Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe

Strawberry Mousse Cake is the ultimate showstopper dessert that’s almost too pretty to slice—almost! Imagine a light and fluffy mousse bursting with ripe strawberry flavor, nestled on a tender sponge or buttery biscuit base, all crowned with a glistening strawberry jelly and heaps of fresh fruit. This cake was made for springtime celebrations, summer garden parties, or, let’s be honest, any day you’re craving something sweet, airy, and utterly delightful. Once you try a forkful, you’ll see why Strawberry Mousse Cake has become a beloved classic in kitchens everywhere.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Strawberry Mousse Cake comes from just a handful of simple ingredients, each one carefully chosen to create layers of flavor, color, and texture. Every item here plays a vital part in crafting a cake that looks as stunning as it tastes!

• Sponge cake layer (about 20 cm / 8 inch): This forms the soft, airy foundation; you can also use a store-bought or homemade round.
• OR 200 g digestive biscuits, crushed + 80 g melted butter: For a buttery, no-bake crust with lovely crunch—ideal for biscuit lovers and quick assembly.
• 300 g fresh strawberries (hulled): The star of the show, giving the mousse its vibrant color and fresh flavor—use ripe, fragrant berries for best results.
• 80 g sugar (about ⅓ cup): Sweetens the strawberries and balances any tartness.
• 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds bright acidity, enhancing the natural berry flavor.
• 10 g gelatin powder (or 5 sheets gelatin): Sets the strawberry mousse, giving that dreamy, sliceable texture.
• 300 ml heavy cream (chilled): Whipped for airy lightness—cold cream whips best!
• 50 g powdered sugar: Delicately sweetens the whipped cream while keeping it smooth.
• 200 g strawberry puree (for the jelly): Intensifies that extra fruity kick on top.
• 40 g sugar (for the jelly): Gives the jelly its perfect sweetness.
• 5 g gelatin powder (or 2 sheets gelatin, for the jelly): Sets the glossy strawberry jelly layer.
• Fresh strawberries, halved (for decoration): It’s all about visual wow-factor and a juicy final touch.
• Strawberry sauce or glaze: Optional, but adds glamorous shine and even more berry flavor.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Begin by choosing your foundation: place a single sponge cake layer at the bottom of a springform pan for a soft, airy bite. If you’re opting for a biscuit base, blitz your digestive biscuits to fine crumbs, stir in melted butter until the mixture is sandy and clumps together, then firmly press this into your pan. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so it sets up beautifully—this will make the rest of the assembly easier and give you that perfect, sliceable edge.

Step 2: Make Strawberry Puree

Add hulled strawberries to your blender along with sugar and lemon juice, then blend until completely smooth. Transfer this puree to a saucepan and warm it gently—don’t let it boil! Meanwhile, dissolve gelatin in 3 tablespoons of hot water, making sure there are no lumps, then stir this into the warm strawberry mixture. Let it cool to just-about room temperature; rushing this step could melt your whipped cream in the next stage!

Step 3: Whip the Cream

Pour the chilled heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Start beating on low, gradually increasing to high speed, and when it’s thickening, add the powdered sugar. Whip until soft peaks just hold their shape. Now comes the magic: gently fold the cooled strawberry puree into your whipped cream. It’ll transform into a plush, pale-pink cloud that smells like a basket of summer berries—this is your creamy strawberry mousse!

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

Pour half the strawberry mousse over your prepared base, using a spatula to smooth it into an even layer. If you want to go the extra mile, add a thin layer of homemade strawberry jelly or compote in the middle for a stripe of concentrated fruitiness. Pour the remaining mousse on top, smooth it lovingly, then chill the cake in the fridge for at least 4–6 hours. Overnight is ideal, letting everything set and flavors mingle.

Step 5: Add Topping

To create that irresistible glossy finish, heat strawberry puree with sugar until it’s just warm, then stir in dissolved gelatin. Allow this to cool until just barely warm (but not set). Very gently pour it over your set mousse layer; this is the crown jewel! Chill again until the jelly is firm. Finally, decorate your masterpiece with fresh strawberry halves and, if desired, a generous drizzle of strawberry sauce or a lacquer of glaze for ultimate shine. You’re officially ready to wow your tastebuds (and your friends) with Strawberry Mousse Cake!

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Cake

Garnishes

Strawberry Mousse Cake deserves to be dressed up for its big moment. A classic garnish is a generous fan of fresh, halved strawberries arranged on top, which highlights the berry flavors inside. Brush the fruit with a little warmed apricot jam for a professional bakery-style sheen or drizzle with strawberry sauce for extra indulgence. For special occasions, a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few edible flowers will make your cake truly party-perfect.

Side Dishes

Pairing Strawberry Mousse Cake is all about complementing its light, fruity notes. Try serving slices with a dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cool contrast. For a more sophisticated touch, offer a spoonful of lemon curd, or serve with almond tuiles or crisp cookies to provide a little crunch beside that dreamy mousse.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re in a playful mood, consider turning your Strawberry Mousse Cake into elegant mini-desserts by assembling the layers in individual parfait glasses or jars—perfect for potlucks or picnics! For dinner parties, slice the cake into neat wedges and plate each with fresh berries and a swirl of strawberry coulis. You can even cut them into cubes for a chic dessert platter where guests help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Strawberry Mousse Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to three days—though in my experience, it’s rare to find leftovers after day one! Keep the cake chilled so the mousse and jelly layers stay just right.

Freezing

Strawberry Mousse Cake can be frozen with a little care. To freeze, first chill the cake until fully set, then wrap individual slices or the whole cake in a double layer of plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. While the mousse stays lovely and creamy, note that the texture of fresh strawberries on top may soften a bit once thawed.

Reheating

This is one dessert that’s best enjoyed cold! There’s no need to reheat Strawberry Mousse Cake—simply let refrigerated or thawed slices sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the creamiest, most flavorful experience.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh strawberries aren’t in season, frozen ones work well—just thaw and drain them thoroughly before blending for the mousse or puree. The flavor will be just as vibrant and delicious.

What can I substitute for gelatin?

If you prefer not to use gelatin, agar-agar is a good alternative for setting. Just be aware that its texture is slightly firmer and it sets at room temperature. Adjust the quantity to match the package instructions, and dissolve it well before adding to the fruit puree.

My mousse didn’t set properly. What went wrong?

This is usually due to the gelatin not fully dissolving or the mousse mixture being too warm when combined with the whipped cream. Make sure your gelatin is completely dissolved in hot water and always let the puree cool before folding it in. A long, thorough chill will ensure the perfect set!

Can I make Strawberry Mousse Cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free sponge cake or swap digestive biscuits for certified gluten-free cookies for the base. The rest of the components are naturally gluten-free—so everyone can have a slice!

How far in advance can I make Strawberry Mousse Cake?

You can easily make this cake a day ahead. The flavors deepen and the texture improves after a long chill. For best results, add the fresh strawberry decoration just before serving, so everything stays perky and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

I truly can’t recommend Strawberry Mousse Cake enough—light, luscious, and packed with bright berry flavor, it’s the kind of treat that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature dessert. Happy baking and even happier tasting!