Mousse cake filling

A mousse cake filling is a soft, creamy mixture made light by folding in whipped cream, beaten egg whites or both. A professional baking text defines mousse as any soft or creamy dessert made light and fluffy by the addition of whipped cream, beaten egg whites, or both.

The base can be simple, such as melted chocolate or puréed fresh fruit, or more elaborate. In a layered cake the mousse is spooned or piped over a sponge or crumb base, often inside a ring, and chilled until it holds its shape. Bavarians and chiffons are close relatives and are sometimes served as mousses with less or no gelatin so they stay softer.

The result is airy and melting rather than dense. Chocolate, raspberry and passion fruit are popular flavors, and the mousse is usually finished with a glaze or fresh fruit.