The ultimate chocolate lover’s dream dessert
This Chocolate Mousse Cake strikes the perfect balance between rich flavor and luxurious texture. Featuring a moist chocolate cake base topped with a silky, airy mousse, and optionally finished with a glossy ganache, this showstopping dessert is ideal for special occasions—or any time you crave an indulgent treat.
π« Recipe Overview
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Type: Baked cake base with no-bake mousse
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Servings: 8–10
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Chill Time: 4–6 hours or overnight
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Difficulty: Moderate
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Flavors: Deep chocolate with creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture
π§Ύ Ingredients
πΉ Chocolate Cake Base:
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100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter
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100g (½ cup) granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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80g (β cup) all-purpose flour
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30g (β cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
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½ tsp baking powder
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¼ tsp salt
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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50ml (3 tbsp) milk
πΉ Chocolate Mousse:
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200g (7 oz) dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
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300ml (1¼ cups) cold heavy cream
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1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for sweetness)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
πΉ Optional Ganache Topping:
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100g (½ cup) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
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80ml (β cup) heavy cream
π©π³ Instructions
β Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Cake Base
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Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line the bottom of a 20cm (8-inch) springform pan.
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In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
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Add the milk and mix until smooth.
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding the mousse layer.
β Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Mousse
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Melt the chopped chocolate using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between intervals. Allow it to cool slightly.
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In a chilled bowl, whip the cold cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
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Gently fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate in batches using a spatula, taking care not to deflate the mixture. The result should be smooth, airy, and glossy.
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Spoon the mousse over the cooled cake base, smoothing the top evenly with an offset spatula.
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Refrigerate the cake for 4–6 hours (or overnight) until the mousse is set.
β Step 3 (Optional): Add Ganache Topping
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Heat the cream until hot (not boiling), and pour it over the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
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Let sit for 1–2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
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Pour the ganache over the chilled mousse layer and tilt the pan to spread it evenly.
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Return the cake to the fridge and chill until the ganache is firm, about 30–60 minutes.
π½οΈ Serving Suggestions
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Garnish with chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a handful of fresh raspberries.
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Serve cold with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of espresso sauce for a gourmet finish.
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Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Final Notes
This Chocolate Mousse Cake offers layers of pure decadence, from the soft, rich base to the luscious mousse and optional ganache. It's elegant yet approachable, making it perfect for birthdays, dinner parties, or whenever you want to impress without fuss. With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, one bite is all it takes to fall in love.