Strawberry Mousse Domes with insert
Indulge in the elegance of our Strawberry Mousse Dome: a symphony of fresh strawberries, velvety mousse, and almond-infused bliss. Each bite unveils a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, crowned with a glossy glaze for a decadent finish. A treat that delights the senses and elevates any occasion with its exquisite beauty and irresistible taste.
Entremets, a term derived from French cuisine, represents a realm where culinary artistry meets indulgence. These intricate desserts are a symphony of flavors, textures, and visual delights, meticulously crafted to elevate the dining experience to new heights.
Each dome is a masterpiece, with a velvety strawberry mousse enveloping a surprise filling nestled at its core. Whether it’s a burst of creamy pastry cream or a refreshing strawberry jello insert, every bite offers a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalize the taste buds.
Why you’ll love these mousse domes?
- Versatility: This recipe offers versatility by providing options for both pastry cream and strawberry jello inserts, allowing you to customize the mousse domes according to your preferences or dietary restrictions.
- Balanced Texture: With the combination of creamy mousse, smooth pastry cream or jello insert, and glossy glaze, this recipe offers a delightful contrast of textures, creating a more interesting and satisfying eating experience.
- Homemade Components: Each component of this recipe, including the mousse, pastry cream, and glaze, is made from scratch. Homemade components often taste superior to store-bought alternatives and allow for better control over ingredients and flavors.
- Professional Presentation: The use of dome-shaped silicone molds and the final glaze gives the mousse domes a professional and elegant appearance, perfect for impressing guests at special occasions or dinner parties.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Fresh Strawberries: Provide the main flavor and natural sweetness to the strawberry mousse. Frozen strawberries (thawed) can be used when fresh strawberries are not available. Adjust the sugar accordingly based on the fruit’s sweetness.
- Almond Flour (for the Almond Cookie Base): Creates a gluten-free, nutty-flavored base for the mousse domes. You can also substitute almond flour with finely ground almond meal or other nut flour like hazelnut or pecan flour.
- Gelatin: Helps set the mousse and glaze, giving them structure. Agar-agar can be used as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin. Follow the package instructions for substitution ratios.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps stabilize the strawberry mousse. For a lighter option, you can use whipped coconut cream or whipped topping.
- Eggs (for the Pastry Cream): Provide richness and thickening properties to the pastry cream. You can also use cornstarch or arrowroot powder as an egg-free alternative. Use about two tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder for every egg yolk in the recipe.
- Sugar: Sweetens the mousse, pastry cream, and glaze. You can substitute granulated sugar with other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup. Adjust the quantity based on sweetness preference.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the pastry cream. Vanilla bean paste or vanilla powder can be used as an alternative to vanilla extract. Alternatively, you can infuse the milk with other flavorings, such as citrus zest or almond extract.
- Butter (for the Almond Cookie Base): Adds richness and flavor to the almond cookies. For a dairy-free option, you can use melted coconut oil or vegan butter.
- Cornstarch (for the Pastry Cream): Acts as a thickening agent for the pastry cream. Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can be used as an alternative to cornstarch in equal amounts.
Step-by-step: Strawberry entremets domes
Make the Almond Cookie Base
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C (Gas Mark 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg, then fold in both flours, almond extract, and salt.
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut out discs (about the same diameter as your silicone molds).
- Chill the cut cookies for 15–20 minutes, then bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Pastry cream inserts
- In a saucepan, whisk together yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth.
Gradually pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. - Transfer to a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and chill until cold. Once chilled, whisk until smooth and transfer to a piping bag.
Strawberry Jell-O inserts
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberry puree and sugar. Warm gently until the sugar dissolves. Stir in gelatin until fully dissolved.
- Pour into small molds (approximately 2 inches in diameter) or silicone ice cube trays. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
Strawberry mousse
- In a saucepan, reduce the strawberry puree by half over medium heat. Add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Strain to remove any seeds, then let it cool to room temperature.
