Can I use powdered gelatine instead of leaves?

Yes. Use 1:1 by weight (gold strength ≈ 200 bloom). For 3 g leaves, use 3 g powdered; bloom in 18–21 ml cold water, then melt into the hot purée.

Can I make the cake ahead?

Assemble and freeze (without glaze) up to 2 days ahead. Defrost in the fridge 6–8 hours, then glaze and garnish before serving.

What if I can’t find feuilletine?

Use crushed plain wafer biscuits or cornflakes folded into the chocolate–praline for a similar crisp texture.

How do I get a smooth glaze?

Glaze at ~28–30°C over a chilled cake. If bubbles form, pass through a fine sieve and tap the bowl to release air before pouring.

Empress Dowager: Strawberry Mousse Roll-Entremet

Name: Empress Dowager: Strawberry Mousse Roll-Entremet
Prep time: 120 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 130 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: Strawberry purée; Icing sugar; Gold gelatine leaves; Whipping cream (35% fat); Milk chocolate; Praline paste (hazelnut or almond); Pailleté feuilletine (crêpes dentelles); Eggs; Brown sugar; Plain flour (all-purpose); Strawberry purée; Water; Glucose syrup; Granulated sugar; Gold gelatine leaves; Frozen raspberries, crushed; Fresh mixed berries; Dark chocolate sauce; Chocolate decoration

Strawberry mousse Swiss-roll layers over a crisp royaltine base, wrapped in soft sponge and finished with a glossy strawberry glaze—an elegant Mother’s Day showstopper.

Empress Dowager: Strawberry Mousse Roll-Entremet 🍓✨

A cake of elegance and sentiment, Empress Dowager was created by Siang Yee as a loving tribute to his mother, who adores berries. Designed for Mother’s Day, it’s a masterclass in texture and finesse — soft sponge, light strawberry mousse, a crisp royaltine base, and a gleaming strawberry glaze that catches the light like satin. 🌸

The entremet beautifully marries classic French techniques with a delicate Asian sensibility — sweet yet balanced, refined yet heartfelt.

Empress Dowager Strawberry Mousse Roll-Entremet

Layers of Perfection 🎂

Each element contributes its own texture and flavor:

Strawberry mousse — airy, fruity, and lightly tangy.
Royaltine base — a feuilletine crunch with praline and milk chocolate.
Soft sponge — delicate yet structured enough to roll.
Strawberry glaze — smooth and glossy for that patisserie-worthy shine.

Together, they create a dessert that’s light, creamy, crisp, and nostalgic all at once. Perfect for gifting or centerpiece-worthy celebrations.

The Art of Assembly 💫

Creating this roll-entremet is an act of patience and precision:
After baking a thin sponge, it’s spread with mousse and rolled into tight spirals. These are then set over the crunchy royaltine base inside a ring mould, with more mousse piped in between. A brief freeze firms it before the glossy strawberry glaze flows over like liquid glass.

Finish with a scattering of berries and a swirl of dark chocolate — the final royal touch. 👑

Pro Tips from the Kitchen 🧑‍🍳

Chill your whisk and bowl before whipping cream for a silky mousse.
Always bloom gelatine in cold water first to prevent clumping.
Freeze the cake before glazing for a mirror-smooth finish.
Trim sponge edges before rolling for neat, even spirals.

These little steps elevate your entremet from good to professional pâtisserie level.

Why You’ll Love It ❤️

This isn’t just a strawberry dessert — it’s a Mother’s Day story told in flavor.
The soft mousse contrasts beautifully with the crisp base, the glaze gleams like lacquer, and the berry aroma lingers long after the last bite. Whether made for a loved one or as your own weekend project, it’s a reminder that patience and love are the true ingredients of great pastry. 🌷

Recipe inspired by Siang Yee, adapted by JojoM