Description
A rich and decadent chocolate cake layered with velvety mousse and smooth ganache, perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water (or hot coffee)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (for mousse)
- 1 cup heavy cream, divided
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for mousse)
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped (for ganache)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- Chocolate shavings or curls for garnish
- Fresh berries (optional)
- Edible gold dust (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract. Beat on medium speed until combined.
- Gradually add boiling water (or coffee) to the batter, stirring until smooth.
- Divide the batter between the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the chocolate mousse, melt chopped semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl using a double boiler or microwave.
- In another bowl, whip 1/2 cup heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Fold whipped cream into melted chocolate until fully combined.
- For the chocolate ganache, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate, let sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until smooth. Stir in unsalted butter until incorporated.
- If needed, slice each cake horizontally to yield four layers total. Place one layer on a serving plate, spread mousse on top, and repeat stacking layers.
- Pour ganache over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, fresh berries, or edible gold dust. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing and baking results. Don’t skip the refrigeration step after decorating to help the ganache set properly. Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chocolate cake, dessert, special occasion, birthday cake, mousse cake