Name: Chocolate Mousse Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup oil ((vegetable or canola)); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup boiling water or hot coffee; 1/2 cup hot water; 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder ((for mousse)); 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips; 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar ((for whipped cream)); 6 tablespoons milk; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder ((for whipped cream)); 1/2 cup butter ((one stick)); 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Mousse Cake is the epitome of indulgence, combining the rich flavors of chocolate with a light, airy texture that makes it a favorite among dessert lovers. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just in need of a chocolate fix, this cake is sure to impress. The deep, velvety chocolate flavor paired with the creamy mousse is a match made in heaven. Let’s dive into the details of creating this delectable dessert that is sure to delight your family and friends.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

There’s something about Chocolate Mousse Cake that makes it irresistible. The layers of moist chocolate cake and luscious mousse create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. It’s not overly sweet, allowing the rich chocolate to shine through. The combination of the cake and the mousse provides a delightful contrast, making every bite a celebration of chocolate goodness. Plus, it’s visually stunning, making it a showstopper at any gathering.

Ingredient List

To make this Chocolate Mousse Cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups granulated sugar
1 3/4 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water or hot coffee
1/2 cup hot water
4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for mousse)
1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 cups heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for whipped cream)
6 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for whipped cream)
1/2 cup butter (one stick)
3 3/4 cups powdered sugar

What’s in the Gear List

Before you start baking, gather these essential tools:

Mixing bowls: You’ll need various sizes for mixing wet and dry ingredients.
Whisk: A good whisk is vital for achieving the right consistency in your batter and mousse.
Electric mixer: For whipping cream and mixing the cake batter efficiently.
Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfecting this cake.
9-inch round cake pans: These will hold your cake layers.
Cooling rack: To cool your cake layers evenly.
Spatula: Ideal for smoothening the mousse and frosting.

Cook Chocolate Mousse Cake Like This

Creating your Chocolate Mousse Cake is a delightful journey. Follow these steps for a successful bake:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your cake pans by greasing them and lining the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, granulated sugar, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 5: Add Boiling Water

Carefully stir in the boiling water or hot coffee. The batter will be thin, but that’s okay! This ensures a moist cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare the Mousse

In a heatproof bowl, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 8: Whip the Cream

In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the melted chocolate until fully combined.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the chocolate mousse over the top. Place the second layer on top and cover with the remaining mousse.

Step 10: Chill and Serve

Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set the mousse. Serve chilled, and enjoy each decadent slice!

How to Make It Lighter

If you’re looking to lighten up your Chocolate Mousse Cake, consider these modifications:

Use unsweetened applesauce in place of half the oil for a lower-fat option.
Substitute some of the granulated sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Opt for a light whipped cream to layer on top instead of traditional heavy cream.
Incorporate whole wheat flour in place of some all-purpose flour for added fiber.

Don’t Do This

To ensure your Chocolate Mousse Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common pitfalls:

Don’t skip the sifting step for dry ingredients; it helps prevent clumping and ensures a smooth batter.
Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined for a light texture.
Don’t rush the cooling process; ensure the cakes are completely cool before adding mousse.
Refrain from adding too much liquid to the mousse; it should be thick and spreadable.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

To keep your Chocolate Mousse Cake fresh, follow these tips:

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you need to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; it can last up to 3 months.
To reheat, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Your Top Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Chocolate Mousse Cake can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Can I use different types of chocolate?

Yes, you can experiment with dark chocolate or even white chocolate for the mousse, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will change.

What can I do if my mousse isn’t setting?

If your mousse isn’t setting, make sure that the chocolate was cooled properly before folding in the whipped cream. If necessary, you can chill it longer to help it firm up.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make this cake gluten-free.

Healthy-ish Favorites

If you’re looking for more healthy-ish dessert options, check out these links:

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a slice of Chocolate Mousse Cake to satisfy your sweet tooth. Its rich, chocolaty flavor combined with the smooth mousse makes it a delightful dessert for any occasion. With a few simple steps and a bit of patience, you can create a show-stopping cake that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let’s make some magic in the kitchen! Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome of your Chocolate Mousse Cake.