Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse

Name: Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 cup milk; 2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup sugar; 1 tbsp gelatin powder; 2 tbsp water; Powdered sugar; Fresh mint leaves; Additional strawberry slices

Highlighted under: Home Baking Favorites

I absolutely adore making desserts that not only taste great but also look stunning. This Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse is a perfect example of both! Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a delightful balance of sweetness and a fruity touch. I love how the fluffy mousse contrasts with the moist cake base. It's ideal for special occasions or simply to brighten up your day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again for your loved ones.

Created by

Hannah Lewis

Last updated on 2026-01-13T02:45:35.459Z

When I first attempted the Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors complement each other. The strawberry mousse is not only refreshing but also incredibly easy to prepare. I find that using fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones elevates the flavor substantially, giving it that vibrant taste that really shines through.

As I decorated the cake, I played around with different toppings, and I discovered that a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few mint leaves makes it visually stunning. This little finishing touch makes a big difference, and I can't wait to share this dessert during upcoming gatherings!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich strawberry flavor combined with a light, airy mousse
Perfectly sized for sharing with loved ones
Simple to make but impressively beautiful

      

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient in the Mini Heart Cake plays a vital role in achieving the desired texture and flavor. For example, using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt levels in the batter, ensuring a balanced sweetness. The eggs are crucial as they provide structure and moisture, while the milk adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake. If you're trying to reduce dairy, you can substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, although the flavor will vary slightly.

Strawberries are the star of the show in the mousse. Opt for ripe, fresh strawberries for the best flavor, as frozen strawberries might alter the consistency of the puree. Additionally, when pureeing, make sure to blend until smooth for a velvety texture. If fresh strawberries are out of season, feel free to use a high-quality strawberry jam instead, but reduce the sugar in the mousse to prevent it from becoming overly sweet.

Techniques for Success

When baking the cake layers, it's important to check for doneness after the minimum time of 20 minutes. You’re looking for a golden color on the edges and a clean toothpick when inserted in the center. If you overbake, the cake can turn dry and crumbly, so keep a close eye on it. Once baked, let it cool in the pan briefly before transferring it to a wire rack; this helps prevent moisture buildup on the bottom.

Whipping the cream for the mousse is another key step. Aim for soft peaks to ensure that the mousse remains light and airy. Going too far to stiff peaks can make the mousse dense, affecting its texture. When folding in the strawberry puree and gelatin, use a gentle motion to preserve the airy consistency you achieved while whipping the cream. If the mixture seems too runny after adding the puree, refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes to thicken before spreading on the cake.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse.

For the Cake:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup milk

For the Strawberry Mousse:

2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1 tbsp gelatin powder
2 tbsp water

For Garnishing:

Powdered sugar
Fresh mint leaves
Additional strawberry slices

With these ingredients ready, let’s move on to creating our delightful heart cake!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse.

Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract. In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk, and mix until just combined.

Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour heart-shaped cake pans. Pour the batter evenly into the pans and bake for 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pans and cooling completely on a wire rack.

Make the Strawberry Mousse

In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Then, heat it in the microwave for 10 seconds until liquid. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the strawberry puree and then add the gelatin mixture. Mix until well combined, being careful not to deflate the cream.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the strawberry mousse over the first layer, then top with the second cake layer. Use the remaining mousse to cover the top and sides of the cake.

Garnish and Serve

Dust the assembled cake with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint leaves and additional strawberry slices before serving. Enjoy your delightful Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse!

Your delicious Mini Heart Cake with Strawberry Mousse is now ready to serve!

Pro Tips

For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider using a strawberry syrup drizzled over the layers before adding the mousse.

Storage Tips

After assembling the Mini Heart Cake, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap to prevent the cake from drying out or absorbing odors from the fridge. It’s best enjoyed chilled, as the mousse firms up beautifully in the cold and enhances the overall flavor profile.

If you have leftover mousse, store it separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days. This mousse can be used as a topping for pancakes or served as a standalone dessert. If you want to keep individual cake layers, consider assembling just before serving to retain the freshness of the mousse and prevent sogginess.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different fruits in the mousse. Raspberries, blueberries, or even mango puree can be substituted for strawberries to create unique flavor profiles. Each fruit will lend different sweetness levels, so adjust the sugar as necessary based on the fruit's natural sweetness.

For an added layer of flavor, consider incorporating a hint of lemon zest into the cake batter. This brightens the cake and complements the strawberry mousse beautifully. You could also add a drizzle of white chocolate ganache over the top for an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries for the mousse?

Yes, but fresh strawberries yield a more vibrant flavor and color.

→ How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Can I prepare the mousse in advance?

Absolutely! The mousse can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until you're ready to assemble the cake.

→ What can I serve with this cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.