Delight in This Decadent Dessert
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake is a fantastic treat that combines the richness of chocolate with the brightness of fresh strawberries. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or just to enjoy at home.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This cake is not just beautiful; it’s incredibly delicious! The combination of a light and airy strawberry mousse layered over a moist cake adds delightful textures and flavors. The chocolate topping and fresh strawberries elevate this dessert, making it a show-stopper at any gathering.
Easy Steps to Create Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box chocolate or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 2 tbsp butter or cream
- Fresh strawberries, whole or halved
Directions:
- Bake the Cake: Prepare and bake the cake layer in a round pan according to the package instructions. Once baked, let it cool completely. If needed, trim the top for a level surface.
- Make the Strawberry Mousse: In a saucepan, cook the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until the strawberries are soft. Blend this mixture until smooth and let it cool a bit. While that cools, bloom the gelatin in cold water, then warm gently until melted. Stir this gelatin into the strawberry puree. In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold it into the strawberry mixture until it’s light and airy.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour the strawberry mousse over the cooled cake layer. Chill for at least 3 hours or until the mousse has set.
- Add the Chocolate Topping: Melt the chocolate with the butter or cream until smooth. Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled mousse. Spread it gently to cover the surface.
- Garnish: Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cake. For an extra touch, dip a few strawberries in chocolate and place them on top.
- Final Chill: Chill the whole cake for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Enjoy Your Cake
Slice the Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake into wedges and serve it on dessert plates. It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or a simple Saturday night treat!
Storing Your Cake
Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. Cover it well to retain freshness. It should stay tasty for about 3 days.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the cake has completely cooled before adding the mousse to prevent it from melting.
- For a lighter mousse, fold the whipped cream gently so you don’t deflate it.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the topping for a richer flavor.
Easy Variations to Consider
You can switch up the flavors by using different fruits like raspberries or blueberries for the mousse. You could also add layers of whipped cream for more texture.
Nutritional Information
Each slice (1/12 of the cake) contains approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
Sweet Serving Ideas for Family
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side!
Pair It Up: What to Eat Alongside the Cake
Enjoy the cake with a refreshing glass of sparkling water or a nice cup of coffee to balance the sweetness.
Common Questions About the Recipe
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Yes, frozen strawberries work fine! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.
Q: How do I know when the mousse is firm enough?
A: The mousse should be set and hold its shape, which usually takes at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and assemble it. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 box chocolate or vanilla cake mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
For the Strawberry Mousse
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries Thaw and drain if using frozen.
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup heavy cream Whipped until soft peaks form.
- 1 packet unflavored gelatin Used for setting the mousse.
- 2 tbsp cold water For blooming the gelatin.
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate Use high-quality chocolate for better flavor.
- 2 tbsp butter or cream For melting with chocolate.
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberries whole or halved For topping the cake.
Instructions
Bake the Cake
- Prepare and bake the cake layer in a round pan according to the package instructions. Once baked, let it cool completely. If needed, trim the top for a level surface.
Make the Strawberry Mousse
- In a saucepan, cook the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice until the strawberries are soft.
- Blend this mixture until smooth and let it cool slightly.
- While the strawberry mixture cools, bloom the gelatin in cold water, then warm gently until melted.
- Stir the melted gelatin into the strawberry puree.
- In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then fold it into the strawberry mixture until light and airy.
Assemble the Cake
- Pour the strawberry mousse over the cooled cake layer.
- Chill for at least 3 hours or until the mousse has set.
Add the Chocolate Topping
- Melt the chocolate with the butter or cream until smooth.
- Let it cool slightly before pouring it over the chilled mousse. Spread it gently to cover the surface.
Garnish
- Arrange fresh strawberries on top of the cake. For an extra touch, dip a few strawberries in chocolate and place them on top.
Final Chill
- Chill the whole cake for another 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
