Mango mousse cake is a tropical dessert that combines the creamy, velvety texture of mousse with a light, soft cake base, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and fluffiness. The mango flavor is brought out through the addition of mango puree and fresh mango pieces, making each bite a refreshing delight.
To achieve the perfect consistency, you will need gelatin to set the mousse and a cake pan for baking. The batter for the cake is enhanced with baking powder to ensure a light and airy texture. Once the cake is baked and cooled, top it off with a luscious layer of whipped whipping cream for the ultimate indulgence.
It’s a versatile treat that works beautifully for various occasions, from summer parties to birthday celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this mango mousse cake recipe is simple to follow and will impress your guests with its vibrant flavors and elegant presentation.
Why You’ll Love This Mango Mousse Cake Recipe
- Refreshing tropical flavors: The perfect balance of sweet, ripe mangoes and creamy mousse with a soft cake base.
- Light and airy texture: A mousse that’s light yet indulgent, combined with a moist cake that melts in your mouth.
- Versatile for any occasion: Ideal for summer parties, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home.
- Beginner-friendly: Simple to make with easy-to-follow instructions, perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Make-ahead dessert: Prepare it ahead of time and chill for a stress-free, elegant dessert when needed.
- Customizable: Add variations like coconut or passionfruit to make it your own!
This Mango Mousse Cake is a refreshing and light dessert that combines the best of both worlds—mangoes and mousse. The rich, fruity flavor of fresh mangoes in a creamy mousse made with mango puree pairs perfectly with the soft and airy cake base, which is prepared using a light batter that includes baking powder to ensure the perfect texture. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you stress-free during the event.
The mango mousse is incredibly smooth and refreshing, made with gelatin to give it the perfect set, making each bite a sweet escape to the tropics. Once assembled, the cake is topped with a generous layer of whipping cream for an extra indulgence. Perfect for warm weather or as a showstopper for special occasions, this cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4-6 hours (including chilling time)
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Difficulty Level: Medium
- Dietary Information: Vegetarian, can be adapted to be gluten-free or dairy-free with substitutions.
Ingredients
For the cake base:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the mango mousse:
- 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and pureed (about 1 ½ cups of puree)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or dairy-free coconut cream)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegan version)
- 2 tbsp warm water
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For the decorative garnish:
- Fresh mango slices (optional)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Equipment
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the base of a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the cake is lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. Make the Mango Mousse
While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the mango mousse. First, soak the gelatin in warm water for about 5 minutes, allowing it to bloom. If you’re using agar-agar, dissolve it in water as per package instructions.
In a blender, puree the mangoes until smooth, then transfer the mango puree into a bowl. Add the sugar and lemon juice to the mango puree, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Next, add the bloomed gelatin to the mango puree and stir until fully dissolved.
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until soft peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the mango mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to deflate the mousse.
3. Assemble the Cake
Once the cake is cool, trim off the top of the cake to level it if needed. Place the cake onto a serving plate or a cake board. If you have a cake ring, you can place it around the cake to prevent the mousse from spilling out.
Pour the mango mousse mixture onto the cooled cake, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth out the top, then cover the entire cake with plastic wrap.
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or until the mousse has fully set.
4. Decorate and Serve
Once the mousse has set, carefully remove the cake ring (if using). Garnish the top with fresh mango slices and mint leaves for an added touch of freshness and color.
Cut the cake into slices and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy, tropical flavors of this mango mousse cake!
Pro Tips
- Mango Purée: Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. If fresh mangoes aren’t available, you can use canned mango purée, but be sure to check that it doesn’t contain added sugar.
- Chill the Cake: Make sure to chill the cake for at least 4 hours to allow the mousse to set properly. This step is crucial for the mousse to have the perfect texture.
- Gelatin Alternatives: If you prefer a vegan option, you can substitute gelatin with agar-agar. Just follow the package instructions for the correct amount needed.
- Cake Base Variations: You can experiment with different cake bases, such as a coconut or almond flour cake for a gluten-free version.
- Extra Mango Flavor: For a more intense mango flavor, add a few tablespoons of mango purée into the cake batter.
Variations You Can Try
1. Coconut Mango Mousse Cake
Add a layer of coconut cream or shredded coconut to the mango mousse for a tropical twist. This variation will complement the cake base, enhancing the overall tropical flavor profile.
2. Vegan Mango Mousse Cake
Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream and the gelatin with agar-agar to make this dessert entirely plant-based. The creamy mango mousse made with mango puree will still offer the same indulgent texture while being vegan-friendly.
3. Mango Passionfruit Mousse Cake
Combine mango with passionfruit for an exotic, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy mango mousse. The cake base, lightened with baking powder, provides the perfect complement to this bold, fruity combination.
4. Chocolate Mango Mousse Cake
For chocolate lovers, try adding a layer of chocolate mousse between the cake and mango mousse for a decadent treat. The rich chocolate layer will beautifully contrast with the sweetness of the mango mousse made from mango puree and topped with whipped whipping cream for an extra indulgence.
Conclusion
Making the perfect Mango Mousse Cake is easier than you think! With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have a refreshing, creamy dessert that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just for yourself, this mango mousse cake will satisfy your sweet tooth while transporting you to a tropical paradise. Don’t forget to add your personal touch with fun variations and decorations!
Now that you know how to make the perfect Mango Mousse Cake, it’s time to get baking. Enjoy every moment of the process and, of course, the delicious end result. Happy baking!
