Hello, Lykkers! If you're craving a dessert that's both elegant and delicious, the Berry Mousse Cake is just the thing. With its rich fruit flavors and creamy mousse texture, this cake is perfect for any special occasion or a sweet treat to enjoy with friends and family.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparing the base cake to decorating the final masterpiece. Let's dive in and create something truly delightful!
What Is Berry Mousse Cake?
A Berry Mousse Cake consists of layers of light, airy sponge cake surrounded by a creamy berry mousse, all topped with a glossy mirror glaze. It’s filled with fresh fruit, making it a refreshing yet indulgent dessert. The cake’s smooth texture and vibrant berry flavors are sure to impress anyone who tries it. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy fruity, delicate desserts.
Step 1: Prepare the French Finger-Shaped Cake
The first step to building our mousse cake is to prepare the base—this light French finger-shaped cake, also known as Biscuit à la Cuillère, will form the foundation of the mousse.
Ingredients for the French Finger-Shaped Cake:
- 2 egg whites
- 45g sugar
- 2 egg yolks
- 55g cake flour
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180-190°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Draw a 60cm long and 5cm wide rectangle, as well as two 16cm circles.
2. Beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then gradually add in the sugar.
3. Once the egg whites are fluffy and stiff, add the egg yolks and fold them in gently.
4. Sift the flour in small batches, folding it carefully into the egg mixture. Be gentle to avoid deflating the egg whites.
5. Fill a piping bag with the batter and pipe out long finger shapes along the marked rectangle and small rounds into the 16cm circles.
6. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the piped cake before placing it in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Allow the cake to cool before using it for the mousse.
Step 2: Make the 30°C Sugar Syrup
This sugar syrup will be used to soak the cakes and infuse them with extra flavor.
Ingredients for the Sugar Syrup:
- 25g hot water
- 29g sugar
Instructions:
1. Mix the hot water and sugar together, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved.
2. Set the syrup aside to cool. This will help enhance the flavor of the cake layers later.
Step 3: Prepare the Fruit Puree Syrup
This fruit puree syrup adds sweetness and freshness to the cake.
Ingredients for the Fruit Puree Syrup:
- 25g of the 30°C sugar syrup (from Step 2)
- 30g strawberry puree
- 30g raspberry puree
Instructions:
1. Combine the sugar syrup, strawberry puree, and raspberry puree in a bowl. Stir them together until well-mixed.
2. Set the syrup aside for later use when assembling the cake.
Step 4: Make the Berry Mousse
The mousse is the heart of this dessert, and it’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients for the Berry Mousse:
- 45g strawberry puree
- 30g raspberry puree
- 2 sheets of gelatin (gold grade)
- 200g heavy cream (whipped)
Instructions:
1. Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 5 minutes to soften them. Once softened, squeeze out the excess water.
2. In a saucepan, heat the strawberry and raspberry purees until warm. Add the softened gelatin to the warm fruit mixture and stir until it dissolves completely.
3. Remove the fruit puree from the heat and cool it down by placing the bowl in a larger bowl filled with ice water.
4. Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form, then gently fold it into the cooled fruit mixture in two stages, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
Now that we’ve prepared all the components, it’s time to assemble our Berry Mousse Cake!
Instructions:
1. Place the French finger-shaped cake around the edge of a cake ring or a round cake mold. Add a circular cake layer to the bottom.
2. Brush the cake layer with the fruit puree syrup we made earlier, soaking it lightly.
3. Spoon about one-third of the mousse into the cake ring, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
4. Add fresh diced strawberries on top of the mousse layer to give it a fruity burst.
5. Cover the strawberries with a little more mousse to ensure they are fully encased.
6. Place another layer of cake on top, brushing it again with the fruit syrup.
7. Pour the remaining mousse over the top, spreading it smoothly to cover the entire cake.
8. Freeze the cake for at least 2 hours to allow the mousse to set.
Step 6: Prepare the Mirror Glaze
The mirror glaze gives the cake a beautiful glossy finish, making it even moreenticing.
Ingredients for the Mirror Glaze:
- 30g strawberry puree
- 30g raspberry puree
- 1 sheet of gelatin
- 20g mirror glaze gel
- 25g of 30°C sugar syrup (from Step 2)
Instructions:
1. Soak the gelatin in cold water until soft. Squeeze out excess water.
2. In a saucepan, combine the strawberry puree, raspberry puree, and sugar syrup. Heat over a double boiler until the mixture is warm.
3. Add the softened gelatin and stir until dissolved.
4. Stir in the mirror glaze gel and mix well.
5. Pour the mirror glaze over the chilled mousse cake, allowing it to coat the entire surface evenly. Chill the cake in the fridge for another 5 minutes to set the glaze.
Step 7: Final Decoration
This is the fun part—decorating the cake to make it look as delicious as it tastes!
Ingredients for Decoration:
- 3 strawberries (halved)
- 5 blueberries
- Fresh mint leaves
- 60g whipped cream
Instructions:
1. Place the finished mousse cake onto a serving plate.
2. Carefully remove the cake ring, if using.
3. Pipe some whipped cream onto the top of the cake.
4. Decorate the top with halved strawberries, blueberries, and fresh mint leaves for a fresh, colorful touch.
Enjoy Your Perfectly Crafted Berry Mousse Cake!
Congratulations, Lykkers! You’ve just created a stunning Berry Mousse Cake that’s not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious. This cake is perfect for any occasion and will leave everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this step-by-step guide will help you master this delightful dessert. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this treat with your loved ones!
Happy baking!
