Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake

Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate cake, creamy strawberry mousse, and a decadent chocolate ganache. This cake is not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for chocolate and strawberry lovers alike. The combination of the moist chocolate cake with the light and fluffy strawberry mousse creates a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. It is a show-stopping dessert that is surprisingly easy to make, ensuring your guests will be impressed. Plus, who can resist fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate?

How to Make Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake

Ingredients

1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1⁄2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1⁄2 cup whole milk
1⁄2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄2 cup boiling water
1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
1⁄4 cup powdered sugar
1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream, chilled
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
2 tablespoons cold water
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1⁄2 cup heavy cream for ganache
Fresh strawberries for decoration, dipped in melted chocolate

Directions

Prepare the Chocolate Cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Slowly stir in the boiling water. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely before assembling.
Make the Strawberry Mousse: In a small bowl, mix the gelatin with cold water and let it bloom for about 5 minutes. In a saucepan, heat the strawberry puree and powdered sugar over medium heat. Stir in the bloomed gelatin until fully dissolved. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the cooled strawberry mixture into the whipped cream. Refrigerate the mousse for about 30 minutes to set.
Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled chocolate cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of strawberry mousse on top of the first layer. Place the second layer of cake over the mousse and spread the remaining mousse evenly over the top and sides. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
Make the Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the cake, letting it drip down the sides.
Decorate: Dip fresh strawberries in melted chocolate and arrange them on top of the cake. Optionally, drizzle extra melted chocolate over the strawberries.

How to Serve Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake

Serve the cake chilled, and slice it into generous pieces. This cake pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.

How to Store Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain freshness.

Tips to Make Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Mousse Cake

Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache for the best flavor.
Make sure the heavy cream is chilled before whipping to achieve stiff peaks.
You can replace fresh strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a different twist.

Variation

For a fun twist, try adding a layer of chocolate mousse between the cake layers instead of the strawberry mousse. You can also make mini cakes or cupcakes using the same recipe.

FAQs

Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can make the chocolate cake and mousse a day ahead. Just assemble the cake on the day you plan to serve it.
What if I don’t have gelatin?
If you don’t have gelatin, you can try using whipped cream stabilizer instead, or just serve the strawberry mousse as a filling without letting it set.
Can I freeze this cake?
You can freeze the chocolate cake layers without the mousse and ganache. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling.