Description
A rich and creamy chocolate dessert with layers of soft cake and smooth mousse.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 8 oz dark chocolate (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (divided)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream for ganache
- 4 oz dark chocolate for ganache (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. It will be thin.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and granulated sugar until thick and pale.
- Gradually whisk in 1/4 cup of the heavy cream until smooth.
- Slowly pour the egg yolk mixture into the melted chocolate, stirring constantly until well combined. Let it cool to room temperature.
- In another bowl, beat the remaining heavy cream to soft peaks.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Chill the mousse in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Once the cake has cooled completely, place it on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of the dark chocolate mousse evenly over the top of the cake. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to set.
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped dark chocolate. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before pouring it over the mousse layer. Spread the ganache evenly over the mousse-topped cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: chocolate, cake, dessert, mousse, rich dessert