These Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake Parfaits are a layered dessert dream—rich chocolate cake cubes paired with fluffy strawberry mousse, sweet strawberry compote, and topped with a chocolate-dipped strawberry. Perfect for romantic dinners, Valentine’s Day, or summer entertaining, each parfait combines creamy, fruity, and decadent textures in one beautiful glass.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Cake Base:

• 1 chocolate cake (store-bought or homemade), cut into cubes

For the Strawberry Mousse:

• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

• 1 teaspoon LorAnn Strawberry Bakery Emulsion

For the Strawberry Compote:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Chocolate-Covered Strawberries:

• Fresh strawberries, washed and dried

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Make Strawberry Powder: Pulse freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until powdered.

2. Whip Mousse: In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and strawberry emulsion to stiff peaks. Gently fold in the strawberry powder.

3. Cook Compote: In a saucepan, combine fresh strawberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Simmer 5–7 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.

4. Make Chocolate Strawberries: Melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Dip strawberries and let set on parchment paper.

5. Assemble Parfaits:

   • Add chocolate cake cubes to the bottom of each glass.

   • Layer with strawberry mousse.

   • Spoon over compote and add fresh sliced strawberries.

   • Repeat layers and finish with mousse on top.

   • Garnish with a chocolate-covered strawberry.

Nutrients

Yield: About 6 servings (estimate based on parfait size)

• Calories: ~350–400 (depending on cake used)

• Fat: ~25g

• Carbohydrates: ~30g

• Sugar: ~22g

• Protein: ~4g

• Sodium: ~100mg

Why These Parfaits Are So Special

What makes these parfaits irresistible is the contrast of textures and flavors. You start with moist cubes of chocolate cake—either homemade or store-bought—which provide a solid, satisfying base. Then comes the luscious strawberry mousse, light yet rich, subtly sweetened and infused with real fruit flavor thanks to freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry emulsion. To add brightness and natural sweetness, a layer of homemade strawberry compote is spooned over the mousse. Finally, a glossy chocolate-dipped strawberry perched on top makes each parfait feel like a gourmet treat.

Unlike single-layer desserts or heavier cakes, these parfaits are portioned beautifully and layered thoughtfully, making them ideal for serving at dinner parties or holiday gatherings where you want something special but not over-the-top.

Flavor Profile and Ingredients That Shine

The use of freeze-dried strawberries in the mousse is a game changer. Unlike fresh berries, which can make mousse watery, freeze-dried strawberries concentrate the fruit’s essence and infuse the cream with intense strawberry flavor and a delicate pink hue without needing artificial coloring.

The LorAnn Strawberry Emulsion boosts the fruit flavor even further, providing a bakery-quality aroma and taste that makes this mousse feel ultra-luxurious. Paired with sweetened whipped cream and the richness of the chocolate cake, the mousse acts as the soft, fruity center of the entire dessert.

Meanwhile, the strawberry compote adds another dimension. It’s simple to prepare, but its role is essential: it cuts through the richness with a touch of acidity and offers juicy, jammy bites that harmonize beautifully with the airy mousse and dense cake.

Topping the whole thing with chocolate-covered strawberries is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it’s also a nod to one of the most beloved flavor combinations in dessert history: strawberries and chocolate.

Perfect for Special Occasions and Entertaining

These parfaits are easy to scale up or down, and they’re make-ahead friendly, making them ideal for any event where you need a show-stopping yet practical dessert. They’re perfect for:

Valentine’s Day: The colors, the strawberries, the chocolate—it’s all on theme.

Anniversary Dinners: Impress your partner with a restaurant-style dessert you made yourself.

Bridal or Baby Showers: Elegant, pink, and sweet, these parfaits are made for the occasion.

Dinner Parties: Pre-portion into glasses or jars and chill until ready to serve.

Summer Gatherings: Cool, fruity, and rich without being too heavy for warm weather.

Tips for Success

Use chilled tools when making the whipped cream. Cold cream and a cold mixing bowl result in the best texture for mousse.

Don’t overwhip the mousse. You want stiff peaks, but not grainy or overbeaten cream. Fold in the strawberry powder gently.

Cool the compote completely before assembling the parfaits. Warm compote will melt the mousse and cause separation.

Melt chocolate slowly in short microwave bursts and stir in between to avoid burning.

Use a piping bag for the mousse if you want ultra-clean layers. It’s optional but helpful if you’re aiming for that professional look.

Layer thoughtfully: Cake at the bottom helps anchor the dessert. Add compote in the middle for a fruity surprise, and mousse on top for a creamy finish.

Customizations and Variations

If you’re looking to personalize this recipe, it’s incredibly flexible:

Swap the Fruit: Replace strawberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even mango for a tropical twist.

Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free chocolate cake or brownie bites to accommodate dietary needs.

Add Crunch: Sprinkle in chocolate shavings, mini chocolate chips, or crushed cookies between layers for added texture.

Make It Boozy: Add a splash of strawberry liqueur or Chambord to the compote or cake layer for an adult version.

Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Use plant-based whipping cream and dairy-free chocolate cake to make this dessert suitable for non-dairy eaters.

Mini Versions: Assemble in shot glasses or mini mason jars for tasting parties or dessert samplers.

Why You’ll Love This Dessert

There are many reasons why this parfait has instant appeal:

Visually Stunning: Each layer is distinct, colorful, and topped with a glossy chocolate-dipped strawberry.

Easy to Assemble: Most components can be made ahead and quickly layered just before serving.

Flexible & Customizable: You can use leftover cake, adjust sweetness levels, and choose your favorite presentation.

No Baking Required: Use store-bought cake and focus on whipping and layering—ideal for quick prep.

Light Yet Decadent: Unlike heavy cheesecakes or frosted layer cakes, this parfait feels indulgent without weighing you down.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can make these parfaits up to 24 hours in advance, which is great for hosting. Here are a few storage pointers:

Store in the fridge, covered tightly with plastic wrap or lids, especially if you’re making them in jars or glass cups.

Add garnishes last: If possible, add the chocolate-dipped strawberries just before serving to keep them looking glossy and fresh.

Avoid freezing: These parfaits are best enjoyed chilled, not frozen, as freezing can change the texture of both the mousse and the whipped cream.

Conclusion

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake Parfaits are the perfect marriage of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Whether you’re celebrating love, hosting a party, or simply craving a layered treat, this dessert delivers elegance in every bite. It’s creamy yet light, fruity yet rich, and festive without being fussy. Easy to make, stunning to serve, and satisfying to eat—this parfait is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.