Name: Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 10 h 30 min
Cuisine: French-inspired
Ingredients: 2 Egg Yolk (at room temperature); 50 gr Icing Sugar (sifted); 75 gr Salted Butter (very soft); 120 gr Plain / All-Purpose Flour; 1/4 teaspoon Salt (if using unsalted butter); 375 gr Strawberries (fresh or frozen & thawed); 90 gr Caster Sugar; 1 Vanilla Bean (or 1 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Paste); 7 gr (2 1/4 teaspoon) Gelatine Powder (with 2 tablespoon cold water); 400 ml Heavy / Thickened Cream (30% fat content min.); 200 gr Fresh Strawberries (optional for decorating the edges); 200 gr Strawberries (fresh or frozen); 50 gr Caster Sugar; 15 ml Lemon Juice; 3 gr (1 teaspoon) Gelatine Powder

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a bright, tender hug on a plate, this Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine a buttery, crumbly sablé cookie crust topped with a luscious, airy strawberry mousse that melts on your tongue, crowned with a glossy, sweet strawberry jelly that gleams like summer in a slice. It’s a showstopper for gatherings or a special treat for yourself, combining fresh strawberry flavor with a light, elegant texture that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

In a white marbled surface, several ingredients are arranged neatly: a clear glass bowl filled with bright red strawberries to the left, a medium-sized white bowl with white sugar above it, a white plastic bottle of thickened cream with a blue label in the center, a long dark brown vanilla bean placed vertically next to it, a light blue bowl filled with white powder (likely flour or sugar) above the vanilla bean, a small white bowl with a liquid (possibly vanilla extract) below the vanilla bean, a clear glass bowl with two raw egg yolks at the bottom right, a white bowl with light yellow butter cubes above the eggs, and a large clear bowl full of white flour on the right side. The setup is orderly and bright, suggesting preparation for baking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or appearance, yet the list remains delightfully simple. From the richness of the salted butter to the fresh zestiness of lemon juice, each element contributes to making a beautiful, balanced cake that’s as flavorful as it is visually stunning.

Egg Yolks: Provide richness and bind the dough and mousse together perfectly.
Icing Sugar: Adds delicate sweetness and smoothness without graininess.
Salted Butter: Offers a creamy, tender crumb base that deepens flavor.
Plain / All-Purpose Flour: Forms the sturdy yet crumbly sablé cookie base.
Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, especially in the crust.
Strawberries (fresh or frozen & thawed): The star ingredient, bursting with bright flavor for mousse and jelly layers.
Caster Sugar: Dissolves easily for smooth sweetness in mousse and jelly.
Vanilla Bean or Vanilla Paste: Adds a subtle, fragrant warmth and complexity.
Gelatine Powder: Ensures the mousse and jelly set perfectly with a silky texture.
Heavy / Thickened Cream (minimum 30% fat): Whipped to give the mousse its light and airy lift.
Fresh Strawberries (optional for decorating): For a stunning fresh edge that also adds juicy bursts.
Lemon Juice: Brightens the jelly topping with a refreshing tang.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sablé Cookie Crust

Start by placing a large 9 inch (23 cm) cake ring on a small baking tray lined with baking paper or a silicone mat. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and icing sugar until the mixture becomes thick and smooth, usually around 1 to 2 minutes. Then, add your very soft salted butter and stir until fully incorporated. Next, fold in the flour and salt until the dough reaches a thick paste-like consistency. Press this dough evenly and firmly into the bottom of the cake ring. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to firm up, then bake at 160°C (325°F) for about 30 minutes until the crust is golden and fragrant. Let it cool completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 2: Create the Strawberry Mousse Filling

While your crust cools, blend the strawberries until completely smooth. For an ultra-silky mousse, push the strawberry puree through a fine sieve to remove seeds. In a small saucepan, combine this puree with caster sugar and the seeds scraped from a vanilla bean (or vanilla paste). Gently heat the mixture on medium-low until it simmers, whisking to meld flavors. Remove from heat and simultaneously bloom gelatine powder in cold water until it thickens into a paste; whisk this into your warm strawberry mixture until it dissolves completely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface and chill in the refrigerator for about 1 hour until no longer warm.

