Strawberry Mousse Cake with Cream Cheese Layer
A delightful dessert that combines fluffy strawberry mousse and a rich cream cheese layer on a buttery graham cracker crust, perfect for any celebration.
Ingredients
For the crust
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
For the cream cheese layer
- 1 package cream cheese, softened to room temperature 8 oz package
- 0.33 cups powdered sugar
- 0.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 0.5 cups heavy whipping cream whipped
For the strawberry mousse
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 0.25 cups granulated sugar for strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons water for gelatin
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled for mousse
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar for mousse
Garnish (optional)
- fresh strawberries
- whipped cream
- strawberry glaze or drizzle
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter, mixing until evenly combined. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan and chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
Cream Cheese Layer
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture and spread evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust. Return to fridge while preparing mousse.
Strawberry Preparation
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Simmer for about 6-8 minutes until soft.
- Blend the cooked strawberries into a smooth puree and let it cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, mix unflavored gelatin with water and let sit for 5 minutes. Gently heat to dissolve and stir into cooled strawberry puree.
Mousse Preparation
- In a clean mixing bowl, whip the chilled heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Carefully fold whipped cream into the strawberry mixture to maintain its light, airy texture.
Assemble the Cake
- Pour the mousse over the cream cheese layer and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
Garnish and Serve
- Before serving, garnish with fresh strawberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or drizzle with strawberry sauce.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending. For best structure, whip cream to stiff peaks. Consider adding strawberry extract for a more distinct flavor.