Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a luscious, light, and tangy cake filling that makes every slice feel like a little celebration, then you’re going to adore this Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s both impressively elegant and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for layering between your favorite cakes or cupcakes. I absolutely love how this filling brightens up desserts with the perfect balance of sweet white chocolate and vibrant strawberry flavor – and I can’t wait to share how to make it just right!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Velvety Texture: The mousse is silky and light, thanks to whipped cream combined with melted white chocolate.
  • Intense Strawberry Flavor: Freeze-dried strawberry powder delivers a vibrant, natural berry taste without watering down the mousse.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it up to two days in advance, making your cake assembly stress-free.
  • Versatile Use: Perfect not just for cakes, but also cupcakes, tarts, or even as a standalone dessert topping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients is what makes this Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe sing. I always recommend high-quality white chocolate with a good cocoa butter content, plus freeze-dried strawberry powder to pack that fruity punch without extra moisture messing up the mousse structure.

Flat lay of a small pile of glossy white chocolate chips, a few fresh heavy cream swirls in two small white ceramic bowls, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright pink freeze-dried strawberry powder, a tiny white ceramic bowl with fine white powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine salt scattered on the surface, all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling, strawberry mousse recipe, fruit cake filling, white chocolate strawberry filling, easy strawberry mousse
  • White chocolate chips: Use good-quality chips or chopped bars; avoid white candy melts as they don’t melt as smoothly or impart the same flavor.
  • Heavy cream: Cold heavy whipping cream is essential for whipping up the right fluffy texture with stable peaks.
  • Freeze-dried strawberry powder: This powder gives an intense, pure strawberry flavor and beautiful natural color.
  • Powdered sugar: I like using powdered sugar because it dissolves easily, keeping the mousse smooth and sweetened perfectly.
  • Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds a warm subtle depth that complements the strawberries beautifully.
  • Pinch of fine salt: Just a little salt balances out the sweetness and enhances flavors.
  • Red gel food coloring (optional): If you want a vibrant hue, a small drop really amps up the color without affecting flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up sometimes with this Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe—it keeps the dessert game interesting and lets you tailor it to your taste or dietary needs.

  • Dairy-Free Variation: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream (chilled overnight) for a luscious vegan mousse; I’ve tried this and the tropical note works surprisingly well with strawberries.
  • Chocolate Strawberry: Fold in some finely chopped fresh strawberries or swirl in melted dark chocolate for a richer twist—my family goes crazy when I do this for special birthdays.
  • Less Sweet Reflection: Reduce powdered sugar a bit if you prefer a tart mousse; I started with less sugar once and found it really lets the strawberry flavor shine.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

Step 1: Melt the White Chocolate with Cream

Start by combining white chocolate chips with a portion of the heavy cream in a heatproof bowl. I usually microwave this for about 45-60 seconds, then let it rest for a minute before stirring—it helps everything come together until silky smooth. If you don’t have a microwave, a double boiler works just as well. The trick here is to avoid overheating the chocolate; it should melt gently so it stays glossy and smooth.

Step 2: Whip the Strawberry Cream

Next, combine the remaining heavy cream, freeze-dried strawberry powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt in your mixer bowl. If you want that pop of color, add a drop of red gel food coloring now. Whip on medium-high speed until you see thick ribbons forming on the whisk and the cream can hold its shape—usually about a minute or two. This whipped strawberry cream is going to give your mousse that light and fruity character.

Step 3: Fold Everything Together Gently

This is where a delicate touch makes all the difference. Fold half of the strawberry whipped cream into the melted white chocolate mixture slowly, using a rubber spatula with big swoops around the bowl. Then fold in the rest of the whipped cream until fully combined but still airy. I’ve learned that over-mixing here can deflate the mousse, so patience is key—you want it light and fluffy, not dense.

Step 4: Chill the Mousse

Cover your mousse with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge for at least two hours to firm up. When I make this in advance, chilling it overnight gives the best texture and flavor harmony. Just keep it cold until you’re ready to spread or pipe it into your cake layers so it holds its shape beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

  • Chill Everything First: I like to chill my mixing bowl and whisk beforehand to make whipping the cream faster and fluffier.
  • Use Quality Ingredients: Choosing high-quality white chocolate made all the difference in flavor and meltability during my first few tries.
  • Fold, Don’t Stir: Some of my early batches turned flat because I stirred too vigorously—gentle folding keeps the mousse airy.
  • Keep it Cool: When adding the mousse to your cake, keep it chilled as long as possible to prevent the filling from becoming runny or slipping out.

