Vanilla Cake With Mousse Filling [Easy Recipe]

My Baking Addiction led me to discover the delightful combination of vanilla cake and mousse filling. I decided to make this dessert after watching a baking show where the cake was featured, and I was immediately inspired by its creamy, airy filling paired with the soft cake layers.

The main specialty of vanilla cake with mousse filling is the contrast between the cake’s dense texture and the light, fluffy mousse that melts in your mouth.

I’ll now guide you through the process of creating this delicious vanilla cake with mousse filling treat, sharing each step to ensure it turns out just right every time.

Vanilla Cake With Mousse Filling

This vanilla cake with mousse filling is a delightful dessert featuring soft, airy vanilla cake layers complemented by a smooth, creamy mousse filling.

The vanilla cake with mousse filling dense texture contrasts beautifully with the light, melt-in-your-mouth mousse, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

To make it, start by baking two layers of vanilla cake, then prepare a rich vanilla mousse by blending whipped cream, egg yolks, and gelatin.

Once the vanilla cake with mousse filling has cooled, assemble it by spreading the mousse filling between the layers. After chilling, this elegant dessert is ready to serve, offering a satisfying yet delicate flavor experience.

How To Prepare Vanilla Cake With Mousse Filling?

To make sure your vanilla cake with mousse filling turns out beautifully, let’s break it down step by step. I’ve included clear instructions and visuals to guide you through each stage.

I’ve also listed helpful kitchen tools, though they’re optional just use what you have. With a little care and patience, you’ll end up with a delicious, show-stopping dessert!

Recipe Overview

Preparation time: 30 minutes

Cooking time: 35 minutes

Chill time: 3 hours (for the mousse to set)

Total time: 4 hours 5 minutes

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: French-inspired

Yield: Approximately 12 servings

Kitchen Utensils Needed

• 2 9-inch round cake pans
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Small saucepan
• Hand-held or stand mixer (for mousse)
• Cake stand or platter (for assembly)
• Sifter or fine-mesh sieve
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

For the Vanilla Mousse Filling:

• 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Prep the Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper so the cakes come out easily after baking.

2. Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside. In a larger bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until it’s light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour mixture, and mix just until combined. Don’t overdo it—keep it light.

4. Bake the Cakes

Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Pop them in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center. Let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then flip them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

5. Make the Mousse Filling

In a small bowl, dissolve the gelatin in water and let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Meanwhile, heat the milk and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually pour the warm milk into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

6. Cook the Custard

Return the egg yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat, and stir in the bloomed gelatin until it dissolves completely. Let this custard mixture cool to room temperature.

7. Whip the Cream

While the custard cools, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Once the custard has cooled, gently fold it into the whipped cream using a rubber spatula. Be gentle so the mousse stays light and airy.

8. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the mousse filling on top. Place the second cake layer on top, then cover it with the remaining mousse. If you want, you can garnish with whipped cream or fresh berries for extra flair.

Nutrition Facts Of Vanilla Cake With Mousse Filling

Nutrition	Amounts
Calories	320
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	39g
Protein	3g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	150mg
Fiber	1g

Why This Recipe Is A Must-Try?

This vanilla cake with mousse filling is a must-try because it perfectly balances textures and flavors. The light, fluffy mousse contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist cake, creating a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshing.

The vanilla cake with mousse filling is simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve at special occasions. It’s versatile, allowing you to customize the filling or decoration, and offers a refined take on classic cake and mousse combinations.

Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or simply want to treat yourself, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Decorating For Vanilla Cake With Mousse Filling

◆ Whipped Cream Frosting: For a simple yet beautiful decoration, you can top the mousse-filled cake with a light whipped cream frosting. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and spread it over the top. You can pipe decorative swirls or rosettes for a more refined look.

◆ Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries make an excellent addition. Their natural color contrasts nicely with the white and cream hues of the cake, adding a burst of freshness.

◆ Chocolate Shavings or Drizzle: A sprinkle of chocolate shavings or a drizzle of melted chocolate over the top of the mousse can add richness and elegance to the overall presentation.

◆ Edible Flowers: For a sophisticated touch, add some edible flowers around the edges or on top, like pansies or lavender. This adds a pop of color and elegance.

◆ Coconut Flakes: Lightly toasted coconut flakes around the edges of the cake or sprinkled on top can enhance the flavor and add texture.

Serving Ideas For Vanilla Cake With Mousse Filling

For serving, slice the vanilla cake with mousse filling into neat, delicate pieces. Serve slightly chilled to maintain the mousse’s light, airy texture.

You can accompany it with a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for a refined touch. Garnish with fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of chocolate for added flair.

The vanilla cake with mousse filling rich, creamy layers will shine through, making each bite a perfect blend of sweetness and smoothness. It’s ideal for any occasion, whether a casual get-together or a special celebration.

Expert Tips

1. Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more easily, resulting in a smooth batter and a fluffier cake.

2. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light, airy texture.

3. When making the mousse, make sure to properly bloom the gelatin in cold water before adding it to the custard. This ensures it dissolves completely and prevents clumps.

4. Allow the mousse filling to cool and slightly set in the fridge before spreading it between the cake layers. This makes it easier to work with and helps maintain its texture.

5. Fresh fruit not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful pop of color. Make sure the fruit is fresh and well-drained to avoid sogginess on the cake.

6. Lightly brush the cake layers with a syrup (like simple syrup or fruit juice) before adding the mousse. This step keeps the cake moist without making it soggy, helping the mousse stay in place.

How To Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, wrap the vanilla cake with mousse filling tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and mousse texture. If you want to store vanilla cake with mousse filling for longer, you can freeze individual slices.

Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, let the cake thaw in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying.

Can I Use A Different Flavor For The Mousse Filling?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily swap out the vanilla flavor for other options like chocolate, coffee, lemon, or even fruit-infused mousses.

For chocolate mousse, melt some chocolate and fold it into the whipped cream mixture. For fruit-flavored mousse, use fruit purees or extracts to give it a fresh, fruity twist.

Can I Make The Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance. Bake them a day or two ahead of time and store them at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap to keep them fresh.

Just be sure to wait until the day you’re serving to assemble the cake with the mousse filling. This helps prevent the mousse from becoming too soft or the layers from getting soggy.

How Can I Make The Mousse Firmer?

If you prefer a firmer mousse, you can adjust the gelatin amount. Increasing the gelatin will give the mousse a denser, more stable consistency.

Alternatively, you can let the mousse set in the refrigerator for a longer period up to an hour or two before spreading it on the cake to allow it to firm up more.

Can I Use Dairy-Free Alternatives?

Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this cake. Use dairy-free butter and substitute regular milk and cream with almond milk, coconut milk, or any other plant-based milk of your choice.

For the mousse, opt for coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative. Ensure all other ingredients, like the eggs, are free from animal products if you need to make it vegan.

Can I Freeze The Cake?

The cake layers can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze them without the mousse filling. Once the mousse is added, the texture may change when frozen and thawed, so it’s better to store the filled cake in the refrigerator.

To freeze the cake layers, wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to one month. When ready to use, allow the layers to thaw at room temperature before assembling

Conclusion

Creating this vanilla cake with mousse filling has been a delightful journey, and I hope you find it just as enjoyable. The simple process, combined with the contrast of flavors and textures, makes this dessert a true treat.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, the steps are easy to follow, ensuring a delicious result every time.

I encourage you to give vanilla cake with mousse filling a try and enjoy the process. This vanilla cake with mousse filling is perfect for sharing, and I’m sure it’ll be a hit in your home!

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