Mango Mousse Cake: An Easy & Delicious No-Bake Dessert Recipe

Mango mousse cake is a dreamy dessert with a light-as-air texture and the vibrant taste of fresh mangoes. It’s smooth, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavor. This delightful treat is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any time you want a special dessert. But it’s also easy enough to make for a weeknight treat! If you enjoy no-bake desserts, you might also love this strawberry cream cheese recipe.

Why this Mango Mousse Cake is Special

This mango mousse cake recipe is special because it’s a no-bake dessert! That means no oven required, which is perfect for hot summer days. Plus, it uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly. The combination of creamy mousse and fresh mango flavor is simply irresistible!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious mango mousse cake. I’ve included some notes on substitutions too!

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10 full sheets): You can also use digestive biscuits for a slightly different flavor.
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, melted: Salted butter works too; just omit the extra salt in the recipe.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar: You can substitute with brown sugar for a richer caramel note.

For the Mango Mousse

• 2 cups mango puree: Fresh or frozen mango works well. If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed.
• 1 cup heavy cream, cold: Whipping cream is essential for a light and airy mousse.
• 2 envelopes (1 tablespoon) unflavored gelatin: This helps the mousse set.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adjust to your sweetness preference.
• ¼ cup water, cold

For the Topping (Optional)

• 1 fresh mango, sliced: Choose a ripe but firm mango for easy slicing.
• Whipped cream, for garnish: Homemade or store-bought works great.
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish: These add a touch of freshness and color.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to make this mango mousse cake. Gather these before you start:

• 9-inch springform pan: This type of pan has removable sides, which makes it easy to release the cake without damaging it.
• Blender or food processor: This is for pureeing the mango if you’re using fresh mangoes.
• Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer will work for whipping the cream. For other delicious desserts using a mixer, check out these Greek Yogurt Desserts.
• Rubber spatula or wooden spoon: This is for folding the ingredients together gently.
• Small saucepan: For blooming the gelatin.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are important for baking!

Instructions

Let’s get started on making this delicious mango mousse cake! Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

Making the Crust

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease the bottom of your 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Preparing the Mango Mousse

While the crust is cooling, prepare the mango mousse. If using fresh mangoes, peel and chop them, then puree in a blender or food processor until smooth. In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Then, heat over low heat, stirring constantly, until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip. In a separate bowl, combine the mango puree and sugar. Gently fold in the dissolved gelatin until well combined. Then, gradually fold the whipped cream into the mango mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. Pour the mousse over the cooled crust and smooth the top. For more tips on using fresh fruit in desserts, check out this article on the benefits of mango.

Chilling and Setting

Cover the springform pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the mousse to set completely. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm to the touch and doesn’t jiggle.

Adding the Topping (Optional)

Once the mousse is set, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan. Decorate the top of the mango mousse cake with fresh mango slices, whipped cream, and fresh mint leaves. Slice and serve immediately, or keep chilled until ready to serve. Looking for other fun cake recipes? Try this easy heart cake recipe.

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the perfect mango mousse cake.

Tips for Success

To prevent a soggy crust, make sure to bake it until lightly golden brown. Cooling the crust completely before adding the mousse is also crucial. For a perfectly smooth mousse, ensure the gelatin is fully dissolved before incorporating it into the mango puree. Don’t overmix the whipped cream, as this can make the mousse dense.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to get creative with the flavors! You can substitute the mango puree with other fruit purees, such as strawberry, raspberry, or passion fruit. A splash of vanilla extract or almond extract can also enhance the flavor. For a tropical twist, consider adding chunks of pineapple or coconut flakes to the mousse. For information on the health benefits of various fruits, including passion fruit, visit Healthline’s guide on passion fruit.

Dietary Adaptations

For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham crackers or digestive biscuits. You can also use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. To reduce the overall sugar content, use less sugar in both the crust and the mousse, but keep in mind this might slightly alter the texture and sweetness.

FAQ

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about mango mousse cake.

How many calories are in mango mousse cake?

The calorie content of mango mousse cake can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion size. A typical slice can range from 300 to 500 calories. For a more accurate calorie count, use an online nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and quantities from your recipe.

Can I freeze mousse without gelatin?

Gelatin helps stabilize the mousse and is highly recommended for freezing. Without gelatin, the mousse may become icy or lose its smooth texture when frozen. You could try using agar-agar as a vegan alternative, but it might result in a slightly firmer texture.

What is the lowest calorie pastry cake?

If you’re looking for a lower-calorie cake option, consider angel food cake, which is light and airy, or fruit-based cakes that rely on the natural sweetness of fruit. While mango mousse cake is delicious, it’s not typically considered a low-calorie dessert due to the cream and sugar content.

What is the most caloric cake in the world?

It’s hard to say definitively which cake is the most caloric. However, cakes with dense frosting, multiple layers, rich fillings (like chocolate ganache or cream cheese), and added decorations tend to be higher in calories.

Serving and Storage

Here’s how to best serve and store your mango mousse cake.

Serving Suggestions

This mango mousse cake is beautiful on its own, but a few extra touches can make it even more special. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the mango flavor perfectly. You can also serve it with a side of fresh berries or a drizzle of mango coulis for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Advice

Store leftover mango mousse cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. The texture might change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

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