Strawberry Mousse Cloud Layer Cake
Do not be discouraged by the number of elements in this cake, it is very easy to make and assemble. Most of the time is spent waiting so bear that in mind. I removed the seeds from the puree which resulted in a velvety smooth strawberry, almost marshmallowy, centre, but you can skip this step if you wish. Since we are fine with dairy I used fresh cream and yoghurt cream cheese to add a little probiotic goodness and balance out the fat content somewhat. For a dairy-free version you could use the thick layer of coconut cream instead. For a nut-free gluten-free version you could use the same amount of rice flour or gluten-free flour. The reason why I used actual sugar is simple. We so rarely eat cake that using 1/2 cup of unrefined Demerara sugar (I used this one for the entire cake seemed very reasonable and moderate to me. Besides, consuming a little fat with sugar helps slow down its absorption into the blood stream. To make unrefined icing sugar simply blend unrefined sugar of choiceor process in a coffee grider. Sugar-alternatives: of course you could use stevia, natvia, xylitol or any other granulated sugar you choose. Berries: you could use any fresh berries, or frozen ones that are thawed before blending.
Servings: 12
Ingredients
For the Gluten-free Sponge:
- 4 eggs must be at room temperature
- 1/3 cup unrefined Demerara sugar or other granulated sweetener of choice - see notes above
- 1/2 cup almond meal see notes for nut-free alternatives
- 2 tablespoons arrowroot flour tapioca
For the Strawberry Mousse:
- 500 g ripe strawberries 1lb 1oz, 1 cup pure strawberry puree
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 lime, zested
- 21/2 tablespoons milled unrefined demerara sugar unrefined icing sugar or sweetener of choice
- 23/4 teaspoons gelatine I used this grass-fed gelatine
- 4 tablespoons boiling hot water
- 200 g yoghurt cream cheese 7oz, or thick natural Greek-style yoghurt
- 300 ml fresh cream 10fl oz
For the Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream Frosting:
- 300 ml fresh cream 10fl oz
- 2 tablespoons milled unrefined demerara sugar unrefined icing sugar or sweetener of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla powder or vanilla bean paste
To decorate:
- 1/3 cup coconut flakes
- 1 fresh rose petals only
Instructions
To make the sponge:
- Preheat oven to 170C (340F, gas mark 4). Line a bottom of a 23cm (9inch) spring form tin with non-stick baking paper. Do not grease sides.
- Separate eggs making sure to keep the yolks intact. Place egg whites in a bowl of a mixer and beat on high speed until the whites become frothy and start to form soft peaks, about 2 minutes. Begin adding sugar, a tablespoon at a time while continuing to mix on high speed. The mixture should now be quite firm and glossy. Continue beating on high speed. Whisk yolks and add a tablespoon at a time to the whites until all are incorporated.
- Reduce mixer speed to very slow. In a separate bowl mix together the flours and add in in three batches. Mix on low speed until just incorporated.
- Pour batter into prepared tin and bake for 25 minutes. Remove from oven (leave oven on for the strawberries) and cool in the tin completely before removing from tin. To do so, run a knife around the edge of the cake. Using a bread knife, slice the sponge in to two layers.
To make the Strawberry Mousse, once the cake has cooled:
- Wash and hull strawberries. Cut in half and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Roast for 10 minutes at 170C (340F, gas mark 4). Remove from oven and transfer to a blender. Process until smooth. Pour pureed strawberries onto a fine mesh sieve set over a clean bowl and strain, pressing with a spoon. Discard seeds. Add lime juice, zest and milled sugar, whisk to combine. In a small bowl combine gelatine and boiling hot water. Mix until gelatine is dissolved. Add gelatine to the warm strawberry puree. Whisk well before adding yoghurt and whisking again. In a bowl of an electric mixer, whip cream until stiff peaks form. Reduce speed to low and mix in the puree.
To assemble the cake:
- Place the bottom half of the sponge cake back in the springform tin. Pour in the strawberry mousse, spread evenly and top with the remaining cake layer. Press down gently. Place in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set.
To make the Whipped Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- In a bowl of an electric mixer, whip cream, sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.
To frost and decorate the cake:
- Run a knife around the edge of the cake to separate the mousse from the sides of the tin. Remove the ring and transfer the cake, gently, to a serving platter. Place half of the frosting on the top of the cake and spread. Using a knife, Spread remaining icing around the sides of the cake, rustic is fine. Top the cake with coconut flakes and rose petals.
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