Chocolate Mousse Cake

Chocolate mousse cake is a rich and indulgent dessert that combines the lightness of mousse with the satisfying texture of cake. This amazing treat is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress friends and family with your baking skills.

Why Make This Recipe

Making chocolate mousse cake is a great way to showcase your love for baking while creating a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. It has layers of chocolate goodness, creamy mousse, and a smooth ganache topping that makes it truly irresistible. Plus, it’s a fun project that yields a stunning result!

How to Make Chocolate Mousse Cake

Ingredients:

3/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg, room temperature
3 ounces plain whole milk yogurt, room temperature
1/4 cup coffee, room temperature
3 tablespoons flavorless oil (e.g., vegetable oil)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bars, finely chopped
2 1/4 cups heavy whipping cream, cold, divided
4 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin powder
2 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened (optional)
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups confectioners’ (powdered) sugar, sifted
1/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-processed cocoa powder
2-3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream, room temperature
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Chocolate pearls (optional)

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8 or 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a stand mixer bowl, beat the oil and sugar until fluffy. Mix in the yogurt and then beat in the egg.
Alternately add the dry ingredients and coffee, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 24-26 minutes. Let it cool in the pan.
For the mousse, dissolve gelatin in cold water. Whisk together the egg yolks and sugar until thickened. Heat 1 cup of heavy cream, then whisk it into the egg mixture. Cook until thickened, then strain and whisk in the gelatin, chocolate, and vanilla. Allow it to cool.
Whip the remaining cream to soft peaks and fold it into the chocolate mixture. Spoon the mousse over the cooled cake and refrigerate for 4-6 hours.
For the ganache, heat cream until steaming, pour it over chocolate, and let it sit. Whisk until smooth. Chill the cake in the freezer for 30 minutes, then pour the ganache over it.
For the buttercream, beat butter until fluffy, mix in powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Frost the cake and decorate with chocolate pearls if you like. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Mousse Cake

Serve your chocolate mousse cake chilled. Slice it into wedges and enjoy it with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries for a delightful treat.

How to Store Chocolate Mousse Cake

Store the cake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers, keep it airtight to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Tips to Make Chocolate Mousse Cake

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Be careful not to over-mix the mousse; you want it light and airy.
For an extra touch, add a sprinkle of cocoa or chocolate shavings on top before serving.

Variation

You can add different flavors to your mousse by incorporating orange zest or a splash of mint extract. For a seasonal twist, try adding pumpkin spice to the cake batter in the fall!

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate. Just adjust the sweetness to your taste.

2. How long does the cake take to set?

The mousse needs to chill for 4-6 hours. It’s best to let the cake sit overnight for the perfect texture.

3. Can I freeze the chocolate mousse cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Enjoy your delicious chocolate mousse cake!