Description
This Berry Layered Mousse Cake is a light and airy no-bake dessert featuring a luscious blend of sweetened mixed berries and creamy mousse atop a soft sponge cake layer. Perfect for summer gatherings, it combines fresh fruit puree with whipped heavy cream to create an elegant treat that sets beautifully in the refrigerator.
Ingredients
Scale
Berry Puree
- 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Mousse
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Assembly
- 1 prepared sponge cake layer (8 or 9 inches)
- Fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Berry Puree: In a small saucepan, combine mixed berries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the berries soften and release their juices. Use a fork or blender to puree the mixture, then strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds for a smooth texture.
- Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and allow it to sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to soften and bloom.
- Dissolve Gelatin: Gently warm the bloomed gelatin mixture until fully dissolved (avoid boiling). Stir the dissolved gelatin thoroughly into the cooled berry puree and set aside to reach room temperature.
- Whip Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until medium peaks form—when the cream holds shape but is still soft.
- Combine Mousse: Carefully fold the cooled berry gelatin mixture into the whipped cream until fully incorporated, maintaining the mousse’s fluffy texture.
- Assemble Cake: Place the prepared sponge cake layer in a springform pan or cake ring. Pour the berry mousse over the cake base and smooth the surface evenly with a spatula.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours, or until the mousse is completely set and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Carefully remove the cake from the pan. Garnish with fresh berries and mint leaves if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use a store-bought sponge cake layer or bake your own for added freshness.
- For more defined layers, add an additional thin layer of sponge cake in the middle of the mousse.
- Swap mixed berries for a single fruit like raspberry or blueberry for a different flavor profile.
