Mango Mousse Cake

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
4. Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Incorporate the dry ingredients and wet ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk and mango puree. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Mango Mousse

1. Whip the cream: In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. You can use an electric mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
2. Prepare the gelatin: In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin powder over 3 tablespoons of warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to bloom, then microwave for about 10-15 seconds to dissolve completely.
3. Mix the mousse ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the mango puree and vanilla extract. Gradually fold the whipped cream into the mango puree, taking care to keep the mixture light and airy. Add the dissolved gelatin to the mixture and gently fold it in until well incorporated.
4. Chill the mousse: Refrigerate the mango mousse for about 10 minutes to allow it to firm up slightly before assembling the cake.

Step 3: Assemble the Cake

1. Layer the cake: Once the cake has cooled, slice it horizontally into two layers using a serrated knife. Place the bottom layer into the base of a springform pan or a cake ring.
2. Add the mousse layer: Pour the mango mousse onto the first cake layer and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it’s level.
3. Chill the cake: Refrigerate the cake for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) to allow the mousse to set.

Step 4: Make the Mango Jelly Layer (Optional)

1. Prepare the mango jelly: In a small saucepan, combine the mango puree and powdered sugar. Sprinkle the gelatin over 2 tablespoons of cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. Heat the mango mixture over low heat, and once it’s warmed, add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved.
2. Cool and pour: Allow the mango jelly to cool to room temperature. Once the mousse has set, carefully pour the mango jelly over the mousse layer. Spread it out evenly to cover the entire surface.
3. Chill again: Place the cake back in the fridge for another 1-2 hours to set the jelly layer. This step is optional but adds a beautiful, glossy finish to the cake.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from the pan: Once the cake is fully set, carefully remove the springform pan or cake ring. If you used parchment paper, gently peel it away.
2. Garnish (optional): Decorate the top of the cake with fresh mango slices, mint leaves, or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.
3. Slice and enjoy: Use a sharp knife to slice the cake. The mousse should be creamy and smooth, with a beautiful mango flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft cake layers.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mango Mousse Cake

1. Use Fresh Mangoes for Puree

For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh mangoes to make your puree. The fruit’s natural sweetness and vibrant color will elevate the cake. If fresh mangoes aren’t available, you can use canned mango puree, but fresh mango will provide the most authentic taste.

2. Gelatin Substitution

If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative to gelatin, you can use agar-agar. Agar-agar sets faster and requires slightly different preparation methods, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package when substituting.

3. Chill Between Layers

Make sure to refrigerate the mousse between layers to ensure that each layer has a chance to set properly. This will help prevent the mousse from mixing into the cake, ensuring clean, distinct layers.

4. Make Ahead

This cake is ideal for making ahead. You can assemble the cake and let it chill overnight to save time on the day you plan to serve it. The flavors will also have a chance to develop further in the fridge, making the cake even more delicious.

5. Decorate with Fresh Mango

To enhance the tropical feel, top your mousse cake with fresh mango slices. The bright orange fruit not only adds visual appeal but also intensifies the mango flavor of the cake. If you want to add more texture, sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or chopped pistachios.

6. Serve Chilled

Mango mousse cake is best served chilled. The mousse will be at its creamiest and most refreshing when cold, making it the perfect summer dessert.

Why You’ll Love Mango Mousse Cake

1. Light and Refreshing

With its airy mousse and tropical mango flavor, this cake is light yet indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and refreshing, making it ideal for hot weather or after a heavy meal.

2. Impressive Yet Easy

Although this cake looks stunning and complex, it’s surprisingly easy to make. The steps are straightforward, and with a little patience, you can create a showstopping dessert that looks like it came from a bakery.

3. A Tropical Flavor Explosion

If you love tropical fruits, especially mango, this cake will be a dream come true. The rich mango flavor is present in every layer, from the cake to the mousse to the jelly topping (if you choose to include it).

4. Perfect for Any Occasion

Mango mousse cake is versatile enough to be served at a variety of occasions, from casual summer picnics to elegant dinner parties or birthdays. Its stunning appearance and tropical flavor make it a great choice for celebrations.

Conclusion

Mango Mousse Cake is the ultimate dessert for anyone who loves light, creamy, and tropical flavors. With its luscious mousse, tender cake layers, and refreshing mango taste, it’s a treat that will transport you to a sunny beach, no matter where you are. This cake is not only a feast for the eyes but also a flavor-packed delight for the taste buds.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a beautiful way to enjoy mango, this mousse cake is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your mangoes, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious!