Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake Recipe with Fresh Strawberries

| Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the decadent combination of strawberries and chocolate with this delicious Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. This dessert is perfect for any special occasion or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy with loved ones.

History

The combination of strawberries and chocolate has been a classic dessert pairing for centuries. This recipe takes that timeless duo to the next level with a rich and creamy chocolate mousse filling topped with fresh strawberries.

Ingredients

1 cup (about 5 oz or 142 g) of chocolate cookie or chocolate graham cracker crumbs
3 tbsp of melted butter or margarine
2 pt (946 ml) baskets of California strawberries, stemmed and halved
2 cups (12 oz or 340 g) of semisweet chocolate chips
0.5 cup of water
2 tbsp of light corn syrup
2.5 cups of whipping cream, divided
1 tbsp of sugar

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix the crumbs and butter until thoroughly blended.
Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pan.
Stand the strawberry halves, touching each other, with the pointed ends up and the cut sides against the side of the pan. Set aside.
Place the chocolate chips in a blender container.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the water and corn syrup. Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 minute.
Immediately pour the hot mixture over the chocolate chips and blend until smooth.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
Meanwhile, in a large mixer bowl, beat 1.5 cups of cream until stiff peaks form.
Using a rubber spatula, fold the cooled chocolate into the whipped cream until thoroughly blended.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level the top. (The points of the strawberries might extend above the chocolate mixture.)
Cover the pan and refrigerate for 4 to 24 hours.
Up to 2 hours before serving, in a medium mixer bowl, beat the remaining one cup of cream until soft peaks form.
Add sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Remove the side of the pan and place the cake on a serving plate.
Pipe or dollop whipped cream onto the top of the cake.
Arrange the remaining halved strawberries on top of the whipped cream.
To serve, cut the cake into wedges using a thin knife, wiping the blade between cuts.

Variations

Try using white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
Add a layer of raspberry jam between the graham cracker crust and chocolate mousse for a fruity twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to allow the chocolate mixture to cool to room temperature before folding it into the whipped cream to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.

- Use a spring-form pan for easy removal and presentation of the cake.

- Refrigerate the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a few extra fresh strawberries on top for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to properly whip the cream to stiff peaks for a light and airy mousse texture.

- Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the chocolate mixture into the whipped cream to maintain the mousse's fluffy consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute butter for margarine in the graham cracker crust for a richer flavor.

- Use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This dessert can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving. Simply add the whipped cream and fresh strawberries just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Top the cake with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of coffee for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this cake in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Indulge in a serving of this Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake for approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dessert is rich in fats, with each serving providing around 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Enjoy a moderate amount of protein with each serving of this cake, containing about 5 grams.

Vitamins and minerals

Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, providing a boost of antioxidants to this dessert.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and gluten in the form of cream and graham crackers. It may not be suitable for those with lactose or gluten intolerances.

Summary

This dessert is a rich and indulgent treat, best enjoyed in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content.

Summary

Indulge in the rich and creamy flavors of this Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake for a decadent dessert that is sure to impress. Enjoy the combination of fresh strawberries and velvety chocolate mousse in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake. It was many years ago, during a summer vacation in the countryside. I had just finished helping my grandmother in the garden when she surprised me with a slice of this decadent dessert.

The first bite was pure bliss - the creamy mousse, the rich chocolate, and the sweet strawberries all coming together in perfect harmony. I was instantly hooked and begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it.

She smiled and told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from a distant cousin who was a pastry chef. She promised to teach me the recipe, but only if I promised to keep it a secret and pass it on to future generations.

Over the next few days, my grandmother patiently guided me through the steps of making the Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake. We started by making a simple sponge cake, which would serve as the base of the dessert. As the cake baked in the oven, we moved on to preparing the mousse.

My grandmother showed me how to melt the chocolate over a double boiler, being careful not to let it burn. She then whipped up some heavy cream until it formed stiff peaks, adding a touch of sugar to sweeten it. Once the chocolate had cooled slightly, we folded it into the whipped cream, creating a light and fluffy mousse.

Next came the strawberries. We sliced them thinly and arranged them in a beautiful pattern on top of the cake. Finally, we poured the mousse over the strawberries, smoothing it out with a spatula to create a perfect finish.

After a few hours in the refrigerator to set, the Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake was ready to be enjoyed. The moment I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished tradition in our family.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake for special occasions - birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings. Each time, it brought back fond memories of learning how to make it with my grandmother.

I also made sure to pass on the recipe to my own children, just as my grandmother had done for me. They were always eager to help in the kitchen, just as I had been, and together we created many delicious memories.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the familiar smells of baking chocolate and fresh strawberries, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift of this recipe. It has brought my family together, creating a bond that transcends time and distance.

I know that one day, when I am no longer here, my children and grandchildren will continue to make the Strawberry Chocolate Mousse Cake, sharing it with their loved ones and keeping our family traditions alive.

And as I take a bite of the decadent dessert, I am filled with a sense of joy and contentment, knowing that the recipe will live on for generations to come.