- In a clean bowl, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and cornstarch until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
Assemble
- Spoon or pipe strawberry mousse halfway into dome-shaped silicone molds (4 oz size). Add one insert in the center.
- Cover with more mousse and smooth the top. Press a baked almond cookie on top as the base. Freeze for 3–4 hours (or overnight) until firm.
Neutral glaze
- Combine water, sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Sprinkle gelatin over and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Heat gently until gelatin is completely dissolved. Let it cool slightly until it reaches a pourable, but not hot, consistency.
Glaze and Finish
- Unmold the frozen domes and place them on a wire rack set over a tray. Pour the neutral glaze evenly over each dome, letting it drip down the sides.
Pro tip: If the glaze thickens, warm it for 10–15 seconds until fluid again. - Transfer to a serving plate once the glaze sets slightly. Garnish with diced strawberries at the base and a strawberry half on top.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Tips for Success
- Prepare in Advance: Many components of this dessert can be made ahead of time. Plan your preparation schedule accordingly to allow enough time for chilling and setting.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dessert relies heavily on the flavors of fresh strawberries, almond flour, and other key ingredients, using high-quality ingredients will greatly enhance the final product’s taste and texture.
- Proper Gelatin Handling: Ensure that gelatin is properly bloomed (softened in cold water) before using it in the recipe. This ensures even distribution and proper setting of the mousse and glaze.
- Even Distribution of Components: When assembling the mousse domes, ensure that the inserts (pastry cream or strawberry jello) are evenly distributed and centered within each dome for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Chill Before Glazing: Allow the assembled mousse domes to chill in the freezer until they are completely set before applying the glaze. This helps the glaze to set quickly and evenly over the domes.
- Proper Unmolding: To ensure clean and smooth edges when unmolding the mousse domes, gently stretch the silicone molds away from the frozen mousse before popping them out. This helps release the domes without causing any damage.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations for the mousse, inserts, and glaze. You can try using different fruits, extracts, or even spices to create unique variations of this dessert.
- Presentation Matters: Pay attention to the presentation of your mousse domes. A clean and elegant presentation enhances the overall dining experience and makes your dessert more visually appealing.
- Practice Patience: While this dessert requires several steps, patience is key to achieving the best results. Take your time with each component and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and delicious.
More strawberry recipes for you
- Mango Mousse Cake with Mango Jello Insert
- Heart Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Chocolate Mousse Cake with Mirror Glaze
- Strawberry Mousse Cake
- Bavarian Cream (Creme Bavaria ~ Creme Bavarois)
- Blackberry Panna Cotta, Mango Panna Cotta, Strawberry Panna Cotta
Frequently asked questions
How do I store leftover mousse domes?
Store leftover mousse domes in an airtight container in the freezer. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Can I make these mousse domes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mousse domes ahead of time and store them in the freezer until ready to serve. They can be kept in the freezer for several days.
What is the best way to unmold the mousse domes?
Gently stretch the silicone molds away from the frozen mousse before popping them out to ensure clean and smooth edges.
Are there any allergy-friendly substitutions I can make?
For dairy-free options, you can use whipped coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free butter in the almond cookie base. Additionally, you can use gluten-free flour for the cookie base to make it gluten-free.
How can I prevent the glaze from dripping too much?
Allow the glaze to cool slightly before pouring it over the mousse domes, and ensure that the domes are frozen solid to help the glaze set quickly and evenly. You can also use a pastry brush to smooth out any excess glaze drips for a neater presentation.
Strawberry Mousse Domes with Insert
Indulge in the elegance of our Strawberry Mousse Dome: a symphony of fresh strawberries, velvety mousse, and almond-infused bliss. Each bite unveils a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, crowned with a glossy glaze for a decadent finish. A treat that delights the senses and elevates any occasion with its exquisite beauty and irresistible taste.
