No-Bake Strawberry Mousse Cake – Easy and Refreshing

Imagine a dessert that’s silky, creamy, refreshing, and bursting with strawberry flavor—all without turning on the oven. That’s exactly what you get with this no-bake strawberry mousse cake. It’s the perfect treat for summer gatherings, romantic date nights, or any occasion where you want something impressive yet simple to prepare.

This cake features a buttery, slightly crunchy Golden Oreo crust that serves as the base for a rich and airy strawberry mousse filling. On top of that is a stunning layer of strawberry jam that adds a sweet, tangy burst of flavor. The final touch? A garnish of fresh whipped cream and juicy strawberries, making every slice picture-perfect and irresistible.

For me, this recipe has become a summer staple. I first made it for a family barbecue, and it was the star of the dessert table. The best part? It requires minimal effort and no baking, so your kitchen stays cool even on the hottest days. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this dreamy dessert!

Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Strawberry Mousse Cake

There are so many reasons this cake will become your go-to dessert. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few simple steps. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a blender, a whisk, and a springform pan.

Next, it’s packed with fresh strawberry flavor. The mousse is light and creamy, perfectly balanced by the buttery cookie crust and the glossy strawberry topping. This dessert is also wonderfully versatile. You can adapt it with other fruits like raspberries or mangoes, making it perfect for any season.

Finally, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party, a birthday celebration, or a casual picnic, this cake always impresses. And because it’s a no-bake recipe, it’s especially ideal for warm-weather occasions when you want a refreshing treat.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Chilling Time: 8 hours (2 hours for the mousse, 6 hours for the topping)
• Total Time: 8 hours 45 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 slices
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350

Ingredients of the No-Bake Strawberry Mousse

the Crust:

• 24 Golden Oreos (crushed into fine crumbs)
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

the Strawberry Mousse Filling:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
• 8 ounces mascarpone cheese (softened) or cream cheese
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 1 ½ cups fresh strawberries (pureed and strained)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
• 3 tablespoons water (to dissolve the gelatin)

the Strawberry Jam Topping:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (pureed and strained)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
• 2 tablespoons water (to dissolve the gelatin)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh whipped cream
• Sliced strawberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Crust

1. Begin by crushing the Golden Oreos into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor or by placing the cookies in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
2. Transfer the crumbs to a mixing bowl and stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Press the cookie mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to create an even crust. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth it out.
4. Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the mousse filling.

Make the No-Bake Strawberry Mousse

1. In a blender, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. You should have about 1 ½ cups of seedless strawberry puree.
2. In a small bowl, sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Then, microwave the gelatin for 10-15 seconds until dissolved. Stir to ensure it’s completely smooth.
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the strawberry puree to the dissolved gelatin and stir to combine. This step helps temper the gelatin and makes it easier to mix with the rest of the puree. Combine the gelatin mixture with the remaining strawberry puree and set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, mascarpone cheese, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract until fluffy and medium peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
5. Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped cream mixture, being careful not to deflate the mousse. Mix until fully incorporated and smooth.
6. Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the mousse filling over it, spreading it into an even layer. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the mousse is set.

Prepare the Strawberry Jam Topping

1. Puree the strawberries in a blender and strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Combine the seedless puree with granulated sugar and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat.
2. Bloom the unflavored gelatin in 2 tablespoons of water for 5 minutes. Microwave for 10 seconds until dissolved, then stir it into the warm strawberry puree. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
3. Once the mousse layer has set, pour the cooled strawberry jam topping over the mousse. Tilt the pan gently to spread the topping evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight, to allow the topping to set completely.

Serve the No-Bake Strawberry Mousse

1. To serve, run a sharp knife around the edge of the springform pan to loosen the cake. Release the springform ring and remove it carefully.
2. Optionally, garnish the top of the cake with whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a decorative touch.
3. Slice the cake with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Storage Tips of the No-Bake Strawberry Mousse

This no-bake strawberry mousse cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.

If you want to prepare the cake ahead of time, you can freeze it. Once the mousse and jam layers have set, wrap the entire pan tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. To serve, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight.

Helpful Notes

• Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet strawberries. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones can be substituted. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before pureeing.
• Gelatin Tips: Make sure to dissolve the gelatin fully to avoid lumps. Adding a small amount of puree to the gelatin before mixing it into the larger batch helps ensure even distribution.
• Mascarpone Substitution: If you don’t have mascarpone cheese, cream cheese works just as well. It adds a slight tang that complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Keep It Chilled: This dessert is best served cold, so keep it refrigerated until just before serving.

Variations to Try

• Mixed Berry Mousse Cake: Swap out some of the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a colorful twist.
• Lemon-Strawberry Mousse Cake: Add a bit more lemon juice and zest to the mousse for a citrusy flavor boost.
• Chocolate Strawberry Cake: Add a layer of chocolate ganache between the crust and the mousse for a decadent variation.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of a no-bake crust, a creamy mousse filling, and a glossy jam topping makes this cake a winner. The gelatin ensures the layers hold their shape, while the mascarpone cheese adds richness and stability to the mousse. By using fresh strawberries, the dessert stays light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather. The layers also come together easily, and the result is a dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes.

This no-bake strawberry mousse cake is a showstopper that will leave everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe! It’s simple, versatile, and packed with fresh, fruity goodness. Give it a try, and don’t forget to snap a picture before serving. I’d love to see your creations!