Name: Mango Mousse Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Cuisine: Tropical
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix, prepared; 2 cups mango puree; 1 tbsp gelatin powder; 2 cups whipped cream; Fresh mango slices for garnish

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If there’s one dessert that instantly whisks me away to summer no matter the season, it’s Mango Mousse Cake. This dreamy treat combines pillowy cake layers with a lusciously creamy mango mousse and is finished with juicy, golden mango slices. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a leisurely weekend get-together, this cake always inspires big smiles, repeat servings, and the feeling that you’ve pulled off something truly special with very little fuss. Let’s discover why this vibrant Mango Mousse Cake deserves a permanent spot in your dessert lineup!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Mango Mousse Cake is in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a starring role, from the moist cake base to the airy mousse and vibrant mango topping—all you need to create a showstopper with very little effort.

Yellow cake mix, prepared: A reliable head start lets you focus on building moist layers without the hassle of making cake from scratch.
Mango puree (2 cups): Use ripe, sweet mangoes for the most sunshine-bright flavor; canned or frozen puree works in a pinch, too.
Gelatin powder (1 tbsp): This is the secret to that light-yet-set texture in the mousse. Always bloom it for best results!
Whipped cream (2 cups): Whip until soft peaks for an airy mousse, gently folding to keep things fluffy and smooth.
Fresh mango slices for garnish: These gorgeous slices add a pop of color and hint at what’s inside—don’t skip this pretty (and tasty) touch.

How to Make Mango Mousse Cake

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layer

Start by preparing your yellow cake mix exactly as the package instructs. Pour the batter into a round cake pan and pop it in the oven. Once it’s baked, let the cake cool completely; a warm base will melt your mousse, so patience wins the day here.

Step 2: Make the Mango-Gelatin Mixture

While your cake chills, gently heat the mango puree in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Sprinkle the gelatin powder evenly over the warm puree and stir until it’s fully dissolved—a good sign it’s ready is when the mixture turns silky and smooth. Allow this mango goodness to cool to room temperature, but don’t refrigerate—it should still move freely when you’re ready to assemble.

Step 3: Prepare the Mango Mousse

Now for the magic: take your freshly whipped cream and, using a spatula, gently fold it into the cooled mango-gelatin mixture. Work slowly and don’t rush—this keeps your mousse wonderfully airy. You’ll end up with a pale, fluffy mango cloud ready to crown your cake.

Step 4: Assemble the Mango Mousse Cake

Once your cake base is cool, spread the mango mousse in an even, thick layer over the top. Use a spatula to create decorative swoops if you’re feeling extra. Then, top generously with fresh mango slices—fan them out for a dazzling golden finish. Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least two hours so the mousse can set and flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Mango Mousse Cake

Garnishes

Enhancing your Mango Mousse Cake is all about those finishing touches. Layer on extra fresh mango slices, a shower of toasted coconut, or even a scattering of edible flowers for wow-factor. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of mango puree adds another glorious pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs like a dream with tropical accompaniments. Think a scoop of coconut ice cream, a plateful of mixed tropical fruits, or a cup of vibrant fruit tea. The creamy, bright flavors play beautifully with anything that’s fresh and lightly sweet.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making individual Mango Mousse Cake parfaits in clear glasses for parties, using cake circles layered with mousse and topped with mango. Or, dress it up as a trifle with alternating layers of cake, mousse, and diced mango. Bite-sized squares work wonderfully for potlucks, too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Mango Mousse Cake tightly covered in the refrigerator. The mousse stays creamy and the cake remains moist for up to three days, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy weeks or spontaneous celebrations.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your cake, slice it first and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place the wrapped slices in an airtight container. It freezes beautifully for up to a month; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving so the mousse can return to its luscious texture.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed cold straight from the fridge, so reheating isn’t necessary. If it’s been frozen, allow slices to thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture and freshness. Serve chilled for maximum enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought mango puree?

Absolutely! While fresh mangoes offer unbeatable flavor, store-bought puree is incredibly convenient and works just as well for Mango Mousse Cake. Just be sure to choose one with no added sugar or adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to gelatin?

Yes, you can swap the gelatin for agar agar powder to keep this cake vegetarian. Just be mindful that agar sets a bit firmer than gelatin, so adjust the amount according to package instructions for perfect mousse texture.

Can I make Mango Mousse Cake in advance?

Mango Mousse Cake is the definition of a make-ahead dessert. In fact, chilling it for a few hours (or overnight) only deepens the flavors and helps the mousse set, making it ideal for prepping before a big event.

What other fruits can I use if mangoes aren’t available?

Peach, apricot, or passionfruit make fabulous substitutes for the mango puree, keeping that bright, tangy flavor. You could even try berries for a twist, though the texture might vary slightly depending on the fruit’s water content.

Do I need any special equipment to make this cake?

No fancy gear required! A basic round cake pan, saucepan, and spatula are really all you need for Mango Mousse Cake. If you want those extra-smooth layers, a springform pan makes removing the cake even easier.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a treat that brings sunshine to your kitchen, you can’t go wrong with this Mango Mousse Cake. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with tropical flavor in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself baking it on repeat!

Mango Mousse Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 7 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 1 cake 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of this delightful Mango Mousse Cake. A luscious mango-infused mousse atop a moist yellow cake, garnished with fresh mango slices – a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix, prepared

Mango Mousse:

2 cups mango puree
1 tbsp gelatin powder
2 cups whipped cream

Garnish:

Fresh mango slices for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cake: Follow the package instructions to prepare the yellow cake mix and bake in a round cake pan. Let it cool.
Make the Mango Mousse: In a saucepan, heat the mango puree and dissolve the gelatin powder in it. Let it cool slightly.
Assemble the Cake: Fold the whipped cream into the mango mixture and spread it over the cooled cake.
Garnish and Chill: Garnish the cake with fresh mango slices. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking, Chilling
Cuisine: Tropical