Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake

Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake

Last summer I received a beautiful dessert magazine in the mail. It was titled Sweet Dreams, and the cover had a big glossy image of a cake on it. It was so striking, I couldn’t wait to read every single page. I quickly found out it was written in German, so reading would have to wait for translation. Still, I sat leafing through the pictures and -surprise- a picture of me!  There I was, in the same magazine with esteemed pastry chefs and their gorgeous desserts -which was a real hoot,  if you ask me! On the opposite page (and more eye-catching than I could ever be) was a picture of fresh rhubarb, with stalks shaved paper-thin and curled into ribbons. I may have gasped, it was so beautiful.

Further into my reading (if you can call it that) I fell in love with a cake. At first glance I had no idea what was on the inside, nor did I care because the outside was so stunning. It was all wrapped up in strips of pink-red rhubarb. I wanted to make it immediately, but found myself questioning my own aptitude. Then I remembered something a smart baker once said: you shouldn’t be afraid of cake, if anything, cake should be afraid of you because you’re going to eat it. 

I decided to go forward on that thought.

Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake

Since the recipe was in German, I set to translating it, and gratefully I have a friend who is a German professor who helped me when I stumbled (dankeschön, Darlene!).

After the recipe was translated in full, I decided to use my own method for making pineapple mousse, mostly because the recipe called for gelatin sheets, and those aren’t sold in grocery stores here. Other problems persisted – the local produce wasn’t great, I could only find short stalks of rhubarb and I couldn’t find any good tarragon (only bad tarragon), so a few things were changed and simplified along the way.

Despite all the tweaking, this cake is delicious. Dreamy. And, of course, the one thing I refused to compromise was the beautiful paper thin covering of rhubarb strips across the cake.

Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake

This recipe makes a standard 8-inch cake. Since my rhubarb stalks were so very short, and they wouldn’t have wrapped very far around a cake that size, I ended up making one 5-inch cake and three 2-inch cakes. I must admit, it was kind of nice having my own little single serving cake.

Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake
Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake

The most complicated part of building this cake is the process of boiling the rhubarb strips in sugar syrup.You can’t leave them in the boiling water for too long or they’ll become rhubarb noodles. I found that a cooking time between 20 and 30 seconds was about right. It’s a good idea to have extra rhubarb strips in case the first batch ends up being practice.

Decorating the mousse cake was so much fun, and it was easy! Just lay the strips across the top of a frozen mousse cake and trim the excess with a pair of kitchen scissors. The rhubarb pieces I used were varied in color, so I decided to create an ombre effect. After you’re done with the top, start layering the strips around the edges. Layer the first pieces so that the rhubarb strips are flush with the top of the cake and hides any ragged edges you may have created while trimming the top.

Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake
Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake

This mousse cake is like a gift all wrapped in beautiful packaging with delicious things inside. The center is so sweet and mild with light pineapple flavor, it really strikes a balance with the slightly tart rhubarb covering. I’ll definitely be making it again before fresh rhubarb disappears from the market shelves!

Rhubarb-Wrapped Pineapple Mousse Cake

Heather Baird
This mousse cake is like a gift all wrapped in beautiful packaging with delicious things inside. The center is so sweet and mild with light pineapple flavor, it really strikes a balance with the slightly tart rhubarb covering.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
 
 

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Pineapple mousse

  • 2 tablespoons unflavored powdered gelatin
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice with pulp
  • 2 cups pineapple puree
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream

Rhubarb strips

  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 6-7 long stalks of rhubarb

Instructions
 

Crust

  • Combine the ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well, making sure that all the crumbs are well coated with butter. Press evenly into the bottom of an unlined 8 or 9 inch springform pan. If making individual cakes, place 6 pastry rings on individual sheets of plastic wrap. Divide the crust mixture evenly among them and press tight with a flat-bottomed tumbler.

Pineapple Mousse

  • In a small bowl, sprinkle the powdered gelatin over the pineapple juice. Let stand until the gelatin absorbs the water. Microwave for 10 seconds at full power or until the gelatin has melted into a clear liquid. Gelatin can also e melted in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
  • Combine the fruit puree and sugar; mix well. Pour in the liquid gelatin mixture. Let stand at room temperature until the mixture begins to thicken, about 20 minutes.
  • Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Stir the fruit puree mixture gently to loosen it. With a large rubber spatula, fold 2-3 tablespoons of whipped cream into the fruit puree to relax it. Fold in the remaining cream until blended and there are no longer steaks of fruit visible.
  • Pour the mixture over the crust in the spring form pan (or divide between pastry rings) and freeze until solid, about 2 hours.

