Short Description

Chocolate Mousse Cake is a decadent dessert featuring layers of rich, moist chocolate cake and velvety smooth chocolate mousse. This indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions or when you simply crave a luxurious chocolate experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines the best of both worlds: cake and mousse
Perfectly balanced texture—light and airy mousse with a tender cake
Great for celebrations and gatherings
Can be made ahead of time
Customizable with different toppings and flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Whole milk
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Hot water
Heavy cream
Semi-sweet chocolate
Powdered sugar
Gelatin (optional for stability)

Directions

Prepare the Cake: Preheat the oven and grease your cake pans. Whisk together dry ingredients, then mix in the wet ingredients. Pour into pans and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
Make the Mousse: Melt chocolate and let it cool slightly. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Fold in the melted chocolate and gelatin if using.
Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a thick layer of mousse on top. Add the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with mousse.
Chill: Refrigerate the cake for at least 2 hours to set the mousse.
Serve: Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or whipped cream before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8-10 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Chill Time: 2+ hours
Total Time: 3 hours

Variations

Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake: Use dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet for a deeper flavor.
White Chocolate Mousse Cake: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate.
Fruit-Infused: Add a layer of raspberry or strawberry puree between the cake and mousse.
Nutty Delight: Fold in crushed hazelnuts or almonds into the mousse.
Coffee-Infused: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mousse for a mocha twist.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze slices in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating: Not necessary, as this cake is best served chilled.

FAQs

How do I prevent my mousse from being too runny?

Ensure you whip the cream to soft peaks and use gelatin if needed to help stabilize the mousse.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.

What’s the best chocolate to use?

Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for the best flavor.

Can I make this without gelatin?

Yes, but the mousse may be softer. Ensure the whipped cream is properly whipped for structure.

What can I use instead of eggs in the cake?

You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg.

How do I get clean slices when cutting?

Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Can I add alcohol to the mousse?

Yes, a splash of Baileys, Kahlua, or Grand Marnier can enhance the flavor.

Why did my mousse deflate?

Overmixing or adding warm chocolate to cold whipped cream can cause deflation. Fold gently.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes, bake the cake batter in cupcake liners and top with mousse before chilling.

What toppings go well with this cake?

Chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, fresh berries, or whipped cream are excellent choices.

Conclusion

Chocolate Mousse Cake is the ultimate treat for chocolate lovers, combining the rich flavors of cake with the airy texture of mousse. Whether for a celebration or an indulgent dessert, this cake is sure to impress. Try out different variations to make it your own, and enjoy every bite!