Mini Blackberry Mousse Cakes are delicate, no-bake treats that combine bold blackberry flavor with the richness of white chocolate and the elegance of edible florals. Set atop a crisp chocolate cookie crust and crowned with a smooth white glaze, these refined mousse cakes are ideal for tea parties, spring celebrations, or intimate dessert moments. Each bite offers a contrast of textures and a harmonious blend of fruit, cream, and chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mousse cakes are a perfect balance of freshness and indulgence. The blackberry mousse is light, airy, and naturally vibrant, while the chocolate cookie crust adds a subtle crunch. The white chocolate glaze brings a luxurious finish without overpowering the delicate fruit flavor. Elegant yet approachable, these individual desserts are both visually stunning and easy to serve, making them a beautiful centerpiece for special occasions or a thoughtful treat for guests.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chocolate Cookie Crust:
- Chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the Blackberry Mousse:
- Fresh or frozen blackberries
- Sugar
- Water
- Lemon juice
- Gelatin
- Heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- Vanilla extract
For the White Glaze:
- White chocolate chips
- Heavy cream
For Garnish:
- Fresh blackberries
- Edible violets or pansies
directions
- Prepare the crust: In a bowl, combine crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture into the base of silicone molds or ring molds, creating an even, compact layer. Place the molds in the freezer to chill for at least 15 minutes.
- Make the blackberry purée: In a small saucepan, cook the blackberries, sugar, and water over medium heat until the berries have softened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Blend the mixture until smooth, then strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds.
- Incorporate the gelatin: Sprinkle the gelatin over lemon juice in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes. Gently heat until dissolved, then stir into the warm blackberry purée. Let cool to room temperature.
- Prepare the mousse: Fold the vanilla extract and softly whipped cream into the cooled blackberry purée until smooth and uniform.
- Pour the mousse over the chilled crusts, smoothing the tops. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Make the glaze: Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the white chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Let the glaze cool slightly until it is pourable but not hot.
- Gently unmold the mousse cakes and place on a chilled tray. Drizzle or spoon the white glaze over each one.
- Garnish: Top each cake with a fresh blackberry and an edible violet or pansy just before serving.
Servings and timing
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 mini cakes
- Calories: Approximately 290 kcal per cake
Variations
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream, vegan white chocolate, and agar-agar in place of gelatin.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies for the crust.
- Berry Blend: Substitute or combine the blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry mousse.
- Chocolate Glaze: Replace the white chocolate glaze with a dark chocolate ganache for a deeper flavor contrast.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the mousse for a brighter flavor profile.
- Liqueur Twist: Add a splash of blackberry liqueur to the mousse for an adult version.
- Nutty Base: Mix finely ground almonds or hazelnuts into the crust for added texture and richness.
- Mini Cheesecake Hybrid: Blend cream cheese into the mousse for a firmer, cheesecake-like consistency.
storage/reheating
Store the mousse cakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They are best served chilled and should not be frozen once glazed, as the texture and glaze finish may be affected. These cakes do not require reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, frozen blackberries work well. Just be sure to cook and strain them thoroughly to achieve a smooth purée.
What kind of mold should I use?
Silicone molds or metal ring molds work best for easy unmolding and a clean, professional appearance.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, the cakes can be made and stored in the refrigerator a day in advance. Add the glaze and garnish shortly before serving.
How do I ensure my mousse sets properly?
Make sure the gelatin is fully dissolved and incorporated into the purée before folding in the whipped cream. Chill the mousse for at least 4 hours.
Can I make a large version instead of minis?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted to a single 6- or 7-inch round mold. Adjust chilling time accordingly.
What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?
You can chop a white chocolate bar into small pieces as a substitute.
How do I prevent the glaze from melting the mousse?
Let the glaze cool to a lukewarm temperature before pouring it over the chilled mousse cakes.
What’s the best way to garnish with flowers?
Use clean, food-safe edible flowers like pansies or violets. Pat them dry and place them gently on top of the cakes just before serving.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the mousse cakes are delicious on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh fruit.
Is this dessert very sweet?
The mousse is lightly sweetened and balanced by the tang of blackberries, while the white chocolate glaze adds a touch of richness without overwhelming the flavor.
Conclusion
Mini Blackberry Mousse Cakes are a delightful blend of elegance and freshness. With their velvety mousse, crisp chocolate crust, and smooth white glaze, they offer a refined dessert experience perfect for springtime gatherings or sophisticated soirées. The floral garnish and vibrant fruit finish make each cake a visual and flavorful standout—an ideal choice when you want to impress with grace and simplicity.
PrintMini Blackberry Mousse Cakes
These Mini Blackberry Mousse Cakes feature a luscious blackberry cream set over a chocolate cookie crust and topped with a silky white chocolate glaze. Finished with fresh berries and edible violets, they’re ideal for tea parties, spring soirées, or sophisticated no-bake desserts.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 mini cakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: French-Inspired / Elegant
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Cookie Crust:
-
1 1/2 cups chocolate sandwich cookies, crushed
-
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Blackberry Mousse:
-
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
-
1/4 cup sugar
-
2 tbsp water
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
1 tsp gelatin
-
1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
For the White Glaze:
-
1 cup white chocolate chips
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
For Garnish:
-
Fresh blackberries
-
Edible violets or pansies
Instructions
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Combine crushed cookies and melted butter. Press into the base of silicone or ring molds. Freeze for 15 minutes to firm.
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In a small saucepan, cook blackberries, sugar, and water over medium heat until berries break down. Blend and strain to remove seeds.
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Bloom gelatin in lemon juice for 5 minutes. Warm slightly and stir into warm blackberry purée. Cool to room temperature.
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Fold in vanilla and whipped cream until smooth and airy.
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Pour mousse over chilled crusts and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
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To make the glaze, heat heavy cream and pour over white chocolate chips. Let sit briefly, then stir until smooth. Cool slightly.
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Pour glaze over set mousse cakes and top each with a fresh blackberry and edible violet.
Notes
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Silicone molds help create a clean, professional finish.
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Let glaze cool slightly before applying to avoid melting the mousse.
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For vegan version, substitute gelatin with agar and dairy with plant-based alternatives.
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Best served chilled within 24 hours for ideal texture and flavor.