Step 3: Fold in the Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, which will bring much-needed lightness to your mousse. Gently fold the chilled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream in several additions, being careful not to deflate the air you just whipped in. This technique keeps the mousse wonderfully fluffy and delicate.

Step 4: Assemble the Mousse Cake

Place an acetate strip inside the cake ring to help give your cake clean edges when you unmold it. Optionally, arrange halved fresh strawberries around the inside edge of the ring with the sliced side against it for a beautiful visual surprise when sliced. Pour the mousse gently into the ring and smooth the surface. Chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, until the mousse is completely set and holds its shape.

Step 5: Make the Strawberry Jelly Topping

For the glossy finish, blend strawberries again and sieve to remove any seeds. Combine the puree with caster sugar and lemon juice in a pan, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Bloom gelatine once more in cold water and whisk it into the warm mixture until dissolved. Let it cool for about 30 minutes to thicken slightly, then pour carefully over your set mousse layer. Refrigerate again for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the jelly to firm up beautifully on top.

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe

A close-up image shows a white marbled surface with a round tortilla layed flat. On the tortilla, a thick, bright red tomato sauce layer is spread evenly, shiny and smooth in texture. A woman's hand is holding a small clear cup, pouring more sauce onto the tortilla. The sauce contrasts strongly with the light tortilla beneath it, creating a fresh and vibrant look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh strawberries sliced in halves or quarters make an elegant, natural garnish for this cake, especially arranged around the edges or scattered on top of the jelly layer. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a pretty contrast and a hint of sweetness. For a more indulgent touch, consider a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers to brighten up each slice.

Side Dishes

This strawberry mousse cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to intensify the creamy texture experience. A small bowl of fresh berries or a tangy coulis can also complement the cake’s sweetness and add a bit of tartness for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving the cake on a rustic wooden board or a pretty glass cake stand lets its vibrant colors steal the show. Slice the cake with a hot, clean knife to get smooth, perfect cuts. For a party, consider making individual mousse cakes in clear glasses layered with biscuit crumbs and jelly for an accessible, no-fuss way to delight guests with the same delicious flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe keeps best in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap or stored in a cake container to prevent odors and moisture from affecting its delicate texture. It will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled cake for up to 2 weeks. Wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect it from freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to maintain the wonderful mousse consistency without sogginess.

Reheating

Because this is a chilled mousse cake, reheating is not recommended. Instead, allow it to come to just under room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving if you prefer it slightly less cold, which enhances flavor and texture without risking melting.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries in this Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work perfectly once thawed and well-drained. Just be sure to strain the puree through a fine sieve to keep the mousse silky smooth despite the natural graininess frozen berries might have.

Is gelatin necessary, or can I use a vegetarian substitute?

Gelatin is essential here to achieve the mousse and jelly’s perfect set and silky texture. If you prefer a vegetarian option, agar-agar can be used, but the quantities and setting method vary, so adjust carefully to avoid a rubbery texture.

How do I get the mousse extra fluffy?

The key to fluffy mousse is whipping the cream to stiff peaks and folding it gently into the chilled strawberry mixture. Avoid overmixing to retain the airiness that makes the mousse so special.

Can I make strawberry jelly topping ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the strawberry jelly topping a day ahead and chill it until ready to use. Just cool it completely and pour it over the mousse when both layers can still chill together for the perfect set.

What’s the best way to remove the cake ring and acetate strip?

Run a hot, damp knife around the inside of the ring before gently lifting it off. The acetate strip should peel away easily, revealing a smooth edge. Chill the cake well beforehand to help maintain its shape during removal.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, natural flavors combined with luxurious textures. It’s approachable enough to make at home but impressive enough to wow friends and family. Give it a try and enjoy the magic of fresh strawberries in a light, irresistible cake that’s sure to become one of your favorites.

Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need