How to Serve Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

The image shows a two-layer round cake with golden brown sponge layers. Between the sponge layers, there is a thick layer of smooth pink frosting. On top of the cake, a ring of pink frosting forms a border, inside of which is a shiny red jam layer. A large dollop of fluffy pink frosting is being added on top, held by a woman's hand out of the frame. The cake sits on a white cake stand with a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling, strawberry mousse recipe, fruit cake filling, white chocolate strawberry filling, easy strawberry mousse

Garnishes

I love topping cakes filled with this strawberry mousse with fresh strawberry slices and a few mint leaves for a fresh, pretty finish. Sometimes I dust a little powdered sugar or even crumble freeze-dried strawberries on top to boost that berry vibe. These simple touches really make the dessert feel polished yet approachable.

Side Dishes

I often serve a slice of cake with this filling alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries. The cold, creamy ice cream complements the mousse’s fluffy, fruity texture perfectly, making it a delightful contrast your guests will appreciate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like assembling individual mousse cups layered with sponge cake bits and a drizzle of strawberry coulis—like mini strawberry mousse parfaits. It’s a simple way to dress up the filling without fussing over full cakes, and it always wows people at parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, this strawberry mousse keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to two days. I store it airtight in a bowl or tightly wrapped, and I’ve noticed it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld. If it’s already in a cake, keep the whole cake refrigerated as well.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cakes with this mousse filling, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and thawed them slowly in the fridge overnight. The mousse holds up surprisingly well, though the texture is best enjoyed fresh. For leftover mousse in a container, I recommend freezing only if you plan to use it quickly after thawing.

Reheating

Because this is a mousse, it’s best served chilled and not reheated. I usually let refrigerated leftovers come to room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften up the textures, but I avoid heating since it can melt and lose that airy charm.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried powder?

    Fresh strawberries have a high water content, which could make the mousse too runny. Freeze-dried strawberry powder is concentrated and won’t affect mousse stability, so it’s the best choice. If you want to use fresh berries, consider making a puree and reducing it to remove excess moisture before folding it in.

  2. What if I don’t have white chocolate chips on hand?

    You can use a good-quality white chocolate bar chopped into small pieces instead—just ensure it melts smoothly. Avoid candy melts since they have a different composition and won’t give the right flavor or texture.

  3. How do I prevent the whipped cream from turning to butter?

    Keep your cream cold and whip on medium-high speed, watching closely. Stop whipping as soon as stiff peaks form. Overwhipping causes the fat to separate, turning it grainy and buttery, so be vigilant especially in the last minute.

  4. Can I double this Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe?

    Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily, so just double all the ingredients. Just be sure to use a larger bowl and mix carefully to maintain the mousse’s fluffiness.

Final Thoughts

When I first made this Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe, I had no idea it would become a favorite go-to for birthdays and special treats. What I love most is how it lifts a humble cake into something fresh and vibrant without heavy fuss. If you decide to give it a shot, I’m confident it’ll become a beloved part of your baking toolbox just like it did for mine—delicious, beautiful, and foolproof every time.

Print
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Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 140 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Cake Filling
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling is a light and airy dessert filling made with whipped cream, good-quality white chocolate, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. Perfect for adding a fruity, creamy layer to cakes or cupcakes, this mousse can be made ahead and chilled for a smooth, vibrant filling that holds its shape well.


Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Mousse

  • 1 cup good quality white chocolate chips (180g)
  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream or heavy whipping cream, cold – divided (320g)
  • 1/2 cup freeze dried strawberry powder (56g)
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (30g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (4g)
  • Pinch fine salt (less than 1/8 tsp)
  • Red gel food coloring – optional


Instructions

  1. Prepare the White Chocolate Mixture: Add 1 cup white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup heavy cream into a medium-sized, heat-proof bowl. Microwave for 45-60 seconds, then let sit for one minute. Stir with a rubber spatula until completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler to melt if no microwave is available.
  2. Whip the Strawberry Cream: In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, combine 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberry powder, 1/4 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Add a drop of red gel food coloring if desired. Mix on medium-high speed until the cream thickens and holds texture around the bowl edge, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Fold Ingredients Together: Gently fold half of the whipped strawberry cream into the white chocolate mixture using a rubber spatula, using a gentle swooping motion to incorporate. Fold in the remaining whipped cream carefully to avoid deflating the mousse.
  4. Chill the Mousse: Cover the mousse with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Keep refrigerated until ready to use to maintain structure.

Notes

  • This recipe yields about 3 cups of strawberry mousse and can be doubled if needed.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment beforehand to help whip the cream efficiently.
  • Use good-quality white chocolate for best flavor and smooth melting; white candy melts are not suitable.
  • Heavy whipping cream with a high fat percentage is necessary to achieve the correct whipped texture.
  • Do not overmix the whipped cream as it can turn into butter.
  • Keep the mousse cold to retain its shape; warm mousse will lose structure.
  • If using the mousse as cake filling, pipe a buttercream ring around the cake edge to contain the mousse.
  • The mousse can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Once filled in cakes or cupcakes, keep refrigerated until serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup (about 120g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg

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