Rhubarb Strips

  • Place the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Lower the heat to medium and let stand until the mixture is at a slow simmer. Lay out sheets of double thick paper towels on a large work surface or your kitchen counter.
  • With a vegetable peeler (Y-shaped or asparagus peeler-type) shave the rhubarb stalks into paper thin strips. Place two to three strips in the simmering water at a time, only allowing them to cook for 20-30 seconds. Lay the cooked rhubarb strips flat on the paper towels to drain. Repeat with remaining rhubarb strips. After you’re done, the sugar syrup will be bright pink-red. Reserve the syrup for later use.
  • To decorate the cake, lay the strips on the top of the cake until the surface is completely covered. Trim away the excess with kitchen scissors. The strips should stick naturally, but if they do not, brush them with a little of the reserved sugar syrup. Wrap more stalks around the sides of the cake, beginning with the top so that the strips will cover any ragged edges created during trimming the top. Brush the entire cake with the reserved syrup. Place in the refrigerator to thaw. Cut with a very sharp knife – rhubarb can be very fibrous, so this is a very important step. You may also cut the cake into pieces while frozen and let the slices come to room temperature. Store the cake, covered, in the refrigerator or freezer.
Keyword graham cracker crust, pineapple mousse, rhubarb
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Rosa's Yummy Yums
Rosa's Yummy Yums
9 years ago

Beautiful! I love how you decorated it. A genius idea.

Cheers,

Rosa

Unknown
Unknown
9 years ago

This cake is ABSOLUTELY GAWWJUSS!!! Loving the ombre rhubarb

Cindy
Cindy
9 years ago

This cake is the most beautiful cake in all the land! I am so obsessed with those rhubarb strips!

Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
9 years ago

So so gorgeous!!!!

Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
9 years ago

Hands down the prettiest cake I've ever seen!

Nazia @ This Baker Girl Blogs
Nazia @ This Baker Girl Blogs
9 years ago

This is just so so beautiful!!

Rachael | Spache the Spatula
Rachael | Spache the Spatula
9 years ago

How do you do it? How is everything you create so beyond gorgeous that it is able to shock and awe-inspire each and every time?! Another beautiful—and unbelievably tasty-looking—creation, Heather!

Heather
Heather
9 years ago

No. WAY. Seriously. My chin dropped. WHA? How…INSPIRED. You blow my little mind. GORGE to look at, can't imagine how yummy those sweet tart flavors would be! You are amazeballs with awesomesauce.

Meghan @ Cake 'n' Knife
Meghan @ Cake 'n' Knife
9 years ago

Wow this is SO stunning! I wish I could make something this gorgeous!

June Burns
June Burns
9 years ago

Wow, what an original idea! I absolutely love the colors the rhubarb offers to this cake, I'll have to try it someday! 🙂

Unknown
Unknown
9 years ago

That cake is looking absolutely gorgeous! I love the colors and it's so classy!

Moje Gotowanie
Moje Gotowanie
9 years ago

Ciasto jest wspaniałe, dekoracja urzeka wdziękiem, nigdy bym nie wpadła na pomysł, że rabarbarem można tak pięknie otulić ciasto – pozdrowienia z Polski :)))

Ala
Ala
9 years ago

You are a dessert fiend genius and I do care who knows it, because everyone who doesn't should. This is absolutely gorgeous, Heather. So glad you could share this with us–if only I could order this from you!

Julia
Julia
9 years ago

You never cease to amaze me Heather! You're artistic ability is so inspiring. Nothing you do is ever dull! Love your blog, and LOVE this cake!

Catherine
Catherine
9 years ago

What a beautiful cake!!! Stunning and I bet it is delicious too. blessings, Catherine

Colette (Coco)
Colette (Coco)
9 years ago

Heather, everything you do is beautiful. I didn't realize these are strips of fresh rhubarb. Placing them is not as easy as it appears. You really are skilled.

yee
yee
9 years ago

Amazing cake! Did you purchase the pineapple juice with pulp or make it yourself? Also with the pineapple puree, did you just puree fresh pineapple? Thank you for sharing!!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

this is so much more than a cake – it's a work of art!

Unknown
Unknown
9 years ago

This cake is absolutely gorgeous! I am always so blown away by your cakes Heather – absolutely gorgeous!

Unknown
Unknown
9 years ago

This cake is so striking and beautiful! The flavor sounds incredible, and I never would have thought it possible to use rhubarb in this way. Your styling and photography are just gorgeous.

