If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert to wow your guests or just want to indulge in something extra special, then this Strawberry Mousse Cake is exactly what you need! With a buttery golden Oreo crust, a luscious strawberry mousse filling, and a stunning strawberry topping, every bite of this cake is a delicate balance of sweetness and freshness. It’s the perfect dessert to make for birthdays, parties, or a refreshing treat for any occasion!
About The Recipe
A mousse cake sounds complex, but let me assure you, it’s actually quite straightforward when you break it down step by step. The beauty of this Strawberry Mousse Cake lies in its simplicity and the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries that shine through in each layer. From the first layer of crisp, buttery crust to the light and airy mousse filling, this cake is a labor of love that will make you feel like a professional pastry chef.
What I love most about this cake is how each component complements the others. The crunchy base of the Golden Oreos contrasts perfectly with the smooth, creamy mousse filling, while the strawberry jam topping adds that extra burst of freshness. Not only is this cake beautiful, but it’s also incredibly delicious, with that perfect combination of sweet, tart, and creamy flavors.
This cake is also incredibly versatile – you can customize the filling and topping to suit your taste or the season. But this version, with fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon, is an absolute winner. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just as a delightful treat, it’s sure to impress.
Reasons You Will Love This Strawberry Mousse Cake
- Fresh and Fruity: The star of the show, fresh strawberries, create a light and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for summer.
- Three Layers of Deliciousness: From the buttery Oreo crust to the airy mousse and the sweet strawberry jam topping, every layer adds something special.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a summer BBQ, or just need a sweet escape, this cake is perfect for any event.
- Make-Ahead Delight: This cake needs time to set in the fridge, so it’s a great make-ahead dessert that’s perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: It’s visually stunning, and the combination of flavors makes it a crowd favorite every time.
Equipment Needed
To make this Strawberry Mousse Cake, you’ll need just a few basic tools. Don’t worry—nothing too fancy is required, just the right equipment to make each layer come together perfectly.
- 9-inch Springform Pan: A springform pan is essential for removing the cake from the pan cleanly and ensuring the mousse stays intact when you release the sides.
- Food Processor: To easily crush the Golden Oreos for the crust and puree the strawberries for the mousse and topping.
- Mixing Bowls: A couple of medium to large mixing bowls for combining the mousse ingredients and preparing the strawberry jam topping.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer or stand mixer will help you whip the cream and mix the mousse filling to achieve the perfect texture.
- Sifter: To sift the powdered sugar and make sure the mousse texture is as smooth as possible.
- Spatula: You’ll need a silicone or rubber spatula to fold the whipped cream and strawberry puree into the mousse filling without deflating it.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Strawberry Mousse Cake:
For the Base:
- 1 ½ cups (240 g) Golden Oreo cookie crumbs (about 24 cookies)
- ¼ cup (59 g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Mousse:
- 4 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- 1 ¾ cups (420 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 4 ounces (113 g) Mascarpone cheese (or cream cheese)
- 1 cup (120 g) confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups (425 g) fresh chopped strawberries
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Topping:
- 1 ½ cups (230 g) fresh chopped strawberries
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cake
Making Strawberry Mousse Cake might sound intimidating, but trust me, it’s simpler than it seems. The process is broken into three main components—first, the base, then the mousse filling, and finally, the strawberry jam topping. Once you have the layers set, it’s just a matter of patience as the cake chills to perfection.
1. Make the Base
To start, we’re going to prepare the delicious Golden Oreo crust that will serve as the foundation for the mousse.
- Step 1: Line the inside bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will make it easy to remove the cake once it’s ready to serve.
- Step 2: Process the Golden Oreos in a food processor until they’re finely ground. You want a powdery consistency, not chunks.
- Step 3: Add the melted butter to the cookie crumbs and stir until they’re fully coated.
- Step 4: Press the crumb mixture tightly into the bottom of your prepared springform pan, making sure it’s compact and even. Place the pan in the freezer while you prepare the mousse.
2. Make the Mousse
The mousse is the heart of this cake, and it’s surprisingly easy to make!
- Step 1: Sprinkle the gelatin powder over 3 tablespoons of cold water in a small microwave-safe bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to bloom.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, Mascarpone cheese, sifted confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Using an electric mixer, whip everything together on medium-low speed until it’s thickened and fluffy (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3: In a food processor, combine the fresh chopped strawberries and lemon juice. Puree the mixture until it’s smooth, then strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
- Step 4: Take ¼ cup of the strawberry puree and microwave it with the bloomed gelatin for about 1 minute until the gelatin is fully dissolved. Stir it well to combine, then add this back into the remaining strawberry puree.
- Step 5: Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the whipped cream mixture using a silicone spatula. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much—mix until it’s just combined and smooth.
- Step 6: Pour the strawberry mousse over the prepared Oreo crust. Use an offset spatula to smooth the top. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set.
3. Make the Jam Topping
Now, for the final touch— the beautiful strawberry topping that will go on top of the mousse layer.
- Step 1: Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Step 2: Puree the remaining strawberries with granulated sugar in the food processor until smooth, then strain the puree to remove any seeds.
- Step 3: Add ¼ cup of the strawberry puree to the bloomed gelatin, then heat the mixture in the microwave for 1 minute, stirring to ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved. Combine it with the remaining strawberry puree.
- Step 4: Pour the strawberry puree over the chilled mousse layer. You can gently swirl the pan to spread it evenly over the top.
- Step 5: Cover the pan again with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cake for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight, to let everything set completely.
How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Cake
Now that your Strawberry Mousse Cake has set perfectly, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delightful dessert.
1. Preparing the Cake for Serving
- Step 1: Just before serving, you can pipe swirls of freshly whipped cream over the top of the cake if you desire. This adds a light, airy contrast to the rich mousse and looks beautiful on the cake’s surface.
- Step 2: Carefully run a lightly oiled knife around the outer edge of the cake to loosen it from the sides of the pan.
- Step 3: Release the clasp of the springform pan and gently remove the outer ring. Transfer the cake to a serving platter.
Now your gorgeous Strawberry Mousse Cake is ready to be served! It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, and your guests are sure to be impressed by the light, creamy layers and fresh fruit topping. Each bite is a balance of sweet strawberries and a light, velvety mousse—such a refreshing treat.
2. How to Store
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s rare with this delicious cake!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The cake will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, but it’s best served within 24 hours to enjoy the mousse at its freshest.
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap the slices well in plastic wrap or foil before freezing. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge for a few hours.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this beautiful Strawberry Mousse Cake as much as I do! The layers of strawberry goodness, creamy mousse, and crispy base come together for an unforgettable dessert. Whether it’s a special celebration or a casual get-together, this cake is sure to be the star of the show.
