness and result in a denser mousse. Chilling the mixture sufficiently before folding also helps.
How do I ensure my cake layers are perfect for the mousse?
For the best results with your strawberry mousse cake layers, ensure your cake base is completely cooled before adding the mousse. This prevents the mousse from melting or becoming unstable. A slightly denser cake base, like the one in this recipe, holds up well to the weight of the mousse without becoming soggy.
Variations of Strawberry Mousse Cake You Can Try
I love how versatile this strawberry mousse cake is! While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next bake.
- Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake: For a decadent twist, try a chocolate cake base. You can also swirl a bit of melted chocolate into the strawberry mousse for a beautiful marbled effect. This combination is a classic for a reason!
- White Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake: If you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor profile, consider folding some melted white chocolate into the strawberry mousse. It adds a luxurious richness that pairs wonderfully with the tartness of the strawberries.
- Vegan Strawberry Mousse Cake: To make this recipe vegan, use a vegan cake recipe for the base and substitute coconut cream for heavy cream in the mousse. Ensure your gelatin is plant-based (like agar-agar) or omit it if your vegan cake is sturdy enough to hold the mousse.
- Gluten-Free Strawberry Mousse Cake: Simply swap out the cake flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The mousse itself is naturally gluten-free!
Strawberry Mousse Cake: Heavenly Summer Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes cooling and chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and airy strawberry mousse cake with a tender cake base, perfect for summer gatherings. This no-bake dessert is elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- For the Cake Base:
- 2 cups Cake Flour
- 1 tbsp Baking Powder
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 cups Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup White Granulated Sugar
- 0.25 cups Canola or Vegetable Oil
- 3 large Egg Whites
- 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Sour Cream
- For the Strawberry Mousse:
- 2 cups Strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 tbsp Powdered Gelatin
- 1 cup Heavy Cream, cold
- 0.5 cups Ground Freeze-Dried Strawberries (optional)
- For Decoration:
- 1 cup Fresh Strawberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan by spraying with nonstick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, white sugar, and oil until light and fluffy.
- Add egg whites, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients on low speed until just incorporated.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the mousse, puree strawberries and strain to remove seeds.
- Simmer the strawberry puree with a little sugar and vanilla until slightly thickened (5-7 minutes).
- In a small bowl, combine gelatin with cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
- Mix the bloomed gelatin into the warm strawberry mixture and heat gently until dissolved.
- Refrigerate the strawberry mixture until cool (about 30 minutes).
- Whip cold heavy cream in a chilled bowl until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold in freeze-dried strawberries (if using), then fold in the cooled strawberry mixture to create a light mousse.
- Place the cooled cake back into the cleaned and prepared 9×9-inch pan.
- Pour the strawberry mousse evenly over the cake layer.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is set.
- Carefully remove the cake from the pan, slice, and garnish with fresh strawberries.
Notes
- Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 30 days.
- Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Fold the whipped cream gently to maintain the mousse’s airy texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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