Introduction
Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart is the perfect dessert for anyone who loves the classic combination of fresh strawberries, creamy mousse, and a crisp, buttery crust. The tart features a light, airy mousse made from fresh strawberries, velvety cream, and mascarpone cheese, which creates a luscious texture that melts in your mouth. Paired with a golden, flaky tart shell, it’s a balance of sweet and creamy with a satisfying crunch that makes every bite a delight. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this tart is sure to impress with both its taste and its elegant presentation.
The first time I made this Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare while still delivering a stunning dessert. The fresh strawberries and the smooth mousse came together so beautifully, and the golden crust added just the right amount of crunch to complement the creaminess. As I assembled the tart, I couldn’t help but smile at how effortlessly it came together, and when I took my first bite, I knew it would be a recipe I’d make again and again.
What I love most about this tart is how refreshing and versatile it is. It’s perfect for a summer party or a cozy evening at home, and the flavors are light enough to enjoy any time of year. You can customize it by adding a drizzle of chocolate, swapping out the mascarpone for whipped cream, or even using other fruits like raspberries or blueberries. No matter how you make it, this Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart will always be a crowd-pleaser and a sweet way to make any occasion extra special.
Perfect for:
- Summer celebrations
- Afternoon tea
- Holiday gatherings
- Birthdays
- Light, refreshing desserts
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart Recipe
Here’s why Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart will quickly become a favorite:
- Light and Fluffy Texture: The mousse is airy and creamy, providing a light and refreshing contrast to the crispy tart crust.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The combination of sweet strawberries and the tangy mousse creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s irresistible.
- Versatile Dessert: This tart can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making it a perfect dessert for parties and gatherings.
- Beautiful Presentation: With vibrant, fresh strawberries adorning the top, this tart is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making it a great choice for special occasions.
- No-Bake Option for the Mousse: The mousse filling requires no baking, making the preparation simpler and quicker than many traditional tarts.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 3.5 hours
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 20g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart:
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons ice water
Strawberry Mousse Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Mascarpone Cheese: This smooth, creamy cheese creates a velvety texture for the mousse and adds a rich flavor.
- Fresh Strawberries: These are the star of the tart, bringing natural sweetness and a juicy texture.
- Heavy Cream: Whipped into soft peaks, it contributes to the lightness and creaminess of the mousse filling.
- Tart Crust: The buttery, slightly sweet crust holds everything together and provides a satisfying crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart:
Prepare the Tart Crust:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Egg Yolk and Water: Stir in the egg yolk and gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a tart pan. Press it into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Let the crust cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Mousse Filling:
- Puree the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Mix Mascarpone and Sugar: In another bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine the Mousse: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, then fold in the strawberry puree until well combined.
Assemble the Tart:
- Fill the Tart Shell: Spoon the strawberry mousse into the cooled tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Tart: Cover the tart and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the mousse is set.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top with Fresh Strawberries: Before serving, decorate the top of the tart with fresh strawberry slices.
- Optional Whipped Cream: For extra indulgence, top with a dollop of whipped cream.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart
Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart is a delightful dessert that can be served in many ways:
- On Its Own: Serve slices of the tart as is, with its creamy mousse and fresh strawberries as the star.
- With Fresh Cream: Pair the tart with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
- For a Special Event: Serve it at birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries as a show-stopping dessert.
- With Fresh Mint: Garnish with fresh mint leaves to add a touch of color and a refreshing aroma.
- With a Light Beverage: Serve alongside a light tea, sparkling water, or a glass of lemonade to complement the refreshing flavors.
Additional Tips for Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart
Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart turns out perfectly:
- Chill the Crust Properly: Make sure to chill the tart crust for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the crust hold its shape and prevents shrinkage.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the tart a bright, natural sweetness. Frozen strawberries may work, but they can make the mousse too watery.
- Don’t Overwhip the Cream: When whipping the cream, be careful not to overwhip it. Soft peaks are perfect for folding into the mousse for a light texture.
- Make Ahead: This tart can be made a day in advance. Just keep it chilled and assemble the topping just before serving.
- Perfect Mousse Consistency: Ensure that the mousse is chilled long enough to set but not too long to become too firm.
Recipe Variations for Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart
Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart:
- Raspberry Shortcake Mousse Tart: Swap the strawberries for fresh raspberries for a tangy alternative.
