Mango Mousse Cake is a delightful dessert that combines creamy mousse and light cake, perfect for summer gatherings. The vibrant flavor of fresh mango creates a tropical experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a sweet treat, this recipe will surely impress your guests and family alike. Let’s dive into the luscious layers of this cake and discover how to make it at home!
Why You’ll Love This Mango Mousse Cake
This Mango Mousse Cake is not just a feast for the eyes, but also for the palate. Here are a few reasons to love it:
- It features light and fluffy mango mousse layers that melt in your mouth.
- The cake base is perfectly moist, making it a wonderful contrast to the creamy mousse.
- This dessert is ideal for hot summer days, providing a refreshing tropical touch.
- It’s versatile and can be made gluten-free or vegan with simple substitutions.
- This mango mousse dessert is easy to prepare, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- It’s a stunning centerpiece for any gathering, sure to impress your guests.
With its combination of flavors and textures, this cake is a true crowd-pleaser and a must-try for mango lovers!
Ingredients for Mango Mousse Cake
Gather these items:
- ¾ cup cake flour (A light flour that helps keep the cake airy.)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (Provides the necessary sweetness and moisture.)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (This gives the cake its fluffy rise.)
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (Enhances the flavors beautifully.)
- 2 tablespoons cubed unsalted butter (Adds richness and texture to the cake.)
- ¼ cup sour cream (Keeps the cake moist and introduces a slight tang.)
- 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil (Adds extra moisture and softens the crumb.)
- 1 large egg (Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cake’s structure.)
- ¼ cup whole milk (Ensures a tender, moist cake.)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Infuses a warm, sweet aroma.)
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream (Whipped to soft peaks for a light and fluffy texture.)
- ½ cup powdered sugar (Sweetens the mousse without adding grittiness.)
- 4 cups frozen or fresh cubed mango (The star ingredient that delivers rich tropical flavor.)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (Enhances the mango sweetness while cooking.)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (Brightens the flavor and balances the sweetness.)
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin (Sets the mousse and gives it structure.)
- 1 tablespoon cold water (Blooms the gelatin for smooth integration into the mousse.)
How to Make Mango Mousse Cake Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of an 8″ springform pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the texture resembles coarse sand.
- Step 3: Create the Batter: Mix in the sour cream and oil until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl and gradually pour into the mixture on low speed until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Step 4: Bake the Cake: Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 5: Prepare for Mousse: Clean the sides of the pan, place the sides back, and lock it.
- Step 6: Whip Cream: Whisk the heavy cream and powdered sugar on high speed until soft peaks form. Transfer to a large bowl and refrigerate.
- Step 7: Cook Mango: In a small pot, combine mango, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the mango is softened. Blend until smooth.
- Step 8: Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1 tbsp of cold water and let it bloom. Stir it into the warm mango puree and heat gently until fully dissolved. Cool it down in an ice bath.
- Step 9: Combine Mousse: Reserve 1/3 cup of the mango puree and fold the rest into the whipped cream until smooth. Spread this mousse layer on top of the cooled cake.
- Step 10: Finish Mousse Layers: Spread half of the reserved mango puree on top of the mousse, then add the remaining mousse layer. Swirl the last bit of puree gently into the mousse. Chill for 3-4 hours to set.
- Step 11: Serve with Love: Carefully run a small offset spatula along the top edge of the mousse, unlock the sides, lift, and transfer to a serving plate. Cut into slices and serve.
Pro Tips for the Best Mango Mousse Cake
Keep these in mind:
- This cake is best served chilled.
- Use fresh mango for a more intense flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- For a vegan mango mousse cake, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use coconut cream.
Best Ways to Serve Mango Mousse Cake
This stunning dessert can be served in various ways:
- Top each slice with extra mango puree for a burst of flavor.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a touch of color.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.
How to Store and Reheat Mango Mousse Cake
Store any leftover Mango Mousse Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed chilled. This cake can last up to three days in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or make-ahead desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mango Mousse Cake
What’s the secret to perfect Mango Mousse Cake?
The key is ensuring your heavy cream is cold before whipping it to soft peaks. This will create a light and fluffy mango mousse that perfectly complements the cake layers.
Can I make Mango Mousse Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mango mousse dessert a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the fridge to keep it fresh.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Mango Mousse Cake?
To prevent a heavy mousse, avoid overmixing the whipped cream when folding it into the mango puree. Gentle folding ensures a light and airy texture.
Variations of Mango Mousse Cake You Can Try
Here are some fun twists on the classic recipe:
- For a no-bake mango mousse cake, use pre-made graham cracker crust instead of baking a cake base.
- Try adding a layer of passion fruit mousse for a tropical flavor explosion.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the cake flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour mix.
- Add shredded coconut to the mousse for an extra tropical touch.

For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our Salted Caramel Cookies or Orange Black Marble Bread.

For more tips on baking, visit King Arthur Baking for expert advice on whipping cream.
Lastly, if you’re looking for more recipes, don’t forget to check out our Recipes page for a variety of options!
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Irresistible Mango Mousse Cake for Summer Delights
- Total Time: 287 min
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Mango Mousse Cake is a delightful dessert that combines creamy mousse and light cake, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup cake flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 2 tablespoons cubed unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon canola or vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 4 cups frozen or fresh cubed mango
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
- 1 tablespoon cold water
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of an 8″ springform pan with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a stand mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Add the cubed butter and mix until the texture resembles coarse sand.
- Create the Batter: Mix in the sour cream and oil until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla in a separate bowl and gradually pour into the mixture on low speed until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare for Mousse: Clean the sides of the pan, place the sides back, and lock it.
- Whip Cream: Whisk the heavy cream and powdered sugar on high speed until soft peaks form. Transfer to a large bowl and refrigerate.
- Cook Mango: In a small pot, combine mango, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the mango is softened. Blend until smooth.
- Bloom Gelatin: Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 1 tbsp of cold water and let it bloom. Stir it into the warm mango puree and heat gently until fully dissolved. Cool it down in an ice bath.
- Combine Mousse: Reserve 1/3 cup of the mango puree and fold the rest into the whipped cream until smooth. Spread this mousse layer on top of the cooled cake.
- Finish Mousse Layers: Spread half of the reserved mango puree on top of the mousse, then add the remaining mousse layer. Swirl the last bit of puree gently into the mousse. Chill for 3-4 hours to set.
- Serve with Love: Carefully run a small offset spatula along the top edge of the mousse, unlock the sides, lift, and transfer to a serving plate. Cut into slices and serve.
Notes
- This cake is best served chilled.
- Use fresh mango for a more intense flavor.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 120 min
- Cook Time: 15-17 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