Video
Ingredients
Makes 6 x 4 oz desserts
Almond cookie dough
- ¼ cup (50 g) Granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (60 g) Unsalted butter melted
- 1 large Egg
- ½ cup (60 g) All-purpose flour or gluten-free works too
- 1 cup (110 g) Almond flour
- ¼ tsp Almond extract
- ¼ tsp Salt
Pastry cream
- 1 cup (244 g) Whole milk
- 4 large Egg yolks
- ¼ cup (50 g) Granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Strawberry mousse
- 1 cups (230 g) Strawberry puree
- 2 tsp (8 g) Gelatin powder
- ¼ cup (30 g) Powdered sugar
- 1 cup (238 g) Heavy cream chilled
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
Strawberry jello insert
- 1 cup (144 g) Strawberry juice or puree
- 1 tablespoon Gelatin powder
- 2 tbsp Sugar
Neutral glaze
- ¼ cup Water
- ½ cup (100 g) Granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (85 g) Corn syrup
- 2 tbsp (14 g) Gelatin powder
Plus
- Dome-shaped silicone molds
Method
Make the Almond Cookie Base
- Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C (Gas Mark 4). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg, then fold in both flours, almond extract, and salt.¼ cup Granulated sugar, ¼ cup Unsalted butter, 1 large Egg , ½ cup All-purpose flour , 1 cup Almond flour, ¼ tsp Almond extract, ¼ tsp Salt
- Roll the dough on a floured surface to about ⅛-inch thickness. Cut out discs (about the same diameter as your silicone molds).
- Chill the cut cookies for 15–20 minutes, then bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden. Cool completely.
Make the Pastry Cream Insert (if using)
- In a saucepan, whisk together yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until pale and smooth. Gradually pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Transfer to a bowl, cover the surface with plastic wrap, and chill until cold. Once chilled, whisk until smooth and transfer to a piping bag.1 cup Whole milk, 4 large Egg yolks, ¼ cup Granulated sugar, 2 tbsp Cornstarch, 1 tsp Vanilla extract
Make the Strawberry Jello Insert (optional)
- In a small saucepan, combine strawberry puree and sugar. Warm gently until the sugar dissolves. Stir in gelatin until fully dissolved. Pour into small molds (about 2-inch diameter) or silicone ice cube trays. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.1 cups Strawberry puree, 2 tsp Gelatin powder, ¼ cup Powdered sugar, 1 cup Heavy cream, 2 tbsp Cornstarch
Make the Strawberry Mousse
- In a saucepan, reduce the strawberry puree by half over medium heat. Add gelatin and stir until dissolved. Strain to remove any seeds, then let it cool to room temperature.1 cup Strawberry juice or puree, 1 tablespoon Gelatin powder, 2 tbsp Sugar
- In a clean bowl, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and cornstarch until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream until well combined.
Make the Neutral Glaze
- Combine water, sugar, and corn syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves.1/4 cup Water, 1/2 cup Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup Corn syrup, 2 tbsp Gelatin powder
- Sprinkle gelatin over and let bloom for 5 minutes. Heat gently until gelatin is completely dissolved. Let cool slightly until it reaches a pourable, but not hot, consistency.
Assemble the Domes
- Spoon or pipe strawberry mousse halfway into dome-shaped silicone molds (4 oz size). Add one insert in the center.Dome-shaped silicone molds
- Cover with more mousse and smooth the top. Press a baked almond cookie on top as the base. Freeze for 3–4 hours (or overnight) until firm.
Glaze and Finish
- Unmold the frozen domes and place them on a wire rack set over a tray. Pour the neutral glaze evenly over each dome, letting it drip down the sides.Pro tip: If the glaze thickens, warm it for 10–15 seconds until fluid again.
- Transfer to a serving plate once the glaze sets slightly. Garnish with diced strawberries at the base and a strawberry half on top.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Prepare in Advance: Many components of this dessert can be made ahead of time. Plan your preparation schedule accordingly to allow enough time for chilling and setting.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this dessert relies heavily on the flavor of fresh strawberries, almond flour, and other key ingredients, using high-quality ingredients will greatly enhance the taste and texture of the final product.