- Mixed Berry Tart: Combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a colorful and fruity twist.
- Chocolate Strawberry Tart: Drizzle the mousse with melted chocolate for a chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Lemon Mousse Tart: Replace the strawberry puree with lemon curd for a citrusy, tangy tart.
- Almond Crust Tart: Swap the traditional tart crust for one made with ground almonds or almond flour for a nutty flavor.
- Vanilla Bean Mousse Tart: Add vanilla bean seeds to the mousse for a fragrant, flavorful variation.
- Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust Tart: Use a chocolate graham cracker crust to bring a richer flavor to the base.
- Coconut Whipped Cream Tart: Top the mousse with coconut-flavored whipped cream for an extra tropical twist.
- Peach Tart: Use fresh peaches in place of strawberries for a summery, juicy alternative.
- No-Bake Version: Make a no-bake version of the crust using crushed graham crackers or cookies instead of baking.
Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart
- Freezing: You can freeze the tart before topping it with fresh strawberries. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
- Storage: Store the tart in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The mousse may soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Special Equipment for Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart easier:
- Tart Pan: A removable-bottom tart pan is ideal for creating a clean, beautiful tart.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer helps quickly whip the heavy cream and mix the mascarpone filling.
- Food Processor or Blender: For easily pureeing the strawberries into a smooth consistency.
- Pastry Cutter: A pastry cutter helps you cut the butter into the dry ingredients for the tart crust.
- Sifter: Use a sifter to dust the tart with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an elegant finish.
FAQ Section for Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart
- Can I use frozen strawberries for this tart?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from the thawed berries before pureeing. - Can I make this tart gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the tart crust gluten-free. - Can I use whipped topping instead of whipped cream?
While you can use whipped topping, fresh whipped cream adds a richer, more natural flavor to the mousse filling. - Can I make this tart a day ahead?
Yes, the tart can be made in advance and refrigerated overnight. Just add the fresh strawberries right before serving. - How can I make the mousse firmer?
If you prefer a firmer mousse, you can add a little gelatin to the strawberry puree before folding it into the cream mixture.
Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart
Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart is a light and refreshing dessert that combines the classic flavors of strawberry shortcake with a creamy, indulgent mousse. The buttery, crisp tart crust is filled with a fluffy mousse made from fresh strawberries, cream, and mascarpone cheese, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it on a cozy evening, this tart brings together the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the richness of mousse, and the crunch of a perfectly baked crust. It’s a visually stunning and deliciously light dessert that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: lunch
Ingredients
For the Tart Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2–3 tablespoons ice water
For the Strawberry Mousse Filling:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Whipped cream (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Tart Crust:
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Egg Yolk and Water: Stir in the egg yolk and gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. You may not need all the water.
- Chill the Dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit a tart pan. Press it into the bottom and sides of the pan, trimming any excess dough.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the parchment and weights and bake for another 5 minutes until golden brown. Let the crust cool completely.
Prepare the Strawberry Mousse Filling:
- Puree the Strawberries: In a blender or food processor, puree the fresh strawberries until smooth.
- Whip the Cream: In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Mix Mascarpone and Sugar: In another bowl, beat together the mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Combine the Mousse: Gently fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone mixture, then fold in the strawberry puree until well combined.
Assemble the Tart:
- Fill the Tart Shell: Spoon the strawberry mousse into the cooled tart shell, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Chill the Tart: Cover the tart and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until the mousse is set.
Garnish and Serve:
- Top with Fresh Strawberries: Before serving, decorate the top of the tart with fresh strawberry slices.
- Optional Whipped Cream: For extra indulgence, top with a dollop of whipped cream.
Equipment
Brilliance Food Storage Containers, BPA Free, Airtight Lids, Ideal for Lunch, Meal Prep & Leftovers
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Buy Now →Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Strawberry Shortcake Mousse Tart is a stunning and delicious dessert that combines the lightness of mousse with the sweetness of fresh strawberries and a crisp tart crust. With its airy texture, vibrant flavors, and beautiful presentation, it’s the perfect choice for a special gathering or a sweet treat any time. Whether served as a summer dessert or for an elegant event, this tart will surely impress everyone at the table.
I can’t wait to see your beautiful tarts! Be sure to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your version. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share how you made it your own. Happy baking!