Red and luscious, raspberry cheesecake mousse is a delightful dessert that is sure to impress. This recipe combines the creamy texture of cheesecake with the lightness of mousse, with a hint of raspberry flavor. It's a delicious treat that's perfect for any special occasion or just because.
The raspberries used in this recipe are fresh, and it's crucial to get them ripe but not overripe as we want to retain their tangy flavor. The gelatin powder and food coloring are not commonly found in every home kitchen. You can find them in the baking aisle of your supermarket or order them online. Gelatin is used to set the mousse and the food coloring gives it a vibrant red color, although it's optional.
Ingredients for Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
Raspberries: A key ingredient in this recipe that provides a fresh and tangy flavor.
Gelatin powder: A gelling agent that helps to set the mousse.
Cold water: Used to dissolve the gelatin powder.
Heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the mousse.
Cream cheese: Gives the mousse its cheesecake-like texture.
Powdered sugar: Adds sweetness to the mousse.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors in the mousse.
Red food coloring: Optional ingredient to give the mousse a vibrant red color.
Graham cracker crumbs: Creates the crust layer.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and whipped cream topping.
Unsalted butter: Binds the crust ingredients together.
Mint leaves: Used for garnishing.
One reader, Egbert Gamboa says:
This raspberry cheesecake mousse recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and the burst of raspberry flavor are simply divine. The crust adds a delightful crunch, and the topping with fresh raspberries and mint leaves is the perfect finishing touch. It's a must-try for any dessert lover!
Mastering the Techniques for Perfect Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
How to make raspberry puree: Use a food processor to pulse fresh raspberries until they are well pureed. Then, force the puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove the seeds. You should have approximately 1 1/3 cups of puree. Set it aside for later use.
How to prepare gelatin: Pour 3 tablespoons of cold water into a small microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the water and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Remove it and whisk for 1 minute, allowing it to cool for 4 minutes until it is just warm. Be careful not to let it cool completely, as it may start to set.
How to whip heavy cream: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form. Then, add in 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
How to blend cream cheese mixture: In a separate large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese and 2 cups of powdered sugar until they are combined. Add in the vanilla extract and red food coloring, if using, and mix until combined. Then, increase the speed to high and whip until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 minutes.
How to fold in whipped cream: After preparing the whipped cream and cream cheese mixture, fold in 1/3 of the whipped cream mixture, then add the remaining whipped cream and fold just until combined.
How to prepare the crust: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and, using a fork, stir until the mixture is evenly moistened. Divide the mixture among 10 dessert cups and lightly press it into an even layer.
How to pipe mousse into cups: Working in batches, add the mousse to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe it over the crust layer in the cups. Repeat with the remaining mousse.
How to prepare whipped cream topping: In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Then, add in the sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks form.
How to garnish the mousse cups: After piping the whipped cream over the mousse, add 1-2 raspberries to each cup and garnish with mint leaves.
How To Make Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
Serves:
Ingredients
Mousse:
- 15ozfresh raspberries
- 2tspgelatin powder
- 3tbspcold water
- 1 ½cupsheavy cream
- 12ozcream cheesesoftened
- 2 ¼cupspowdered sugardivided
- 1tspvanilla extract
- red food coloringoptional
Crust:
- 1cupgraham cracker crumbs
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- ¼cupunsalted buttermelted
Topping:
- ¾cupheavy cream
- 2tbspgranulated sugar
- 20fresh raspberries
- mint leaves
Instructions
Mousse:
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Pulse raspberries in a food processor until well pureed. Force puree through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl to remove seeds (you should have 1 1/3 cups puree). Set aside.
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Pour 3 Tbsp water into a small microwave safe bowl, sprinkle gelatin evenly over water then let rest 5 minutes.
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Heat gelatin mixture in microwave on high power for 30 seconds. Remove and whisk for 1 minute, let cool 4 minutes until just warm (don’t let it cool completely or it may start to set).
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Between stages of gelatin resting prepare whipped cream and cream cheese mixture as listed here – In a medium mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer whip heavy cream on high speed until soft peaks form.
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Add in 1/4 cup powdered sugar and whip until stiff peaks form (just shake excess from beater blades, no need to wash for next step).
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In a separate large mixing bowl using hand mixer, blend cream cheese and 2 cups powdered sugar until combined. Add in vanilla and red food coloring if using (I think I used about 14 drops liquid coloring) and mix until combined.
