Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a luscious, light, and fruity filling that takes your cake to the next level, I’m so excited to share this Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe with you. I absolutely love how this mousse strikes the perfect balance between creamy white chocolate and bright strawberry flavor — it’s incredibly fluffy yet stable enough to fill layers without a mess. Trust me, once you try this filling, you’ll want to use it in every berry dessert you make!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Light & Fluffy Texture: This mousse is soft enough to melt in your mouth but firm enough to hold its shape between cake layers.
  • Fresh Strawberry Flavor: Using freeze-dried strawberry powder brings a concentrated, natural berry flavor without added moisture.
  • Easy to Make Ahead: You can prepare the mousse well in advance, which gives you more time to enjoy the baking process.
  • Versatile Use: Perfect not just for cakes but also cupcakes, tarts, or even dessert jars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that using quality ingredients really makes this strawberry mousse come alive. Each component plays a part in making the filling creamy, airy, and beautifully fragrant. You’ll want to prep your ingredients so everything blends perfectly.

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, white chocolate strawberry filling, berry cake filling, fluffy berry mousse
  • White chocolate chips: Choose good-quality white chocolate for smooth melting and deep flavor—don’t use candy melts here.
  • Heavy cream (cold): Using cold heavy cream with high fat content is key to achieving a stable whip without it turning buttery.
  • Freeze-dried strawberry powder: This adds vibrant strawberry flavor without making the mousse watery.
  • Powdered sugar: Sweetens gently and dissolves easily to keep the mousse silky.
  • Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Adds warmth to balance the white chocolate and strawberry.
  • Pinch of fine salt: Enhances all the flavors without being noticeable.
  • Red gel food coloring (optional): For a pretty pink hue that’s perfect if you want your filling to look as good as it tastes.
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 how adaptable this Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe is—feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs. It’s all about making this your signature cake filling.

  • Lightened Version: I sometimes swap out half the white chocolate for melted cream cheese for a tangier, lighter mousse that still holds up beautifully.
  • Vegan Twist: Use coconut cream whipped with powdered sugar and vegan white chocolate for a non-dairy alternative I experimented with for a friend.
  • Added Texture: Adding tiny bits of fresh strawberries folded in just before chilling adds bursts of juiciness that my family goes crazy for.
  • Flavor Boost: A splash of lemon juice or zest can brighten the strawberry flavor even more, which I discovered while experimenting one summer.

How to Make Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

Step 1: Melt White Chocolate and Cream

Start by combining the white chocolate chips and a third of the heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. I like to microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is smooth and silky. This gentle melting helps avoid burning the white chocolate. If you don’t have a microwave, a double boiler works just as well—just keep stirring until it’s fully melted. Set this aside to cool slightly while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Whip the Strawberry Cream

In a chilled bowl (trust me, chilling your bowl and whisk is a game changer), add one cup of heavy cream, freeze-dried strawberry powder, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. I like to add a drop or two of red gel food coloring here for a pretty pink color, but it’s totally optional. Whip everything on medium-high until the cream forms firm peaks. This usually takes me about 1-2 minutes with my stand mixer. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t turn buttery — it’s a fine line!

Step 3: Fold to Combine, Don’t Stir

Now the fun part! Gently fold half of the strawberry whipped cream into the white chocolate mixture using a rubber spatula. I use a swooping motion, dragging the spatula from the edges toward the center to keep the airiness intact. Then carefully fold in the remaining strawberry cream. This folding method is key — it helps keep the mousse light and fluffy instead of dense or deflated.

Step 4: Chill the Mousse

Cover your mousse with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours to let it set properly. I actually like to make this a day ahead because the flavor deepens and the texture firms up beautifully. Just make sure the mousse stays chilled until you’re ready to fill the cake — warmth can make it lose its structure.

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Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe

  • Chill Your Tools: Always chill your mixing bowl and whisk for faster whipping with better volume.
  • Use Quality Chocolate: Good-quality white chocolate melts easier and tastes richer—definitely worth it!
  • Gentle Folding: Folding keeps the air in the mousse; avoid stirring vigorously to prevent deflating it.
  • Keep it Cold: Always keep the mousse chilled until filling to maintain its structure and avoid runniness.

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, white chocolate strawberry filling, berry cake filling, fluffy berry mousse

Garnishes

When I serve cakes filled with this strawberry mousse, I love topping them with fresh strawberry slices for a bright, natural finish. A dusting of powdered sugar or edible rose petals adds a lovely touch, especially for a celebration. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of melted white chocolate or crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for texture and extra flavor.

