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Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe

Decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake

Indulge in a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake, featuring layers of rich chocolate cake and airy chocolate mousse. This elegant dessert is perfect for celebrations or any time you crave a chocolate fix.

Ingredients

Scale
  • For the Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup boiling water
  • For the Mousse:
  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
  • For the Garnish (optional):
  • Chocolate shavings
  • Fresh berries

Instructions

  1. Make the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Gradually add the boiling water and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make the Mousse: Place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
  10. In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup cream until simmering. Pour over the chocolate and let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  11. In another small saucepan, combine egg yolks, sugar, and water. Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and reaches 160°F (71°C).
  12. Gradually whisk the yolk mixture into the melted chocolate until smooth.
  13. In a separate bowl, beat the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
  14. Gently fold 1/3 of the whipped cream into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Then, fold in the remaining whipped cream until just combined.
  15. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate.
  16. Spread the chocolate mousse evenly over the cake layer.
  17. Top with the second cake layer.
  18. Frost the top of the cake with any remaining mousse (optional, for a simple presentation).
  19. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
  20. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh berries, if desired.

Notes

For an extra-rich flavor, use dark chocolate with a high cocoa content. You can also add a layer of chocolate ganache on top of the mousse for an even more decadent treat.