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Increase to high speed and whip until light and fluffy about 2 minutes. Mix in strained raspberry puree and add in lukewarm gelatin/water mixture and mix until well combined.
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Fold in 1/3 of the whipped cream mixture, then add remaining and fold just until combined. Transfer to refrigerator while preparing crust layer (don’t chill longer than 30 minutes you don’t want it to set).
Crust:
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In a medium mixing bowl stir together graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in butter and using a fork, stir until evenly moistened. Divide mixture among 10 dessert cups and lightly press into an even layer.
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Working in batches add mousse to a piping bag fitted with a large round tip and pipe over crust layer in cups. Repeat with remaining mousse. Cover cups with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator 3 hours until set.
Toppings:
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In a medium mixing bowl using an electric hand mixer whip heavy cream until soft peaks form, add in sugar and whip until stiff peaks form.
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Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip then pipe cream over mousse. Add 1 – 2 raspberries to each then garnish with mint leaves.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1579.23kcal
- Fat: 112.59g
- Saturated Fat: 68.70g
- Trans Fat: 0.24g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 31.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.03g
- Carbohydrates: 142.02g
- Fiber: 3.13g
- Sugar: 133.12g
- Protein: 8.61g
- Cholesterol: 400.14mg
- Sodium: 263.80mg
- Calcium: 220.51mg
- Potassium: 319.48mg
- Iron: 0.82mg
- Vitamin A: 1215.80µg
- Vitamin C: 13.67mg
Expert Technique Tips for Achieving Silky Smooth Mousse
To ensure your raspberry cheesecake mousse has a smooth and creamy texture, it's crucial to properly strain the raspberry puree. Using a fine mesh strainer will help remove all the seeds, leaving you with a silky puree. Additionally, when folding in the whipped cream into the raspberry-cream cheese mixture, do it gently and in stages. This helps to keep the mousse light and fluffy. Overmixing can deflate the whipped cream, resulting in a denser mousse.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Delightful Dessert
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and equipment before starting to make the raspberry cheesecake mousse. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Chill the mixing bowl and beaters: Place the mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for a few minutes before whipping the cream. This will help the cream whip faster and to stiff peaks.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly puree the raspberries, saving time and effort compared to manually mashing or pureeing them.
Pipe the mousse: Use a piping bag to fill the dessert cups with the mousse. This will help create a neat and uniform presentation, saving time on individually spooning the mousse into each cup.
Prep the crust in advance: Consider preparing the graham cracker crust in advance and storing it in an airtight container until ready to use. This can help save time on the day of assembly.
Substitute Ingredients For Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Recipe
raspberries - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries have a similar tartness and sweetness to raspberries, making them a suitable substitute in this recipe.
gelatin powder - Substitute with agar agar powder: Agar agar is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, and it can be used in the same way to set the mousse.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can provide a rich and creamy texture similar to heavy cream, and it adds a hint of coconut flavor to the mousse.
cream cheese - Substitute with silken tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to a smooth consistency and provides a creamy texture similar to cream cheese, making it a suitable dairy-free alternative.
powdered sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the mousse, and it can be used as a liquid sweetener in place of powdered sugar.
graham cracker crumbs - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to graham cracker crumbs and provides a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture for the crust.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter for binding the crust, and it adds a subtle coconut flavor.
mint leaves - Substitute with basil leaves: Basil leaves can provide a fresh and aromatic herbaceous flavor similar to mint, adding a unique twist to the dessert.
Elegant Ways to Serve Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
Elevate the plating: When presenting the Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse, pay attention to the plating. Use elegant and minimalistic plating techniques to showcase the vibrant colors of the raspberries and the creamy texture of the mousse.
Incorporate artistic swirls: Utilize a piping bag to create delicate and artistic swirls of the mousse on the plate. This technique adds a touch of sophistication and visual appeal to the dessert.
Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint leaves: Enhance the visual appeal of the dessert by garnishing with fresh raspberries and mint leaves. The vibrant red of the raspberries and the lush green of the mint leaves will add a pop of color to the presentation.
Use fine dining dessert cups: Opt for high-quality, transparent dessert cups to serve the Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse. The clear cups will allow the layers of the dessert to be visible, creating an enticing visual experience for the diners.
Create a graham cracker crumb base: Instead of traditional serving dishes, consider creating a graham cracker crumb base on the plate before piping the mousse. This adds a textural element to the presentation and elevates the overall dessert experience.
