Strawberry Mousse Cake
Adding a twist of elegance, this heavenly creation combines the best of two beloved desserts—a luscious cheesecake and a classic fraisier. The creamy vanilla mousse and juicy strawberries harmoniously dance together on a crisp biscuit base, creating a hybrid masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds. With its divine flavors and delightful textures, this no-bake dessert will surely become a showstopper at any gathering. So treat yourself and your guests to this unforgettable indulgence that seamlessly blends the best of both worlds.
Ingredients:
For the biscuit base:
- 100g digestive biscuits (or any other plain biscuits)
- 30g unsalted butter, melted
- handful fresh strawberries sliced in halves
For the vanilla mousse:
- 4g powdered gelatin
- 20ml cold water
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 30g caster sugar
- 150ml full fat milk
- 2 teaspoon vanilla paste
- 200ml heavy cream
- 50g sweetened condensed milk
- 4g powdered gelatin
- 20ml cold water
For Strawberry jelly topping:
- 150g fresh strawberries chopped
- 30g caster sugar
- 5g powdered gelatin
- 35ml cold water
Instructions:
1. Place the digestive biscuits in a food processor and process until they form fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can put the biscuits in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
2. Transfer the biscuit crumbs to a bowl and pour in the melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
3. Press the biscuit mixture into the base of a 6inch /15/16cm approximately cake ring with an acetate cake collar so it is a cleaner finish when you release the cake ring.
4. In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the cold water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolk, cornstarch and sugar until combined. In a saucepan heat up the milk just before the boil. Slowly pour the hot milk over the egg yolk mixture and whisk well. Return the hot milk mixture into the saucepan again and gently simmer until the mixture thickens.
6. While the custard is still hot, add the bloomed gelatin and mix well. Let it cool.
7. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream until soft peaks form.
8. Add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla paste to the whipped cream. Continue beating until the mixture thickens and stiff peaks form.
9. Pour the whipped cream into cooled custard mixture and gently fold until combined. Now add a 1/4 of this mixture into a piping bag.
10. Take the biscuit base out of the refrigerator and add the sliced strawberries on the sides of the cake ring with the cut side against the acetate. This should lay flat and it will look super pretty just like a Fraisier Cake.
11. Now pipe carefully the vanilla mousse filling around the edges of the strawberries to ensure there is no gaps. Spread carefully with a back of a spoon.
12. Pour the remaining vanilla mousse over the strawberries and spread it out to create a smooth top.
13. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, to allow the mousse to set.
14. To make the strawberry jelly topping. Mix the gelatin powder and water in a small ramekin and place the ramekin in a bowl of hot water. Keep stirring until the mixture turns clear.
15. Blitz the chopped strawberries and sugar in a food processor until it becomes a puree. Mix the melted gelatin into the strawberry puree.
16. Finally slowly pour the strawberry jelly over a back of a spoon so it doesn’t create a hole in the smooth mousse cake top.
17. Chill once again for at least 2 hours until the jelly is completely set.
18. Remove the cake ring: Gently release the sides of the cake ring by carefully lifting it upwards or sliding it off the cake. This will expose the beautiful arrangement of strawberries and the mousse.
19. Using a sharp knife to release the edge of the jelly from the acetate cakes collar. To ensure the acetate peels off smoothly.
20. Yay!!! it is finally time to slice & enjoy : )
Please exercise patience as it chills in the refrigerator, the end result will be a dessert that surpasses expectations. With its heavenly combination of flavors and textures, this no-bake vanilla mousse with fresh strawberries and biscuit base is truly a treat that rewards both patience and taste buds alike.