Side Dishes

This filling is so flavorful and fresh that I often serve the cake alongside lightly toasted almonds or a simple fruit salad. A cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea pairs beautifully, balancing the sweetness and lending a cozy vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

I once used this strawberry mousse to fill individual clear dessert cups layered with angel food cake and fresh berries – it was a hit at a summer party! For a classy look, pipe the mousse with a star tip between cake layers and garnish with tiny mint leaves. Layered trifles with crushed pistachios are another fun and festive idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover strawberry mousse, store it tightly covered in the fridge. I like to use an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap pressed right on the surface to avoid any skin forming. It keeps well for up to 2 days, perfect if you want to make it ahead for a party.

Freezing

I have frozen leftover mousse before in a sealed container, but I find the texture changes a bit — it becomes a little grainy upon thawing. So I recommend freezing the assembled cake instead of the mousse on its own for best results.

Reheating

This mousse is best enjoyed cold right out of the fridge. If your cake has been refrigerated, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly, but avoid warming it any further to maintain its airy texture.

FAQs

  1. Can I make the strawberry mousse cake filling without white chocolate?

    While the white chocolate adds sweetness and creaminess, you can try substituting it with a white chocolate-flavored vegan alternative or omitting it if you add a bit more sugar and cream cheese for structure. However, the texture will be different, and you may lose some richness.

  2. Why is my mousse not firm enough for cake filling?

    Common reasons include not whipping the cream enough, over-folding and deflating the mousse, or the mousse warming up before use. Make sure your cream is cold, whip just to firm peaks, and keep the mousse chilled until filling the cake.

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

    Fresh strawberries contain a lot of water, which can make the mousse too loose. If you want a fresh berry flavor, try pureeing then straining the strawberries and reducing the liquid before adding, but freeze-dried powder is best for texture and flavor concentration.

  4. How long does this strawberry mousse cake filling last once assembled in a cake?

    Once inside a cake, the mousse filling will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Beyond that, the texture may change, and the cake layers might start to get soggy.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Mousse Cake Filling Recipe has truly become one of my go-to fillings whenever I want to impress but keep things light and fresh. It’s such a joy to make and share—plus, it keeps well and gives you that perfect berry flavor we all crave without weighing the cake down. I can’t wait for you to try this and see how it elevates your baking. If you do, let me know how it turns out—I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

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 4.4 from 60 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups
  • Category: Cake Filling
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This strawberry mousse cake filling is a luscious and airy dessert component made from white chocolate, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and whipped heavy cream. It offers a vibrant strawberry flavor with a smooth, creamy texture ideal for layering inside cakes or cupcakes, elevating your desserts with a light and flavorful filling that can be prepared ahead of time.


Ingredients

Strawberry Mousse

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


Instructions

  1. Prepare the White Chocolate Mixture: Place 1 cup of white chocolate chips and 1/3 cup of heavy cream into a medium heat-proof bowl. Microwave for 45 to 60 seconds, then let it rest for a minute. Stir gently until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler if you prefer not to use a microwave. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Whip the Strawberry Cream: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, combine 1 cup heavy cream, freeze-dried strawberry powder, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Add a small drop of red gel food coloring if desired for a brighter pink color. Whip on medium-high speed until the cream thickens and forms soft peaks, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  3. Fold the Mixtures Together: Gently fold about half of the strawberry whipped cream into the melted white chocolate mixture using a rubber spatula, incorporating it with smooth swooping motions to maintain airiness. Then fold in the remaining strawberry whipped cream carefully to avoid deflating the mousse and to preserve structure.
  4. Chill the Mousse: Cover the mousse with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow it to set and chill thoroughly. Keep chilled until ready to use as a cake filling to prevent loss of structure.

Notes

  • This recipe yields approximately 3 cups of strawberry mousse, enough to fill a cake or multiple cupcakes.
  • The recipe can be doubled to make more mousse if desired.
  • Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer beforehand to help whip the cream more quickly and easily.
  • Use good-quality white chocolate (chips, bars, or wafers) for best melting and flavor; avoid white candy melts.
  • Ensure heavy whipping cream is used for proper whipping; lower fat creams will not whip well.
  • Watch the whipped cream carefully to avoid over-mixing, which can turn it into butter.
  • Keep the mousse refrigerated as it can lose its shape when warm.
  • When using in cakes, pipe a ring of buttercream around the cake layer edge to keep the mousse filling contained.
  • The mousse can be prepared 1–2 days in advance and stored airtight in the fridge.
  • Once the mousse is used to fill cakes or cupcakes, keep the desserts refrigerated.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/2 cup (approximate)
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 20g
  • Sodium: 45mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

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