What is chocolate mousse cake? Is it the kind that makes your eyes roll back in your head with pure chocolate bliss? I swear, every time I bake this, the aroma alone is enough to send everyone into a frenzy. Is it like a chocolate lava cake? I want to, that is! Think rich, moist cake layers, a light-as-air chocolate mousse filling, and glossy chocolate glaze. What is a plant that begs to be devoured? Seriously, forget the diet, at least for one slice. You deserve this.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
What is chocolate mousse cake?
What is a chocolate mousse cake? Is chocolate a triple threat? It starts with a tender chocolate cake, not too dense, but sturdy enough to hold its own. What is the star of this chocolate mousse? What is whipped chocolate heaven? How do you top it off with a chocolate glaze? What is decadence and shine? I always think of it as the perfect balance of textures and flavors – the slightly firm cake, the tartness and the sweetness. What is cloud-like mousse, and that rich, glossy glaze? Is chocolate a dream come true?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? First and foremost, the flavor is out of this world. We’re talking deep, dark, intensely chocolatey notes that satisfy even the most serious cravings. But beyond the taste, what I love most about this recipe is how relatively simple it is to make. Don’t let the fancy name fool you; it’s far easier than a complicated layer cake. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
What I love most about this is the fact that my kids ask for it all the time, which, as any parent knows, is the ultimate seal of approval. And hey, let’s not forget versatility! You can serve it for a fancy dinner party, bring it to a potluck, or just enjoy a slice (or two!) on a cozy night in. It’s seriously the perfect dessert for any occasion. Compare it to something like a flourless chocolate cake, and this is way less finicky and yields a much more impressive presentation. This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is simply a winner.
How do I make chocolate mousse cake?
Quick Overview
What is the best chocolate mousse cake recipe? How do you bake a simple chocolate cake, whip up some luscious chocolate mousse, layer them together, and serve them all at once? Do not overdo chocolate and drizzle with a dark chocolate glaze. What is the key to success is to take your time and follow the steps carefully. If I can do it, you can too. The end result is absolutely worth every minute.
Ingredients
For the Main Batter:
* 1 12 cups all-purpose flour: Use a good quality flour for the best texture. I prefer unbleached.
* ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a richer, darker flavor.
* 1 12 teaspoons baking powder: Make sure it’s fresh!
* 1 12 teaspoons baking soda: Same as above, freshness is key.
* 34 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
* 1 12 cups granulated sugar: You can reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet cake.
Is it safe to use vegetable oil?
*1 12 cups buttermilk: Buttermilk helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with lemon juice or vinegar.
* 2 large eggs: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.
* 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aroma and enhances the other flavors.
* 34 cup boiling water: This helps bloom the cocoa powder and creates a super moist cake.
For the Filling:
I like Ghirardelli, but use your favorite brand. * 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips.
* 1 12 cups heavy cream: Make sure it’s cold! This is crucial for whipping it properly.
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps stabilize the mousse.
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor.
For the Glaze:
* 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips: Again, use your favorite brand.
* 12 cup heavy cream: This will create a beautiful, glossy glaze.
* 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan. I always line the bottom with parchment paper. Just to be extra safe. How do you remove a cake?
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Make sure everything is well combined. This step is important for ensuring that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which will help to reduce the formation of a scum. What is the best way to make a fluffy cake?
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Set aside. Whisk until well combined and the sugar is mostly dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and slightly frothy.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. How do I not overmix a cake? The batter will be thin, which is perfectly normal.
Step 5: Prepare Filling
How do you stir the batter into the boiling water? The batter will be very liquidy at this point. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Should the edges be pulling away from the sides of the pan? To make the mousse, melt the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. In the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Do not burn the chocolate! Let it cool completely.
Step 6: Layer & Swirl
In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Gently fold the chocolate into the whipped cream until just combined. Do not overmix the mousse, as this will deflate it.
Step 7: Bake
Once the cake layers have cooled completely, level them off with a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the cake layer.
Step 8: Cool & Glaze
Top with the second cake layer. How do I make a mousse cake? For the glaze, combine the chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a heatproof bowl set over an oven. Set aside. In a microwave, or simmering pot of water for 30 seconds, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Step 9: Slice & Serve
How do you pour the glaze over a cake? How long does it take for the glaze to set? I like to serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What should I serve it with?
What is a good chocolate mousse cake recipe? What are the best serving suggestions for the next level?For Breakfast:Pair a slice of bread with coffee or latte. The bitterness of coffee perfectly complements the sweetness of the cake.For Brunch:Serve small slices alongside fresh berries and sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava. This adds a touch of elegance and makes for an elegant presentation.As Dessert: After a delicious dinner, this cake is the perfect finale. I like to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A drizzle of raspberry sauce can also add a lovely touch.
For Cozy Snacks: On a chilly evening, there’s nothing better than curling up with a slice of this cake and a cup of hot chocolate or herbal tea. It’s the ultimate comfort food. This is a great cake with a big glass of milk.
My personal favorite is to serve it slightly chilled with a sprinkle of sea salt on top. The salt enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a delightful contrast.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chocolate Mousse Cake
Want to make sure your Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:
Zucchini Prep: When measuring your flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This will prevent you from accidentally adding too much flour, which can result in a dry cake.
Mixing Advice: Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cake tough. Mix until just combined.
Swirl Customization: Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification. This helps create a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar added. Let it sit for a few minutes to curdle before using.
Baking Tips: Check the cake for doneness with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
Glaze Variations: Let the cake cool completely before frosting. This will prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off.
And here’s a little secret I learned after countless batches: If you want an even richer chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. You won’t taste the coffee, but it will enhance the chocolate notes beautifully.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store them:
Room Temperature: The cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, but it’s best to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: For longer storage, keep the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Again, make sure it’s in an airtight container.
Freezer Instructions: You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
Glaze Timing Advice: When thawing, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
For the best flavor and texture, I recommend serving the cake at room temperature. This allows the chocolate flavor to fully develop. I swear the flavor is always best the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe is truly special, and I hope you give it a try! It’s the perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor, moist cake, and a dreamy mousse filling. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you love chocolate, you absolutely have to try this recipe. And if you’re looking for other delicious chocolate recipes, be sure to check out my double chocolate chip cookies!
Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Also, feel free to share your own variations and tips. I love hearing from you all!
Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse Cake
Ingredients
Cake Base
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 0.75 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
Hazelnut Mousse
- 1 cup heavy cream chilled
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 0.75 cup hazelnut spread such as Nutella
- 0.5 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
Making the Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the eggs and continue mixing until well combined.
Preparing the Mousse
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the hazelnut spread and powdered sugar, mixing until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the chilled cream until stiff peaks form and gently fold it into the cheese mixture.
