Chocolate Mousse Cake

Featured in Sweet Treats and Baked Goods.

This stunning dessert brings together three perfect layers of chocolate indulgence. It starts with a super moist chocolate cake made rich with both cocoa powder and coffee, then soaked in more coffee for extra depth. The star is the cloud-like chocolate mousse made with both dark and milk chocolate, whipped cream, and a delicate meringue that makes it incredibly light and airy. The whole thing gets wrapped in a glossy chocolate ganache shell that drips beautifully down the sides. Each component adds its own texture - from tender cake to silky mousse to that snap of ganache - creating this amazing chocolate experience in every bite.
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Updated on Thu, 09 Jan 2025 12:18:35 GMT
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Chocolate Mousse Cake | quickierecipe.com

Let me transform this luxurious recipe into a detailed guide for creating the ultimate chocolate lover's dream. This triple-chocolate masterpiece combines a moist chocolate cake base, silky mousse filling, and glossy ganache topping to create an unforgettable dessert experience.

Having made countless mousse cakes, I've found this recipe strikes the perfect balance between richness and lightness. The first time I served this at a dinner party, guests couldn't believe it wasn't from a professional pastry shop.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Dark Chocolate: Use high-quality 70% cocoa for intense flavor. Check tempering marks for quality.
  • Milk Chocolate: Choose premium brands for smooth melting and flavor.
  • Dutch Process Cocoa: Creates deeper color and richer taste than natural cocoa.
  • Fresh Eggs: Separate when cold but use at room temperature.
  • Heavy Cream: Must be at least 36% fat content for proper whipping.

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Perfecting the Cake Base
Test oven temperature before starting - accuracy is crucial. Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to eliminate cocoa lumps. Add hot coffee last to bloom the cocoa. Don't overbake - remove when a few moist crumbs cling to tester.
Step 2: Mastering the Mousse
Melt chocolate slowly to prevent seizing. Temper egg yolks carefully to prevent scrambling. Ensure gelatin is fully dissolved in warm cream. Fold gently to maintain air bubbles.
Step 3: Creating Perfect Ganache
Chop chocolate uniformly for even melting. Heat cream just until bubbling - don't boil. Let sit full 3 minutes before stirring. Pour at right temperature for ideal drips.
Chocolate Mousse Cake Pin it
Chocolate Mousse Cake | quickierecipe.com

Growing up watching my grandmother make chocolate desserts, I learned that patience is key to perfect results. This recipe takes time, but each step builds layers of flavor that make it extraordinary.

The secret to this cake's success lies in temperature control. I've found that letting each layer set properly creates distinct textures that make every bite interesting.

Chocolate Mousse Cake Pin it
Chocolate Mousse Cake | quickierecipe.com

This cake has become my signature special occasion dessert. The combination of three chocolate preparations creates something truly memorable that chocolate lovers dream about.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do I need acetate or cake collar?
It helps create clean, straight sides when building the mousse layer.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare up to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated.
→ Why soak the cake in coffee?
Coffee adds moisture and enhances the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
→ Can I skip the gelatin?
No, gelatin helps the mousse hold its shape when sliced.
→ How long does it keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 5 days, but best served within 3 days.

Chocolate Mousse Layer Cake

Three-layer chocolate dessert with moist cake base, light chocolate mousse, and glossy ganache topping.

Prep Time
250 Minutes
Cook Time
120 Minutes
Total Time
370 Minutes
By: Meryem

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Difficult

Cuisine: French

Yield: 10 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Chocolate Cake

01 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
02 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 1/4 cup (25g) dutch process cocoa powder
04 1 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
06 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
07 1/2 cup (100g) fine granulated sugar
08 1/2 cup (105g) dark brown sugar, packed
09 1/2 cup (112g) vegetable or olive oil
10 2 large eggs
11 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
13 1/2 cup (120g) hot coffee

→ Cake Soak

14 1/2 cup (120g) hot coffee
15 1 tablespoon dutch process cocoa powder

→ Chocolate Mousse

16 7 oz 70% dark chocolate, chopped
17 7 oz milk chocolate, chopped
18 3 large eggs, separated
19 3 tablespoons water
20 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
21 1 3/4 cups heavy cream, divided
22 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
23 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

→ Ganache

24 6 oz 70% dark chocolate, chopped
25 3/4 cup (180g) heavy cream

Instructions

Step 01

Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, combine and bake in springform pan at 350°F for 25-30 minutes

Step 02

Level cooled cake, line pan with acetate or parchment. Soak cake with coffee-cocoa mixture

Step 03

Melt chocolates, mix with egg yolks. Combine with gelatin-cream mixture. Fold in whipped cream and meringue

Step 04

Pour mousse over cake, chill 4 hours or overnight

Step 05

Make ganache, pour over set mousse. Chill 30 minutes before serving

Notes

  1. Can use gluten-free baking flour
  2. Parchment paper can substitute for acetate
  3. Needs overnight chilling for best results

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Acetate cake collar
  • Stand or hand mixer
  • Double boiler

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Wheat