- Proper Gelatin Handling: Ensure that gelatin is properly bloomed (softened in cold water) before using it in the recipe. This ensures even distribution and proper setting of the mousse and glaze.
- Even Distribution of Components: When assembling the mousse domes, ensure that the inserts (pastry cream or strawberry jello) are evenly distributed and centered within each dome for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Chill Before Glazing: Allow the assembled mousse domes to chill in the freezer until they are completely set before applying the glaze. This helps the glaze to set quickly and evenly over the domes.
- Proper Unmolding: To ensure clean and smooth edges when unmolding the mousse domes, gently stretch the silicone molds away from the frozen mousse before popping them out. This helps release the domes without causing any damage.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations for the mousse, inserts, and glaze. You can try using different fruits, extracts, or even spices to create unique variations of this dessert.
- Presentation Matters: Pay attention to the presentation of your mousse domes. A clean and elegant presentation enhances the overall dining experience and makes your dessert more visually appealing.
- Practice Patience: While this dessert requires several steps, patience is key to achieving the best results. Take your time with each component and enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and delicious.
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
Tried this recipe?
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Love all your recipes. You make it look so easy. Can’t wait to try them.
Thank you so much Nubia
Hi, I am trying to make these. The recipe for the mousee calls for 2 TEAspoon of Gelatin or Agar Agar with 2 TABLEspoons of water then Heat until dissolved. Every tiome I add heat of any kind it turns into a giant glob.
Are the measurements CORRECT? What am I doing wrong?
Bernadette, when you soak it becomes a blob or sponge – then when you heat it is supposed to dissolve and become liquid. You can add more water if necessary as well.
Thanks Veena, it Worked like a charm!
This recipe REALLY is EASY. Time consuming yes but definitely not difficult! My only challenge was the Agar Agar but once I knew what to do it was easy peasy!
The flavor was phenomenal! The strawberry Coulis was TO DIE FOR! I can’t wait to try this again! Will definitely be trying different berries in the future.
Thank you, Bernadette. So happy you enjoyed this recipe Thanks for coming back to write this feedback.
Hello, Veena! I just found your blog through a search on Pinterest for my most recent obsession, entremet cakes
it is not easy to find blog posts that are as detailed as yours on this type of dessert, so I appreciate it very much.
I will be following your adventures (I realize this is an old post, but I enjoyed it so much I had to say hello)
(I have a few mousse-entremet cakes on my blog, if you’d like to stop by, I would love to have you there, but keep in mind, I am a total rookie on them)
Thank you, Sally. Thank you for the lovely comment.
Will definitely visit your site.
Made these last week and they were so easy to make. They do look impressive but not so complicated. Thank you for sharing we loved it.
Thank you so much Glad. So happy to hear that you enjoyed this recipe. Thank you for coming back to write this feedback. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks for the reply! One more question: when do I add the reserved pastry creme to the mousse? Thanks again!
Add the vanilla pastry cream just before you add the whipped cream – Thanks Sarah.
Looks awesome and about to make this! How much vanilla goes into the pastry? Am I missing it? Thanks!
Hey Sarah. I use 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or scrapings from half a bean. Thanks.
Thanks! When do I put the pastry cream in the mousse??
Just before you add the whipped cream. Thanks Sarah.
Wow.. what an amazing dessert..I couldn’t take my eyes off the pics..very well explained
Thank you Lat. Happy you like my explanation
Wow these look stunning! I’m not sure I could make these! My baking skills are beginner at best! But wowsa! So gorgeous!
Thanks Sarah. There really is no baking much other than the crust, and the other two components are as easy as pie.. Thanks
This dessert is absolutely stunning! Such a great presentation
Thank you Lauren.
Hi Veena,
Thanks for the recipe was thinking what to make for this valentine . strawberry being her favorite fruit i know she gona love my surprise . Thanks a lot
Thank you Samaresh. I’m sure she will love it… Enjoy!