Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe with Rich Dark Chocolate and Simple Step-by-Step Instructions

chocolate mousse cake

Benefits and Advantages of chocolate mousse cake

This chocolate mousse cake recipe is particularly effective due to its simplicity and delightful taste. Its ease of preparation allows even novice bakers to create a decadent dessert without stress. The recipe uses natural ingredients that contribute to health benefits, such as antioxidants found in dark chocolate which may improve heart health. Moreover, this chocolate mousse cake stands out due to its creamy texture and rich flavor, making it a favorite among chocolate lovers.

With its balance of indulgence and health-conscious components, it offers a satisfying dessert that can fit a range of dietary preferences. The recipe also allows for versatility in ingredients and substitutions, increasing its appeal for various dietary needs. Whether for special occasions or everyday enjoyment, this chocolate mousse cake provides a rich, airy indulgence that combines moist cake, smooth mousse, and glossy ganache for a memorable treat.

This chocolate mousse cake recipe marries luscious texture with approachable preparation to delight any dessert lover.
chocolate mousse cake

chocolate mousse cake

Essential Ingredients for chocolate mousse cake

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking flour for gluten-free option)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder (a blend of natural and special dark cocoa powder can intensify flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup fine granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed (light brown sugar or part granulated sugar are acceptable substitutes)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or olive oil (canola oil works as well)
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water (espresso powder or instant coffee optional to strengthen chocolate notes)
  • Chocolate Cake Soak:
    • 1/2 cup hot coffee
    • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • Chocolate Mousse:
    • 7 ounces dark chocolate (about 70% cocoa), chopped
    • 7 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
    • 3 large eggs, separated
    • 3 tablespoons water
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
    • 1 3/4 cups heavy cream, divided (1 cup for whipping, 3/4 cup heated with gelatin)
    • 1/4 cup fine granulated sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Chocolate Ganache:
    • 6 ounces chopped dark chocolate
    • 3/4 cup heavy cream

Each ingredient has a vital role in creating the perfect chocolate mousse cake. The combination of Dutch processed cocoa powder and both dark and milk chocolates ensures deep, layered chocolate flavor. The balance of wet and dry components provides tender crumb structure for the cake and velvety smooth mousse texture. Gelatin combined with hot cream stabilizes the mousse for firmness and clean cake slicing. The ganache adds a rich, glossy finish, completing the cake’s luxurious profile.

Ingredient Functions
Ingredient Role in Recipe
All-purpose flour & cornstarch Structure and tender crumb in cake base
Dutch process cocoa powder Intensifies chocolate flavor with smoothness
Baking soda & powder Leavening agents for lightness
Sugars (granulated and brown) Sweetness and moisture retention
Vegetable/olive oil Moisture and richness
Eggs Structure, richness, and emulsification
Vanilla extract Flavor enhancer
Sour cream Moisture, tenderizing, and tang
Coffee or hot water Flavor booster, deepens cocoa notes
Gelatin Stabilizes mousse texture
Heavy cream Whipped cream forms airy mousse and ganache base
Cream of tartar Stabilizes egg whites in mousse
Dark and milk chocolate Provides rich chocolate flavor and creamy texture

Using quality ingredients and understanding their purposes help ensure the chocolate mousse cake’s characteristic moist cake base, fluffy mousse middle, and glossy ganache topping. For more on making chocolate mousse that’s silky and decadent, visit How to make chocolate mousse, and for tips on baking moist chocolate cake, check out Tips for baking moist chocolate cake.

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Chocolate Mousse Cake Recipe with Rich Dark Chocolate and Simple Step-by-Step Instructions


  • Author: Valentina Lewis
  • Total Time: 6 hours
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

🍫 Indulge in the luscious layers of this chocolate mousse cake, blending rich dark chocolate flavors with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🎂 Perfect for special occasions, this dessert offers a gourmet experience right from your kitchen with simple, clear instructions.


Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup fine granulated sugar
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water
1/2 cup hot coffee (for soak)
1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for soak)
7 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
7 ounces milk or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
3 large eggs, separated
3 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
1 3/4 cups heavy cream, divided
1/4 cup fine granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 ounces chopped dark chocolate (for ganache)
3/4 cup heavy cream (for ganache)


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line sides with parchment paper, extending about 1 inch above the rim.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk sugars and oil until like wet sand. Add eggs one at a time with vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly. Stir in sour cream.
4. Add half the dry ingredients, then hot coffee, then remaining dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan; bake 25-30 minutes. Cool completely, then level cake top.
6. Mix hot coffee and cocoa powder for the soak, then spoon over cooled cake.
7. Bloom gelatin in 3 tablespoons water. Melt chocolates together, then cool slightly.
8. Stir egg yolks into chocolate. Heat 3/4 cup cream, dissolve gelatin, and mix with chocolate.
9. Whip 1 cup cream to stiff peaks. Beat egg whites with cream of tartar to soft peaks, adding sugar gradually.
10. Fold whipped cream into chocolate mix, then fold in meringue until uniform.
11. Pour mousse over cake in pan, chill 4+ hours.
12. For ganache, heat cream and pour over chocolate, whisking till smooth. Pour over chilled mousse cake.
13. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving, dust with cocoa or garnish if desired.

Notes

🔪 Level the cake and soak it for added moistness and flavor.
🍮 Mix dark and milk chocolate for a perfect mousse balance.
🥄 Bloom gelatin properly for mousse stability.

  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Chill Time: 4 to 5 hours
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 32g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 31g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Chocolate, Mousse, Cake, Rich

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