Breezyjm
Breezyjm
9 years ago

I cannot stop staring at this cake! I think I have read the recipe like 25 times. It is so stunning, refreshing and just simply gorgeous with no artificial coloring!!! I cannot get over it — you outdid yourself!!!! 🙂

Olga P
Olga P
9 years ago

This is amazing! What a beautiful creation!

Anostiana
Anostiana
9 years ago

I don't even like rhubarb but that looks amazing! :O

Medeja- CranberryJam
Medeja- CranberryJam
9 years ago

Wow! It looks so great! The decoration is amazing!

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

That is gorgeous!

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

Wow that looks stunning, I am so impressed!

Maite Sweet Food
Maite Sweet Food
9 years ago

Heather!!! This cake is gorgeous!!! I love it!!!! xo

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

I love rhubarb, but never thought it could be so pretty!

Samina | The Cupcake Confession
Samina | The Cupcake Confession
9 years ago

This is SUCH A CUTE CAKE!!!!!!! Loveeeee the Ombre effect !! And the flavor combination!!!!!!!!!! <3

Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
9 years ago

Holy smokes, girl!! You totally just blew my mind with this! LOVE!

Sue
Sue
9 years ago

I first looked at this post, and thought, "Dreamy", and then saw that you described this cake the same way:) You met the challenge, that's for sure! Dreamy is right!

sweetashoneynz
sweetashoneynz
9 years ago

this is just BEAUTIFUL!

cubic zirconia top super
cubic zirconia top super
9 years ago

cute cake, i will try at home..

Heather
Heather
9 years ago

Stunning! I love love love those rhubarb strips for decoration!

Unknown
Unknown
9 years ago

Wow! These are pure awesome – what a fabulous idea. I'll take rhubarb over fondant on my cake any day. 🙂

GeeklyGirl
GeeklyGirl
9 years ago

Such a cute idea! I showed it to my mom and she loved it!

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

would it be somehow possible to send me the original german recipe?! It is easier for me cause we do use the metric system too =)

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

Absolutely stunning! I love rhubarb in all it's forms (especially rhubarb curd) but this cake really showcases it beautifully! I would also really appreciate the recipe in it's original metric form if possible. I'm based in the UK and although working in cups is ok, I find the metric system more helpful where precision is required, such as in baking and patisserie.

Tara
Tara
9 years ago

Hi Heather!! Do you think you could replace the pineapple with another fruit? If so, what would you suggest? Something like passionfruit? Thanks so much and the cake looks STUNNING!!

Michela
Michela
9 years ago

Looks amazing

http://www.byguldahl.dk

Heather Baird
Heather Baird
9 years ago

For those seeking metric, I will scan the original recipe soon and link it in the post.

-h

Rachel Cooks
Rachel Cooks
9 years ago

Unbelievably gorgeous.

Unknown
Unknown
9 years ago

Hey heather, great recipe! But I know that gelatin reacts poorly with the enzymes in pineapple and won't set up unless it's cooked. Did you cook this pinapple? Or did you just buy canned? Thanks!

Anonymous
Anonymous
9 years ago

I do have gelatin sheets. What amount would be equal for your recipe?

Lisette
Lisette
9 years ago

I tried to make this cake twice but failed. I didn't understand as this is a very basic recipe. I'm from the Netherlands so not all ingrediënts are available so I used fresh pineapple which I blended to purree. After the second failure, I started googling and found that you can NOT use gelatine and fresh pineapple, mango, guave or kiwi. Due to the sourness and enzymes in this fresh fruits, the gelatine will lose it's binding. You can use canned pineapple or other fruits. Or you can cook the pineapple first so the enzymes start to break down. I… Read more »

Mar
Mar
9 years ago

Maravilloso.

Nedalin Malle
Nedalin Malle
8 years ago

Any chance for the german recipe?
I am german and it probably would be easier for me. Just the reference would be fine.

Rebecca
Rebecca
8 years ago

I saw you back than in the magazine and ever since love your blog 🙂 I made a little Rhubarb Special on my Blog and featured you, I hope you are fine with it! 🙂
love, rebecca

http://icing-sugar.net/2015/06/01/all-about-rhubarb/

Anonymous
Anonymous
8 years ago

What a genius idea! That is absolutely gorgeous, and I'm thinking could be adapted to work with some other fruits and veggies… Mind whirling with possibilities! Thank you so much for sharing – Smileyrie

Maggie
Maggie
7 years ago

incredible! what a work of art!