Incorporate edible flowers: For an extra touch of elegance, consider incorporating edible flowers as a garnish. The delicate and colorful flowers will add a sophisticated and luxurious touch to the presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dessert to stand out. By strategically leaving areas of the plate empty, the focus will be solely on the exquisite Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to puree, chop, and blend ingredients. It's perfect for creating a smooth raspberry puree for the mousse.
- Fine mesh strainer: A fine mesh strainer is essential for removing the seeds from the raspberry puree, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture for the mousse.
- Microwave safe bowl: This type of bowl is designed to withstand the heat generated in a microwave, making it safe for heating and melting ingredients like gelatin.
- Electric hand mixer: An electric hand mixer is used for whipping the heavy cream and blending the cream cheese mixture, making the process quicker and easier.
- Piping bag with large round tip: A piping bag with a large round tip is used to neatly and evenly pipe the mousse into the dessert cups, creating a professional and attractive presentation.
- Mixing bowl: Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and are used in various steps of the recipe, from whipping cream to preparing the crust layer.
- Fork: A fork is used to stir and evenly moisten the graham cracker crumbs with butter when preparing the crust layer.
- Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to cover the dessert cups while chilling in the refrigerator, helping to prevent the mousse from absorbing any other odors and flavors.
- Piping bag with large star tip: A piping bag with a large star tip is used to pipe the whipped cream topping onto the mousse, adding a decorative touch to the dessert.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
- To store the raspberry cheesecake mousse, cover each individual serving cup tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the mousse cups for up to 2 months:
- Prepare the mousse and crust layers as directed, but do not add the whipped cream topping or fresh raspberries.
- Cover each cup securely with plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- When ready to serve, remove the desired number of cups from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Once thawed, add the whipped cream topping, fresh raspberries, and mint garnish before serving.
- If you have leftover raspberry puree, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen puree in the refrigerator before using in other recipes or as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.
Surprising Facts About the Origins of Cheesecake Mousse
The raspberry cheesecake mousse recipe is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of raspberries with the creaminess of cheesecake. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat.
Is Making Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse at Home Cost-Effective?
This raspberry cheesecake mousse recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of fresh raspberries and cream cheese may increase the cost, but the dessert's luxurious appeal justifies the expense. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30. The delightful combination of flavors and the elegant presentation make it a worthwhile investment for special occasions. On a scale of 1-10, this recipe earns a solid 8 for its taste, texture, and overall appeal.
Is This Decadent Dessert Healthy or Unhealthy?
The raspberry cheesecake mousse recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The main concerns are:
- High fat content: The recipe uses a significant amount of heavy cream and cream cheese, which are both high in saturated fats.
- High sugar content: With over 2 cups of powdered sugar and additional granulated sugar, this dessert is quite high in added sugars.
- Low in nutrients: Apart from the raspberries, the recipe lacks ingredients that provide substantial vitamins, minerals, or fiber.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of heavy cream and cream cheese, or replace some of it with lower-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Cut back on the added sugars by using less powdered sugar and relying more on the natural sweetness of the raspberries. You could also experiment with sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol.
- Incorporate more nutrient-dense ingredients, such as:
- Using a whole-grain graham cracker for the crust to increase fiber content
- Adding a layer of fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or blueberries, to boost vitamin and antioxidant content
- Stirring in some chia seeds or ground flaxseed to the mousse for added fiber and healthy omega-3 fatty acids
- Reduce portion sizes to help control calorie intake while still allowing for a satisfying treat.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse
As a culinary expert, I find this raspberry cheesecake mousse recipe to be a delightful and elegant dessert option. The combination of the smooth and creamy mousse with the tartness of fresh raspberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of a graham cracker crust adds a delightful crunch to the dessert. The use of gelatin ensures a light and airy texture, while the whipped cream topping and fresh raspberries provide a visually appealing finish. Overall, this recipe offers a sophisticated and indulgent treat that is sure to impress any palate.
Enhance Your Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Raspberry Cheesecake Mousse Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful raspberry experience, using fresh raspberries to ensure optimal flavor. The careful inclusion of gelatin ensures a smooth and creamy texture, while the cream cheese and heavy cream contribute to a rich and decadent mousse. The addition of vanilla extract and powdered sugar enhances the overall sweetness, and the graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch. With meticulous attention to detail and a focus on quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delectable cheesecake mousse that will surely impress.
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